USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1961 > Part 3
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The School Staff
There are 268 - full-time employees in the school system, distributed as follows:
Elementary School Teachers and and Principals 91
J.H.S. Teachers, Prin., Vice
Prin., Guidance counselors S.H.S. Teachers, Prin., Vice Prin., Dean of Girls.
Guidance personnel and
Director of Music 69
Superintendent & Ad- ministrative Assistant 2
Secretarial & Clerical 1
Custodial Staff & School
Lunch Director 20
School Nurses
Special Subject Teach-
ers & Supervisors
7
Total 268
*To this number may be added four-part-time school physicians and one half-time clerk.
IOWA TEST RESULTS #
The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills were administered in grades three through nine in April, 1961. The results will be found in the ap- pendices of this Report.
As in past years the average scores on these tests indicate that Saugus pupils, in grades three through eight, at least, are achiev- ing above the national norms in the fundamental subjects. Such re- sults are gratifying and to the casual observor speak well for the efforts of the teachers. How- ever, the results and the average scores point to significant de- partures that we should under- take.
A brief analysis of the Reading Comprehension scores for the fifth grade illustrates the point I want to make.
319 fifth grade pupils completed the total test and we have their scores (all answer sheets are machine scored; teachers do not score the answer sheets.)
The Saugus AVERAGE acore s 6-3 in the READING COM- HASHENSION test (The score of a r.,mil in the third month of the sixth grade). The score means
that on the average our Saugus fifth grade pupils scored five months ahead of the national norm, which for them was 5~8 (The eighth month of the fifth grade. the time at which the test was administered - the month of April which is the eighth month of the school year.)
However :-
25 fifth graders (7.8% of the class) scored between 8-4) the fourth month of the 8th grade and (11-0) the beginning of school for the 11th grade.
82 fifth graders (26,7% of the class) scored between(6-9) THE NINTH MONTH OF THE SIXTH nine months of the sixth grade and (8-4) the fourth month of the eighth grade.
113 fifth graders (35.4% of the class) scored between (5-4) THE FOURTH MONTH OF T grade and (6-9) the ninth month of the sixth grade. This group án our approximate calculations, may be considered the large middle group of the fifth grade. 72 fifth graders (22.6% of the class) are below the norm for the grade. This section of our fifth grade scored between (4-5) the fifth month of the fourth grade and (5-4) the fourth month of the fifth grade.
27 fifth graders (7.5% of the class) are definitely slow
'earners In the grade, as far as our knowledge of their read- ing abillties may be determined from this test. This section of our fifth grade scored between (2-7) the seventh month of the second grade and (4-5) the fifth month of the fourth grade,
A group of 319 pupils may be thought of as representative of the whole elementary school popula- tion. The test results show that we should attempt to do much more than aim our offering and our teaching time at the middle group; our offering should be so organized from grade to grade, as well as within each grade, that pupils may receive maximum educational benefits whether or not they learn slowly or rapidly. The coordination of our elemen- tary school curriculum, or its or- organization if you will, requires specific and skillful attention; teaching procedures, time allot- ment and pupil measurement also should have specific attention; pro- cedures for developing pupils ' skill at all learning levels and the use of materials that will forward this development are further needs that we should attempt to advance. All of these departures and many more are basic to the better edu- cational opportunities that should be available to our elementary school population.
*This material duplicates almost exactly that of last year, except that READING COMPRE- hension scores in last year'S REPORT were those of sixth graders; this year READING COMPREHENSION scores of fifth graders are used in my illustration.
While each year's calculations are approximate, in some re- spects, the points illustrated are no less significant.
The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. like all standardized group tests, attempt to measure pupil accom- plishment so that a school system may evaluate its instructional ef- forts and the outcome of those efforts, with some degree of ac- curacy, The Iowa Test results when compared with the teacher's estimate of pupil ability, and with group Intelligence test results, indicate that this lowa Test is generally reliable in grades three through eight.
1961 Report
Public Welfare
To the Town Manager:
An annual report, of nec must attempt to capsule the tivities of a municipal Welfare Department, Such annual reports can be very misleading and they elther tend to become obscured in a maze of figures or a suc- cession of semi-personal anec- dotes. In writing this report we have attempted to avoid both of these pitfalls.
