USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1928 > Part 12
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September 6, 1928.
To the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Howard K. Gliddon, Chairman, Swampscott, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :- I submit herewith my report of an audit of the ac- counts of the town of Swampscott for the period from January 1 to June 30, 1928, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws. This report is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Edward H. Fenton, Chief Accountant of this Division.
Very truly yours, THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell, Director of Accounts, Department of Cor- porations and Taxation, State House, Boston.
Sir :- As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Swampscott for the period from January 1 to June 30, 1928, and submit the following report thereon:
The books and accounts in the town accountant's office were ex- amined. The receipts, as recorded on the books, were checked with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town and with the treasurer's books. The recorded payments were checked to the selectmen's warrants authorizing such payments and with the treas- urer's cash book.
The accountant's ledger was analyzed, the appropriation accounts being checked to the town meeting records of appropriations made and also with the classification book. A balance sheet showing the financial condition of the town on June 30, 1928, was prepared and is appended to this report.
The payments of debt and interest were verified by a comparison with the cancelled bonds, notes and coupons on file.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked and the footings of the cash book were proved. The recorded receipts were analyzed and compared with the accountant's ledger and with the records of the departments making payments to the treasurer. The payments were compared with the selectmen's warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds.
The cash balance was verified, the cash in the office being counted, and the bank balances were reconciled with the statements furnished by the various banks holding town funds.
The collector's books and accounts were examined and checked, the commitments of taxes and assessments were verified, and the recorded abatements were checked with the assessors' records of abatements granted. The payments to the treasurer were checked with the treas- urer's books and the accountant's ledger. The outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
The commitments of the water accounts were verified, the abate- ments were checked to the records in the water department, and the payments to the treasurer were checked to the treasurer's books and
106
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
the accountant's ledger. The outstanding accounts were listed and re- conciled with the accountant's ledger. The outstanding taxes and water accounts were further verified by mailing notices to a number of per- sons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received I am satisfied that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The records of the sporting and dog licenses issued by the town clerk were examined, and the recorded payments to the county and the State, respectively, were verified by receipts on file.
The records of the sealer of weights and measures, of town hall rentals, of the police and cemetery departments, and of licenses issued by the selectmen and health department, and the accounts receivable of the health, school and public welfare departments were also examined, the reported payments to the treasurer being checked to the treasurer's books and the outstanding accounts listed and checked to the account- ant's ledger.
Tables are appended to this report showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash and summaries of the taxes, assessments and depart- mental accounts receivable.
While engaged in making the audit I received the co-operation of the various department officials, and I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDW. H. FENTON, Chief Accountant.
RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH
Balance January 1, 1928
$ 87,738.38 264,829.11
$352,567.49
Payments January 1 to June 30, 1928
$304,195.35
Balance June 30, 1928
48,372.14
$352,567.49
Balance July 1, 1928
$ 48,372.14
Receipts July 1 to 31, 1928
269,369.70
$317,741.84
Payments July 1 to 31, 1928
$197,588.73
Balance July 31, 1928:
Cash in office (verified) $3,081.36
Bank balances:
Webster and Atlas National Bank 2,197.18
Security Trust Company 9,525.77
Manufacturers' National Bank 4,641.39
Sagamore Trust Company 15,717.78
Central National Bank
84,989.63
$120,153.11
$317,741.84
Webster and Atlas National Bank, Boston
Balance July 31, 1928, per statement
