USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1947 > Part 14
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I cannot close this discussion of Schoolhouse Repairs without a word of sincere thanks to Mr. Melbourne Macleod, Building Inspector, and Mr. Ole Christiansen, who is employed by the School Department. Both of these men, particularly in 1947, made the carrying out of In- spector Healey's recommendations relatively easy. Both of them worked many extra hours with no compensation in order that the recommenda- tions might be 80% completed.
I understand that Mr. Christiansen may not work for the town after the month of January 1948. If this is so, the town has indeed lost
19
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1947]
the services of a faithful public servant. During the years he has worked for the School Department, Mr. Christiansen has worked an average of about 60 hours per week. Year in and year out he has asked for and been paid only on a forty-four hour week basis. He will be missed by everyone in the School Department, including the children in our ele- mentary schools.
To the Town Manager, who soon assumes the responsibility for the repair of our school buildings, I wish the best success.
Two Excellent Coaches
The School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools are of the opinion that Saugus now has two of the best teacher-coaches to be found in Massachusetts. They are Mr. John Janusas of Lexington, Massachusetts, and Mr. John Scarborough of Lynn, Massachusetts.
Mr. John Janusas is a native of Lexington, Massachusetts, and a graduate of Boston College. During the war he was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy.
Mr. John Scarborough is a native of Texas and a graduate of East Texas State Teachers' College in the Lone Star State. During the war he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
The former is Head Coach of Football and Head Coach of Ice Hockey. The latter is Assistant Coach of Football and Head Coach of Basketball.
Both are excellent teachers and a credit to the teaching staff as well as their coaching profession.
The School Committee in December 1947 signed Mr. Janusas to a five-year contract. The contract of Mr. Scarborough does not expire until June 1948.
I can promise every citizen of Saugus that Mr. Janusas and Mr. Scarborough will build character for our high school young men and women. They are certainly living examples of true character and clean manhood.
Education for Democracy
Education in a democracy is a necessity, not a luxury. It is not an exaggeration to say that democracy cannot successfully exist without education.
Karl F. Zeisler, writing in the October 1945 edition of the Atlantic Monthly, sums it up as follows:
"A nation can't rise above the level of its average citizen any more than a river can rise above its source. And the source of citizenship in America is free public school education."
Thus the education of youth is the only hope of a better America and a better world. The level of the average citizen of tomorrow is almost wholly dependent upon the schools of today.
Why then do people decry the costs of education? Why do people often count pennies when making appropriations for the support of public schools? One reason is that in every community the school appro* priation is the largest single item of municipal expenses. In most com- munities the school budget is approximately one-third of all other municipal appropriations combined. Many people see only the amount
20
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
to be appropriated and give little thought to the importance of educa- tion made possible by the appropriation.
The truth is that probably no investment of public funds pays richer dividends. It is also axiomatic that no investment pays dividends over a longer period of time. The position which America occupies in the world today is very largely due to the system of free public school education established by our forefathers. May we ever be grateful to them for the vision which they possessed.
No citizen of this great country should begrudge the money he pays in taxes for the support of public school education.
It is his investment in the future of America.
* * The above was taken from my 1945 annual report and is again included in this year's report at the request of several citizens.
State Aid for Education
It is imperative that the Legislature of Massachusetts in 1948 pass legislation granting increased State Aid to local communities for the support of public school education. It is imperative also that the legisla- tion seek to correct the existing inequalities in the costs of local educa- tion.
There are two urgent reasons for the passage of such legislation in 1948.
(a) The cities and towns can no longer alone bear the whole bur- den of the cost of education from local taxation.
(b) The poorer cities and towns must have such State Aid if they are to more nearly approximate the standard of education which the more wealth communities are able to afford.
Aside from the above reasons, education is a definite concern of the State. Those who receive its benefits are to be citizens of the State as well as of their local communities. It is right and reasonable that the State assume its just proportion of the costs.
The problem of educational inequalities is also involved. It arises from the fact that some cities and towns have unlimited funds for edu- cation while others do not. There is a limit for instance to the amount of money which Saugus can raise for the support of its public schools. On the other hand there is virtually no limit to the amount which can be raised by such wealthy communities as Newton, Brookline and Wellesley. Therefore, children in Newton, Brookline and Wellesley can have educational opportunities which must be denied to the children of Saugus, Randolph and Tewksbury.
In the school year 1943-1944 Brookline expended $195.44 per pupil for education. The city of Salem expended $147.45 per pupil. Saugus expended $87.43 per pupil and Randolph $92.81 per pupil.
It must be obvious to any citizen that local costs per pupil must have some measure of equalization. Certainly, under the present system, there is no such thing as equal educational opportunities to all children in Massachusetts.
Neither the State nor the nation can afford to allow millions of its children to suffer disadvantages in educational opportunities.