1961 was the first year in which the Town had a full experience with the Medical Assistance to the Aged Program. This type of as- sistance is designed to pay medi- cal expenses only, of individuals, in the community, over sixty-five years of age, whose few assets would be absorbed completely by medical expenses. The individual is permitted to have $2000 in total assets and an exempt income up to $150 per month. The married couple is allowed to have $3000 in assets and combined income up to $225 per month, This program is established under the provisions of the Kerr-Mills Bill about which there was much discussion during the political campalgn. If a National Health Insurance Program is at- tached to the Social Security Sys- tem of the United States, the func- tion and extent of MAA may well be changed as many of our clients are Social Security beneficiaries. During 1961 the total spent by the Town of Saugus for MAA was $85,323.76. The Federal and State Governments will reimburse the Town for all but $8,102.59. The usual caseload on MAA has re- mained fairly stable, at 46.
The Old Age Assistance Pro- gram has been affected, of course, by Medical Assistance for the Aged. This caseload has declined to 124 individuals. Most of this decline represents OAA cases that have bee . transferred to the MAA Progra .... OAA is a basic main- tenance program for individuals over sixty-five years of age. Their monthly income must be insuf- ficent for their adequate support and their combined assets cannot exceed $500. Each case is individu- ally budgeted according to his or her own living arrangements. Massachusetts, unlike many other States, does not have a flat grant program although Massachusetts does have a legal minimum. Each individual receiving OAA must have at least $87.00 per month on which to live from all sources. A person living in a family group, who Is receiving OAA, must re- ceive at least $67.00 per month from all sources. In point of fact the legal minimum today is of slight value, because of the rising cost of living most budgets ex- ceed these figures. Total OAA expenditure by the Town of Sau- gus in 1961 was $135.442.08 of which the Town paid $28,398.90. Receipts from the State Meal Tax of $3,952,11 and recoveries of $3,155.62 will reduce the net cost to the Town to less than $21,291.17.
The Aid to Dependent Children Program, about which there has been a great deal of publiclty and controversy across the Nation, is also administered by this Depart- ment. The caseload for a com- munity the size of Saugus is not
(Continued on Page 6)
CONCLUSION
Following are the Reports of the Special Subject Teachers and the appendices. Rhoden B. Eddy
Superintendent of Schools
32
2
TOWN REPORT Pago 6
Public Welfare (Continued from Page S)
unusual with an average caseload of 18, representing S1 children, a total of 69 persons, requiring assistance from the community because they have been deprived of support, elther through death, desertion, divorce or disability. The total expenditure was $32.740,S0 and relmbursement from the Federal and State Govern- ments reduced tbe net cost to the Town of Saugus to $7,099.79.
Disability Assistance, a special- Ized program, is ten years old this year. Perhaps due to the disability benefits now payable under the Social Security Program the Impact of this ten year old category upon most communitites has been slight. This is particular- ly true in Saugus. The average caseload In Saugus in 1961 was 8 cases. The total expenditures for these 8 persons was $1S, 11S.99. When one considers that several of these are patients in chronic hospitals and nursing homes it is easy to see their mode of living has not been princely but all cases were budgeted in accordance with State Standard Budget and each in- dividual was pald the sum to which be was entitled. After receipt of the Federal and State reimburse- ments the net cost to the Town of Saugus amounts to $2,943.03.
The oldest category of rellef in the United States, not only in Massachusetts, is General Relief. This can be traced back almost to the days of the pilgrims. its role In the disposition of the com- munities resources has gradually and consistently dwindled. This program Is paid for entirely out of local funds and the concept of settlement, i. e. the community of responsibility, Is most impor- tant. If Saugus alds an individual, who has not llved In Saugus for at least five years, either the State or the last community in Massachusetts where that In- dividual Ilved for five years must reimburse Saugus for all monles expended. Total expenditures on GR amounted to $20,793.77. Re- imbursement from the State $1,61S.91 and from Cities and Towns $133.42. During 1961 there was an average of 4 cases (a total of 31 persons) on GR and the gross expenditure includes money paid to other Cities and Towns who are caring for former resident's of Saugus who have fallen in need. True net cost in GR Is difficult to figure, for any given year, because the communities of settle- ment have four years in which to repay any expenditure made.