$2,197.18
Balance July 31, 1928, per check register
$2,197.18
Security Trust Company of Lynn
Balance July 31, 1928, per statement
$9,976.29
Balance July 31, 1928, per check register
$9,525.77
Outstanding checks July 31, 1928, per list
450.52
9,976.29
Receipts January 1 to June 30, 1928
1928]
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
107
Manufacturers' National Bank, Lynn
Balance July 31, 1928, per statement
$4,704.44
Balance July 31, 1928, per check register
$4,641.39
Outstanding checks July 31, 1928, per list
63.05
$4,704.44
Sagamore Trust Company, Lynn
Balance July 31, 1928, per statement
$17,683.06
Balance July 31, 1928, per check register
$15,717.78
Outstanding checks July 31, 1928, per list
1,965.28
$17,683.06
Central National Bank, Lynn
Balance July 31, 1928, per statement
$85,031.83
Balance July 31, 1928, per check register
$84,989.63
Outstanding checks July 31, 1928, per list
42.20
$85,031.83
RECONCILIATION OF TOWN COLLECTOR'S CASH
Balance July 31, 1928, per cash book:
Taxes 1927
$1,642.88
Taxes 1928
82.00
Moth 1927
6.75
Sewer 1927
62.82
Water Rates 1927
16.45
Water Rates 1928
350.08
Water Services
58.21
Board of Appeals
5.00
Building permits
15.00
Sale of cemetery lots
234.00
Interest on deposits
83.79
Tax fees
24.75
Apportioned sidewalk assessments paid in advance
31.52
Apportioned sewer assessments paid in ad- vance
29.24
Constables' fees
10.00
Cash over
14.68
Balance July 31, 1928, per statement
$2,667.17
Taxes-1926
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$2,193.45
Overpayment to collector, to be adjusted
2.00
Unlocated difference
2.50
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$1,650.72
Abatements January 1 to June 30, 1928
74.78
Outstanding June 30, 1928
472.45
$2,197.95
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$472.45
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$117.80
Abatements July 1 to 31, 1928
23.80
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
330.85
$472.45
$2,667.17
$2,197.95
108
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Taxes-1927
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$90,025.53
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$52,290.44 290.70
Outstanding June 30, 1928
37,444.39
$90,025.53
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$37,444.39
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$12,902.70
Abatements July 1 to 31, 1928
20.28
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
22,878.53
Cash on hand July 31, 1928, verified
1,642.88
$37,444.39
Poll Taxes-1928
Commitments per warrant
$6,080.00
Additional commitment
20.00
$6,100.00
Payments to treasurer to June 30, 1928
$2,992.00
Abatements to June 30, 1928
72.00
Outstanding June 30, 1928
3,036.00
$6,100.00
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$3,036.00
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$2,518.00
Abatements July 1 to 31, 1928
74.00
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
362.00
Cash on hand July 31, 1928 (verified)
82.00
$3,036.00
Moth Assessments-1926
Outstanding January 1, 1926
$ .25
Outstanding June 30 and July 31, 1928, per list
$ .25
Moth Assessments-1927
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$295.50
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$151.00
Abatements January 1 to June 30, 1928, (not recorded on ledger)
.50
Outstanding June 30, 1928
144.00
$295.50
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$144.00
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$51.75
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
85.50
Cash on hand July 31, 1928, verified
6.75
$144.00
Abatements January 1 to June 30, 1928
1928]
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
109
Unapportioned Sewer Assessments
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$283.13
Commitments January 1 to June 30, 1928
51.02
Apportioned sewers 1928 reported as unappor- tioned sewers, (to be adjusted)
12.50
$346.65
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$101.43
Apportionments January 1 to June 30, 1928
25.00
Outstanding June 30, 1928
220.22
$346.65
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$220.22
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
$220.22
Sewer Assessments-1926
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$118.03
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$118.03
Sewer Assessments-1927
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$1,205.27
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$790.53
Outstanding June 30, 1928
414.74
$1,205.27
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$414.74
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$198.04
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
153.88
Cash on hand July 31, 1928, verified
62.82
$414.74
Unapportioned Sidewalk Assessments