There is going to be concerted action this year to acquaint the Legislature with the serious need for increased State Aid for local public
21
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1947]
school education. School Committees, Parent-Teacher Associations, teachers and others intend to wage an aggressive battle for this type of legislation. 0
I am a member of the legislative committee of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. I pledge to do all that I can for this cause.
Sidewalk Plows
I strongly recommend that the town provide Mr. Charles C. De- Fronzo, Superintendent of Public Works with sufficient funds to pur- chase at least two more motor driven sidewalk plows. At the present time he has exactly one such piece of equipment with which to plow the sidewalks of the entire town. This is of course ridiculous and not con- sistent with ordinary common sense. After heavy snow storms the school children are forced to walk in the streets going to and from school. It is not the fault of the Superintendent of Public Works. He is a capable department head. The fault lies with the citizens who do not insist that he is given proper equipment.
On January 5, 1948, I was forced to cancel all sessions of the ele- mentary schools or else force above 1500 grammar school pupils to walk in extremely hazardous highways. To force small children to walk on highways such as Lincoln avenue, Winter street, Central street, Essex street, and Main street, with snow piled five feet high on either side of the road, is little short of criminal. The main highways, upon which busses, trucks, etc., operate, should have their sidewalks plowed after every sizeable storm.
I am calling this situation to the attention of fathers and mothers who have children attending our schools. Unless something is done some child is going to be killed. Boasted $30.00 tax rates will not bring a child back to life. It is difficult for me to understand the psychology of people who apparently place dollars ahead of human life.
The matter should be taken care of at the February 1948 Town Meeting. There should be no stalling and no idle promises. The situa- tion is serious and is above the usual politics and bickering.
Needed Traffic Lights
Another dangerous situation, which should be taken care of imme- diately, is the situation which exists at the junction of Lincoln avenue, Ballard street, and Chestnut street in the East Saugus section of the town. This corner is known as Washington square. Automobile traffic passes four ways through this dangerous intersection. Three separate Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway runs also must pass through this junction. It is probably the most dangerous situation of its kind in the entire town. Children attending the Ballard, Sweetser, and Central Senior and Junior High Schools pass through this square going to and from school. There is also heavy traffic from workers going to and from the Lynn Plant of the General Electric Company.
Already many accidents and many near accidents have occurred at this particular spot. One of these days there will be a fatal accident in Washington Square. The installation of traffic lights is the only real solution. They should be installed before someone is killed and not afterwards. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
High School Roof
There is one schoolhouse repair project which must be taken care of this year. This is the installation of a new roof on the old section of
22
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
the Saugus High School building. This is the front section of the build- ing which was constructed in 1906. The present roof is leaking badly and can no longer continually be patched.
In the interest of good business, health, and safety, this project is a must in 1948.
Juvenile Delinquency
I am pleased to be able to report that our town probably has less. juvenile delinquency than any other community of comparable size in. the Commonwealth. I do not mean to infer that none exists. Occasion- ally we do have cases. In our school system there are approximately 3000 pupils. Among this number there are surprisingly few who cause us any trouble. During the past three or four years we have not had to- commit a single child from Saugus to the County Training School at Lawrence, Massachusetts. I can remember when, in one year, Saugus had three of four children in this particular training school.
At the risk of offending some parents may I say that most juvenile. delinquency is in reality parental delinquency.
The child who has the best chance of becoming a delinquent child is- the one who is neglected. As a rule, delinquent children come from homes where parents are too busy with their own interests to pay much attention to their children. A child left to drift for himself is more apt. to drift in the wrong direction rather than the right. And there are children who are just allowed to drift. The church and the school can- not perform miracles when the home fails to play its part in child train- ing and guidance.
I have been dealing with children for nearly twenty-six years. I know from experience that home conditions exert a powerful influence upon the life of a child. Although there are exceptions, good homes. seldom breed bad children. Conversely, although there are exceptions, bad homes seldom breed good children.
To me, children are our most precious possessions. They are entitled to the best home environment and guidance. Parents who fail to pro- vide both are delinquent to a God-given obligation.
For many years I have made it a part of my education to attend court cases where children are involved. Were I the judge, in many of these cases I would have convicted the parents rather than the children. It is usually obvious from the testimony that the parents are the real offenders.
The most successful way to guide children is to interest yourself in. children. Parents, who do this, seldom have trouble with their children. A child craves attention and deserves it. His questions may seem silly to you, but they deserve to be answered. His problems may appear petty to you, but you should help solve them. His constant chatter may irritate- you, but better that you chatter with him than get angry. When he chatters he is healthy, alert, and happy. Would you have him otherwise?
Give him of your time, energy, and talents. Your dividends will far exceed the normal rates of interest. He's a child for only a little while. All too soon he grows up. For that little while be his buddy and his. friend.