The administrative organization of the Department has remained substantially the same, although there have been several changes in one of the social worker posl- tions. The Civil Service require- ments for the position of social worker do not help in attempt- ing to ralse the standard of per- formance since professional train- ing can not be required in Mass. laws. This is definitely contrary to the current feeling across the country, that the best cure for social problems is the proper use of skilled, trained individuals. Saugus has been a leader in this movement since for the past seven years (with one exception) only college trained people have been hired for the position of social worker. One of the biggest prob- lems in recruiting trained people for the position of social work in Mass. has been low level of salaries. A major step in cor- recting this deficiency was taken
(Continued on Page 7)
1961 Report Town Manager
To the Citizens of Saugus:
The year 1961 evidenced con- tinued growth of the Town of Sau- gus and this reflected in Town government. The best part of this for the Town of Saugus was the additional building, a great deal of which was nonresidential, con- sisting of business properties and Shopping Centers. This type of construction is a tremendous asset to the Town in that most of its additional assessed valuation is secured with the minimum amount of liabilities for the Town. As a result there will be an increase of approximately $6,000,- 000 in the assessed valuation of the Town as of January 1, 1962, and this is more than three times the amount of increase in any other year in the history of the Town. This unprecedented increase in assessed value is good news for the future of Saugus but, on the other hand, the good news must be tempered by the fact that the steady increased costs of the Town government continues to practically neutralize all of the benefit.
Each year school costs go up substantially and as more schools are built the interest cost and yearly payment of bonds, as they come due, sky-rockets. Since 19S0 the school budget has more than tripled, while funds coming from the State for school purposes have not kept pace. In 19S0, before the Hurd Avenue school bounds were issued, the Town of Saugus had no outstanding school bonds whatever and the total interest payable on all indebtedness, other than tem- porary loans, was not more than $10,000. In the coming year the interest cost alone on bonds will exceed $100,000 and if a Junior High School is built we will have to look forward to bond interest in excess of $200,000 the follow- ing year. In 19S0 our bond indebted- ness was ust under $400,000, while today it is over the $3,000,000 mark and this amount would be doubled if a $3.000,000 Junior High School bond issue is made.
The concentration of our school bond issues since 1950 has put a substantial burden on the Town and we are paying for the fact that there were no school bond issues during the '30's and '40's. Only by continuance of the sensational growth in assessed value, through additional business and commer- cial property, can the Town of Saugus, in the future, hope to stabilize its tax rate at anything near its present rate and every effort should be make to encourage further industrial and commercial development withint the Town.
Saugus town government is a big business today with approximately four and one half million dollars being the gross amount needed to operate the Town government. The net amount to be raised through taxation is over two and one half million dollars or over three times what we had to raise in taxation in 1950.
Despite the increased cost of our local government, many of our Departments have had a relatively small increase in operating expenses over the years. In an attempt to neutralize the increased school operating costs and school construction costs, the Town is continually trying to keep costs of other departments at a minimum. The result is tha te serious problem of prov dı g sewers for the Town las men severely handicapped and the Town
faces a tremendous problem in meeting this important need which becomes more acute each year. The maintenance of our roads and the building of new roads also has been hampered. Many drainage and water problems have also been inadequately dealt with which means these problems are still with us. Yet it is felt that the Public Works Department has done well in trying to meet these prob- lems with limited funds available to really meet the many problems in this field.
It certainly is hoped that in the future the Town will be able to include funds for extension of sewers, drainage and water problems and also a greater pro- gram for better roads.
For the last part of 1961, 1 was privileged, as Temporary Town Manager, to work with a loyal group of Town employees in operating our municipal govern- ment. The cooperation of Town employees in Departments, over which 1 had jurisdiction, has been greatly appreciated, and I find on the whole that they were very much dedicated to their work and tried conscientiously to serve the Town well.
it is felt that overall a great deal was accomplished in Saugus in trying to establish the best possible climate for business and residents alike. The co-operation and help of the Board of Select- men, under whom 1 served, has been greatly appreciated. Also greatly appreciated was the help of Town Counsel, Augustine S. Gannon, Jr., whose contributions were far above that called for by the duties of the office.
Looking to the future I, per- sonally, would like to pledge my utmost cooperation to our new Town Manager, Mr. John O. Stin- son, and call upon all Town offi- cials and citizens to join with him in continually working for a better Saugus for us all.
Respectfully submitted Bradbury Gilbert Temporary Town Manager
1961 Report Board Of Appeals
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals submits herewith its report for the year 1961.
As provided by Chapter 40 of the General Laws, as amended, the Board is a tribunal created for the purpose of hearing appeals from the arbitrary restrictions placed upon the Building Inspector in issuing permits under both the zoning and building by-laws. The Board, after conducting public hearings and complying with all provisions of the statute, may, under special condition, and only by unanimous vote, grant vari- ances and special permits order- ing the Building Inspector to issue either building or occupancy permits.
During the past year. the Board has heard thirty-six (36) appeals for variances. Of this total, twenty- three (23) petitions were granted: four (4) denied; six (G) were given leave to withdraw and it the end of the ve r three ( ") were still pending.
The Poard in irs dutre male - various trips throughout the town to view properties requesting variances.