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$2,060.65
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$ 833.35
Apportionments January 1 to June 30, 1928
127.44
Outstanding June 30, 1928
1,099.86
$2,060.65
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$1,099.86
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$ 48.37
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
1,051.49
$1,099.86
Sidewalk Assessments-1927
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$595.27
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$296.28
Outstanding June 30, 1928
298.99
$595.27
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$298.99
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$ 29.67
Abatements July 1 to 31, 1928
88.40
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
180.92
$298.99
110
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Dog Licenses
Cash on hand January 30, 1928 $75.00
Issued January 30 to August 8, 1928:
349 males @ $2.00 $698.00
50 females
5.00 250.00
948.00
Payments to county treasurer Fees retained
57.40
Cash on hand August 8, 1928 (verified)
335.00
$1,023.00
Sporting Licenses
Issued January 1 to August 8, 1928:
Resident citizens' lobster
18 @ $1.00
$ 18.00
Resident citizens' sporting 62 @ 2.25
139.50
Resident citizens' trapping
4 @ 2.25
9.00
Duplicate licenses
1
@ .50
.50
$167.00
Payments to Department of Conservation
$145.80
Fees retained by town clerk
18.95
Cash on hand August 8, 1928 (verified)
2.25
$167.00
Selectmen's Licenses
Granted January 1 to June 30, 1928
$425.50
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$404.50
Licenses not issued June 30, 1928
21.00
$425.50
Licenses not issued July 1, 1928
$21.00
Payments to treasurer July 1 to August 9, 1928
$16.00
Licenses not issued August 9, 1928
5.00
$21.00
Town Hall Rentals
Cash on hand January 1, 1928
$ 5.00
Outstanding January 1, 1928
5.00
Rentals January 1 to June 30, 1928
118.00
$128.00
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$118.00
Cash on hand June 30, 1928
10.00
$128.00
Cash on hand July 1, 1928
$10.00
Payments to treasurer July 1 to August 9, 1928
$10.00
Police Department
Cash on hand January 30, 1928
$4.80
Receipts January 30 to August 8, 1928
2.35
$7.15
Cash on hand August 8, 1928 (verified)
$7.15
$1,023.00
$630.60
1928]
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
111
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Charges January 1 to August 8, 1928
$64.28
Outstanding August 8, 1928, per list
$ 4.89
Cash on hand August 8, 1928 (In personal ac- count)
59.39
$64.28
Health Department-Licenses
Issued January 1 to August 8, 1928:
Oleo
7 @
$ .50
$3.50
Milk
76
@
.50
38.00
Ice cream
7
@
1.00
7.00
Soft drink
1
@
10.00
10.00
Garbage
2
@
2.00
4.00
Cesspools
2
@
2.00
4.00
Manicure
6
@
1.00
6.00
Grease
1
@
2.00
2.00
Sale of ribbons
8
@
.20
1.60
$76.10
Payments to collector January 1 to August 8, 1928
$75.60
Cash on hand August 8, 1928 (verified)
.50
$76.10
Building Inspector
Charges January 1 to June 30, 1928:
Building permits
$137.00
Elevator licenses
14.50
Payments to collector January 1 to June 30, 1928:
Building permits
$134.00
Elevator licenses
14.50
$148.50
Cash on hand June 30, 1928
3.00
$151.50
Cash on hand July 1, 1928
$3.00
Charges July 1 to August 10, 1928:
32.00
$35.00
Payments to collector July 1 to August 10, 1928
$35.00
Park Department-Fishhouse Rentals
Cash on hand January 18, 1928
$ 42.80
Outstanding January 18, 1928
98.70
Rentals January 18 to June 30, 1928
175.00
Payments to collector January 19 to June 30, 1928
$188.90
Outstanding June 30, 1928
91.50
Cash on hand June 30, 1928
36.10
$316.50
$151.50
Building permits
$316.50
112
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Cash on hand July 1, 1928
$36.10
Outstanding July 1, 1928
91.50
$127.60
Payments to collector July 1 to August 7, 1928
$46.90
Outstanding August 7, 1928, per list
80.70
$127.60
Departmental Accounts Receivable
Outstanding January 1, 1928:
Health
$1,345.98
Schools
150.00
Public Welfare
590.50
$2,086.48
Commitments January 1 to June 30, 1928:
Health
$679.00
Schools
352.09
Public Welfare
910.48
1,941.57
$4,028.05
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928:
Health
$ 921.71
Schools
339.59
Public Welfare
1,217.50
$2,478.80
Collection of health bill, credited to estimated receipts (to be adjusted)
2.00
Outstanding June 30, 1928:
Health
$1,101.27
Schools
162.50
Public Welfare
283.48
1,547.25
$4,028.05
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$1,547.25
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
$1,547.25
Water Rates-1926
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$117.11
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$61.41
Abatements January 1 to June 30, 1928
44.87
Outstanding June 30, 1928
10.83
$117.11
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$10.83
Overpayments per previous audit
2.79
$13.62