When I retire from my present position I may never be remembered as a Superintendent of Schools. I hope that I shall always be remem- bered as a friend of children. That would be my most cherished memory.
I have often read the fourteenth verse of the nineteenth chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthews.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1947]
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
A Harvard Educator Comments
Professor Morris B. Lambie, head of the institute of local govern- ment at Harvard University, recently addressed the members of the Saugus League of Women Voters. He said:
"Saugus enjoys a competent school system though the town stands very low among other communities in the amount of money spent on education. I question how long this condition can continue."
I have said the same thing many times during the past fifteen years, It is indeed interesting to hear almost the exact words from a qualified person who does not reside in Saugus.
There are 350 towns and cities of all sizes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Of these entire 350 communities there are only 33 in the whole Commonwealth which expended less money per pupil for educa- tion during the school year 1946-1947 than Saugus.
In order that each citizen may know the only 33 communities in the State spending less money than Saugus, I list them below:
Auburn, Billerica, Charlton, Chesire, Hanson, Holbrook, Holliston, Hopkinton, Lakeville, Lunenburg, Mendon, Merrimac, Middleton, Nor- folk, Townsend, Tewksbury, Winchendon, West Bridgewater, North- borough, North Reading, Norton, Orange, Oxford, Pepperell, Randolph, Rehoboth, Rowley, Salisbury, Seekonk, Spencer, Sturbridge, Sutton, and Templeton.
The 1948 Budget
The School Committee has requested a General Budget of $368,662.79 for the year 1948. This is an increase of $11,162.79 over the General Budget of 1947.
Athletic and Cafeteria Accounts
A summary of the financial condition of the Athletic and Cafeteria Accounts of Saugus High School is included as a part of this report. Both accounts are outlined in some detail. Both accounts are under the jurisdiction of the School Committee and under the immediate supervision of Mr. John A. W. Pearce, Principal of the Central Senior and Junior High. The accounts are audited every so often and are efficiently kept by Miss Mabel C. Willey, treasurer of both accounts.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, may I thank each member of the School Committee for the splendid cooperation given me during the year 1947. They have been a splendid committee and have been especially diligent in the vari- cus duties imposed by law upon School Committees. May I also thank the teachers, other school employees, and the pupils for their coopera- tion and loyalty.
Respectfully submitted,
VERNON W. EVANS Superintendent of Schools.
24
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Analysis of Cash Receipts and Expenditures January 1, 1947 to December 31, 1947
Cash Balance, January 1, 1947 $ 2,389.98
Receipts: Football
Gate Receipts
$11,316.96
Guarantees:
Marblehead (46)
$ 227.12
Peabody (Spring)
1,376.41
Brookline
563.30
Beverly
882.28
English
2,936.40
Classical
3,066.14
Swampscott
545.95
Basketball
323.52
Total Receipts and Balance
$21,238.08 $23,628.06
Expenses :
Guarantees:
Chelsea
$ 788.26
Amesbury
376.27
Revere
672.43
Marblehead
287.58
Peabody
1,122.39
Equipment
1,712.11
Postage
29.90
Insurance and Bond
209.75
Printing and Tickets
36.00
Officials
340.00
Awards and Letters
334.40
Police
482.00
Tickets (Sellers, Takers)
288.60
Transportation
656.83
Tax on Tickets
2,103.90
Misc. Expense (Schedule 2)
176.19
Salary Expense
2,680.00
Stadium
2,309.54
Reconditioning and Laundry
1,485.95
Basketball
390.25
Hockey
75.54
Telephone
85.59
Medical, Drugs
1,333.33
Educational Trip
1,799.56
Total Expenses
$21,441.36 2,186.70
Net Receipts
Withholding Tax due
$ 208.60
No Accounts Payable
21.50
Registration and Dues
$ 3,246.93
Supplies (Schedule 1)
1,643.49
9,597.60
25
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1947]
SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Schedule No. 1
Analysis of Supplies Account, January 1, 1947 to December 31, 1947
Hose
$ 235.02
T Shirts
81.75
Laces
7.50
Flo Master
4.75
Socks
83.62
Jerseys
171.60
Chin Straps
4.50
Cleats
92.65
Hockey Hose, Pants
148.00
Guides, Score Books
4.75
Pads
88.65
Sponge Rubber
8.50
Footballs
190.69
Kick Off Tee
2.50
Helmets
68.97
Belts
16.00
Arch Supports
5.00
Baseballs
30.25
Louisville
#125
30.60
Dummies
26.60
Baseball, Mitts, Protectors, etc
59.75
Portable Hoops
30.00
Sprinkle
25.00
Caps
33.30
Mittens
23.84
Shoes
169.70
Total Supplies
$ 1,643.49
SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Analysis of Miscellaneous Expense January 1, 1947 to December 31, 1947
Advertising
$ 10.00
Checkbook
2.84
Cardboard
3.60
Lumber
5.00
Audit
70.00
Dr. Faulkner (Substitute)
10.00
Carfare and Expense
15.75
Incidentals (Hoffman)
34.44
Incidentals (Adlingtons)
24.56
Total Miscellaneous Expense
$ 176.19
. .