The Board regreis to announce that during the year, Mr Richard J. Spencer, Clerk of the Board,
1961 Report Town Accountant
To the Town Manager:
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41, Section 61 of the General Laws of Massachusetts 1 herewith submit the Annual Report of all financial transactions by Town Officials and Depart- ments and a statement of the Financial Condition of the Municipal Government for the year ending December 31, 1961.
TOWN INDEBTEDNESS
During the year 1961 the town increased the bond'ed debt by $585,000. This sum along with available funds in the amount of $190,000 from the Stablization Fund will be used to construct a new Oaklandvale School at a cost of $400,000.00 and a new Lynn- hurst School at a cost of $37S,000.00. On December 31, 1961 total debt amounted to $3,219,000.00.
TEMPORARY LOANS
Loans to finance municipal government increased over last year by $350,000.00 making a total borrowing of $1,3S0,000.00. Interest costs on Temporary Loans was $9,063.7S. All loans were pald by December 31, 1961.
TAX TITLES AND POSSESSIONS
On January 1, 1961 there was $14,762.7S outstanding on Tax Titles. Redemptions during the year amounted to $6,672.64. Taken by the Collector for unpaid taxes amounted to $4,446.8S. Outstanding bal- ance December 31, 1961 - $12,749.00.
Outstanding Tax Possessions on January 1, 1961 amounted to $49,434.63. Sold at public sale, during the year, by the Selectmen netted the town $4,779.00. Balance' December 31, 1961 was $44,- 6SS.63.
GENERAL FINANCIAL CONDITIONS
Again as in 1960 Estimated Receipts had a surplus. This surplus of $140,916.89 was transferred to Surplus Revenue.
Unexpended balance in Appropriations amounted to $45,408.44 which was also transferred to Surplus Revenue. The above amounts brought the December 31, 1961 balance of Surplus Revenue to $364,- 947.29. Free Cash should be approximately the same as last year.
BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31, 1961 ASSETS
CASH:
General
$1,339.917.22 829.03
Special Deposits:
Surplus War Bonus Fund
Advance for Petty:
Collector
100.00
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:
TAXES:
Levy of 19S8
Real Estate S.80
S.80
Levy of 19S9
Personal Property
891.46
891.46
Levy of 1960
Poll
76.00
Personal Property
436.72
Levy of 1961
Poll
146.00
Personal Property
3,696.23
Real Estate
121,986.91
125,829,14
Motor Vehicle and Traller Excise:
Levy of 19S9 3,626.79
Levy of 1960 S.363.0S
Levy of 1961 9S,386,40
104,376.24
Special Assessments:
Sidewalk Assessments
added to Taxes 1961 248.45
Committed Sidewalk
Interest 1961
18,61
Sewer Assessments
added to Taxes 1961
296.98
Committed Sewer
interest 1961 112.8S
Unapportioned Sewer
Assessments 13,375.73
Sewer Rentals added to
Taxes 1960
12.11
Sewer Rentals added to
Taxes 1961
421,83
Sewer Rentals:
June 1960
420.50
Dec. 1960
696,00
June 1961
660,50
Dec. 1961
1.653,00
(Continued on Page 7)
tendered his resignation due to a disability. A vote of appreciation Is given to Mr. Spencer for his years of faithful service and the Board wishes him a speedy and complete rerevery.
At this time the Board wisher to announce that Mr. Mario Forte nas been appointed by the Board 10 take over the duties a. clerk effective Jannary 1, 1962.
In March 1961, Mr_ Walter F, Hogan was re-appointed for a three ver term to in Board of Appeals hy the Board of electmen and at an organizanonal meeting, Mr. Hogan was again elected chairman.
In closing, the Board would like to express its gratitude to the members of your honorable Board; Town Counsel; members of the Planning Bo rd. and all other officials who have helped them perform thei duties.
e pectfullu cubrmitt d.