.
. .
. .
26
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Proposed Football Expenditures 1948
Football Shoes
6 dozen
@ $14.00 (pr.)
$1,008.00
Practice Pants
6 dozen @
10.00
(pr.)
720.00
Hip and Kidney Pads
2 dozen @
12.00
(pr.)
288.00
Short Sweat Socks
12 dozen @ 6.00
72.00
Athletic Shirts
12 dozen @
7.90
94.80
Supporters
12 dozen @
7.20
86.40
Practice Jerseys
dozen @ 27.00
162.00
Knee Pads
2 dozen
@ 20.00
40.00
Helmets
24
@
14.00
336.00
Dummies
2
@ 18.00
36.00
Cushion Foam Rubber
11.50
Adhesive Tape
125.00
Drugs
25.00
Cleaning and Repair
800.00
Transportation
50.00
Salaries of Coaches
800.00
Total
$4,654.70
*Stadium expense cannot be estimated at this time.
Proposed Expenditures 1948 Baseball
Baseball Uniforms
12
@
$18.50
$ 222.00
Baseball Caps
24
a 2.15
51.60
Baseballs
6 dozen
@ 24.00
144.00
Catchers Mit
1
@ 14.50
14.50
Umpires
160.00
Transportation
60.00
Coaches Salary
200.00
Letters
24.00
Cleaning Reconditioning
56.00
Total
932.10
Additional amount should be reserved if games are played at Stadium.
Basketball
Rental of Community House
$ 250.00
Officials
160.00
Transportation
50.00
Police and Janitor
117.50
Coaches Salary
200.00
Letters
24.00
Basketballs
3 @ $16.00
48.00
Cleaning and Repair
12.00
Total
$ 861.50
Hockey
Goalie Gloves
$ 29.50
Goalie Stick
6.00
Goalie Guards
55.00
Hockey Pucks
2 dozen @ $ 4.20
8.40
Transportation
50.00
Letters
24.00
Hockey Cages
15.00
Total
$ 187.90
27
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1947]
SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL LUNCH
Analysis of Cash Receipts and Expenditures January 1, 1947 to December 31, 1947
Cash Balance $ 2,062.55
Receipts and Income:
Cash Sales
$14,437.18
Discount on Purchases
53.28
Total Receipts and Income
14,490.46
Total Receipts Including Balance
$16,553.01
Expenditures :
Food
$6,220.82
Candy
461.40
Ice Cream
3,772.25
Tonic
1,205.28
Wages
2,080.90
Laundry
137.90
Supplies
10.90
Equipment
513.80
Miscellaneous Expense
154.01
Total Expenditures
$14,557.26
Balance, December 31, 1947
$ 1,995.75
Accounts Payable $584.07
INDEX
Reports of Departments and Committees
Accountant's Report
110
Annual Town Election
40
Annual Town Meeting
47
Appointive Town Officials
10
Assessors
89
Board of Fire Engineers
99
Board of Health
97
Board of Public Welfare
92
Cemetery Commissioners
147
Chief of Police
106
Collector of Taxes
83
Contributory Retirement
108
Elective Town Officers
3
Finance Committee Report
28
Gypsy Moth
147
Library Trustees
86
Planning Board
103
Playground Commission
85
Public Works
100
School Report follows Page
148
Sealer of Weights & Measures
107
Superintendent of Buildings
102
Town Clerk
82
Town Election
40
Special Town Election
75
Town Engineer
145
Town Meeting Members
5
Tree Warden
146
Veterans' Benefits
105
Warrant, March 3, 1947
Financial Departments
Balance Sheet
142
Receipts:
General Revenue:
Taxes
113
Commercial Revenue:
Agency and Trust
117
Charities and Veterans'
Benefits
115
Enterprise and Cemeteries
116
General Government
114
Health and Sanitation
115
Indebtedness
117
Interest
116
Protection of Persons
and Property
114
Refunds
117
Transfers
117
Recreation and
Unclassified
116
Schools and Libraries
116
Disbursements:
Agency and Trust
137
Charities and Veterans'
Benefits
129
Education and Libraries
131
Enterprise and Cem-
eteries
135
General Government
119
Health and Sanitation
125
Highways
127
Interest and Maturing
Debt
137
Protection of Persons
and Property
123
Recapitulation
141
Recreation
and Unclassi-
fied
133
Refunds
138
Transfers
138
13 .Outstanding Bonds
140
SAUGUS PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1729 00051 5095
SAUGUS PUBLIC LIBRARY 295 Central St. Saugus, MA 01906
For Reference
Not to be taken
from this library
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