Walter F Hop-n. L.hairinan
Williamnis. . Ir rithew
Thoma \ Flashem-Board of
Appeals
Jario Forte, ‹ lerk
As write " thers:
Richard J. er
Irving ! muplen
Tale 1 . ila don
Real Estate
4,6$9.11
5,171.83
The Saugus Advertiser, March 15, 1962
TOWN REPORT Page 7
Town Accountants Report
(Continued from Page 6)
Unapportioned Water Mains 17,072.29
Water Main Assessments
Overestimates 1961:
State:
Smoke Inspection
561.06
Interest 1960 4.80
Metropolitan Parks 3,036.50
3,597.56
Added to Taxes 1961 17.65
Stabilization Fund
116,577.00
Committed Water Main
76.90
35,103.74
20,104.00
Tax Title and Possessions: Tax Titles
12,749.00
Tax Possessions
44,655.63
57,404.63
Departmentai:
Ambulance 445.20
Overlays Reserved for Abatements: Levy of 1961
21,648.20
General Relief Cities & Towns 3.19
General Relief Individuals
2,693.00
Aid to Dependent Children
4,123.67
Oid Age Assistance 1.00
Special Assessments 35,089.24
Tax Titles and Possessions 57,404.63
Veterans' Benefits
578.24
12,136.58
Water:
Liens added to Taxes 1960 Liens added to Taxes 1961 Rates:
3,811.29
June 1959
10.00
Trust Fund Matured Bonds
50,000,00
June 1960
4,788.29
Trust Fund Matured Bonds Interest
625.00
Dec. 1960
7,858.34
June 1961
5,389.04
Dec. 1961
24,270.94
Maintenance 1960
254,39
Maintenance 1961
1,635.65
48,404.96
Aid to Highways: State
5,284.46
County
1,834.59
7,119.05
Sewer
6,691.83
Underestimates 1961
1,284.44
States Serial Bonds
2,290,09
4,262.15
State Serial Bonds
Interest
1,719.24
Smoke Inspection
53.14
County Tax
Apportioned Sewer Assessments Revenue
Due in 1962 to 1969 Inclusive
6,691.83
Chap. 44 Sec. 31
6,117.97
School Lunch Program
4,037.52
County Dog Licenses
361.42
16,643,16
Due in 1962 to 1979 Inclusive
Suspended Water Main
4,262.15
Assessments Revenue
453.60
Court Judgments
14,695.98
12,692.02
DEBT ACCOUNTS
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
Payrool Deductions:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
3,201,33
Group Insurance State Tax
844.03
Outside Debt Limit
General:
Public Service
2.165,000,00
Apportioned Sewer added to
17.00
Serial Loans
Inside Debt Limit
General:
413,000.00
Planning Board
74.62
463,000.00
876,000.00
Board of Appeals
173.45
Contract Bids
200.00
Agency:
Excess Sale of Lands of Law Value
1,127.80
2,165,000.00
2,258,000.00
Tailings:
Unclaimed Checks, etc.
1,609.02
Water
85,000.00
3,219,000.00
Trust Fund Income:
Ora Maitland Kimbali Welfare 1,820.59
Johnson Library
680.67
Kimball Library
296.62
Wilson Library
331.74
Cemetery Perpetual Care
5,714.83
8,844.45
Premiums on Loans:
Benjamin M. Johnson Lib.Fund 5,144.64 Cemetery Perp. Care Funds 211,079.69 Post War Rehabilitation Funds
21,90
Recoveries:
Old Age Assistance
13,930.06
General Relief
3.00
Disability Assistance
525.86
Aid to Dependent Children 119.10
14,578.02
Federal Grants:
Disability Assistance
Annuity Savings
286,105.14
Mss' ance
-15.82
UId Age Assistance
Military Service-Credits 2,947.19
Assistance
2,252,52
Annuity Reserve
26,129.07
Administration
1,996.12
4,962.46
Pension
27,255,55
School Athletic School Aid P.L. 874
3,856.81
3,856.81
Undistributed Income
9,714.03
354,757.81
Appropriation Balances:
Revenue: General
97,698.58
(Continued on Page 8)
Public Welfare
(Continued from Page 6) this year when the legislature amended the Welfare Compensa- tion Plan and required ali com- munities receiving Federal and State funds to pay the same salaries for all positions in accordance with a population groupIng. Saugus Is now in conformity with the Compensation Pian and employees, who have not reached their maxi- mum pay, are required to receive step-rate increases during the en- suing years.
Total expenditures in adminis- tration (salaries and expenses) in the Department amounted to $30,766.71. The Federal and State Governments will reimburse 75% of this sum so that the net cost to the Town of Saugus for five full time employees, 25% or $7,691.67.
The Department has had a very successful Year when one con- slders we have lived within our budget, cared for a total case- load of 300 individuais. There were only eight appeals to the State Department of Public Wei- fare concerning local decisions and in every appeal the local department was upheid, with the exception of one case.
Total recoverles from real es- tate liens was $17,461.04 and re- coveries and refunds amounted to $624.85 from other sources, during 1961
Director, John F. M. Keane suc- ceeded to the presidency of the Massachusetts Association of Re- lief Officers, a state-wide organi- zation of Public Welfare employees. This is the oldest or- ganization of its type in the State and perhaps in the country.
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