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$5.50
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
8.12
$13.62
113
Water Rates-1927
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$6,953.94
Detailed list in excess of commitment, (to be adjusted)
16.86
$6,970.80
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$5,630.20
Abatements January 1 to June 30, 1928
100.57
Outstanding June 30, 1928
1,240.03
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$1,240.03
Unlocated difference
6.21
$1,246.24
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$927.30
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
302.49
Cash on hand July 31, 1928, verified
16.45
$1,246.24
Water Rates-1928
Commitments January 1 to June 30, 1928
$40,435.95
Detailed list in excess of commitment, (to be adjusted)
.07
$40,436.02
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$31,345.22
Abatements January 1 to June 30, 1928
82.23
Outstanding June 30, 1928
9,008.57
$40,436.02
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$9,008.57
Commitments July 1 to 31, 1928
7,875.51
Water services reported as water rates 1928
48.00
Unlocated difference
18.18
$16,950.26
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$3,021.29
Abatements July 1 to 31, 1928
16.50
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
13,562.39
Cash on hand July 31, 1928 (verified)
350.08
$16,950.26
Water Services
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$826.79
Overpayments to treasurer (to be adjusted)
1.93
Commitment January 1 to June 30, 1928
3,531.64
$4,360.36
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$3,500.15
Abatements January 1 to June 30, 1928
5.00
Outstanding June 30, 1928
855.21
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$855.21
Commitments July 1 to 31, 1928
806.01
Detailed list in excess of commitment
.05
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$780.61
Abatements July 1 to 31, 1928
5.00
Water services reported as water rates 1928
48.00
Unlocated difference
1.39
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
768.06
Cash on hand July 31, 1928 (verified)
58.21
$1,661.27
$4,360.36
$1,661.27
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
1928]
$6,970.80
114
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Interest on Water Services
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$433.87
Commitments January 1 to June 30, 1928
297.35
$731.22
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$250.48
Outstanding June 30, 1928
480.74
$731.22
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$480.74
Commitments July 1 to 31, 1928
108.54
$589.28
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$165.77
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
423.51
$589.28
Water Rents
Outstanding January 1, 1928
$ 20.00
Commitments January 1 to June 30, 1928
240.00
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$240.00
Outstanding June 30, 1928
20.00
$260.00
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$20.00
Commitments July 1 to 31, 1928
40.00
Payments to treasurer July 1 to 31, 1928
$40.00
Outstanding July 31, 1928, per list
20.00
$60.00
Cemetery Department
Sale of lots and graves January 1 to June 30, 1928
$1,772.00
Payments to treasurer January 1 to June 30, 1928
$1,538.00
Outstanding June 30, 1928
234.00
$1,772.00
Outstanding July 1, 1928
$234.00
Sale of lots and graves July 1 to August 9, 1928
752.00
Payments to treasurer July 1 to August 9, 1928 Outstanding August 9, 1928, per list
50.00
Cash on hand August 9, 1928
418.00
$986.00
$518.00
$986.00
$260.00
$60.00
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT Balance Sheet-June 30, 1928 GENERAL ACCOUNTS
Assets
Cash :
General
$48,372.14
Petty :
Police
$50.00
Health
25.00
Library
15.00
90.00
Temporary Loans: In anticipation of revenue Cemetery-sales of lots Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds
$250,000.00 1,538.00 1,000.00
Appropriation balances per list : Revenue
$344,734.19 25,201.47
369,935.66
Accounts Receivable : Taxes:
Levy of 1926
$ 467.95
Levy of 1927
37,444.39
Levy of 1928
3,036.00
Revenue-reserved until collected :
Moth assessments
$ 144.75
Sewer assessments
622.46
Sidewalk assessments
1,398.85
Tax titles
1,726.41
Departmental
1,549.25
Water
11,596.52
Sewers 1927
$414.74
Unapportioned sewers
207.72
Sidewalks 1927
$298.99
Unapportioned sidewalks
1,099.86
1,398.85
Tax Titles Tax Title Possessions
$1,471.06
255.35
1,726.41
Over-lay reserved for abatement of taxes: Levy of 1927 2,312.20
40,948.34
Special Assessments:
Moth 1926
$ .25
Moth 1927
144.50
144.75
17,038.24
622.46
Surplus revenue
27,029.59
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
115
1928]
Liabilities
$48,462.14
Non-revenue
Departmental:
Health
Schools
$1,103.27 162.50
Public Welfare
283.48
1,549.25
Water Rates 1926
$ 10.83
Water Rates 1927
1,223.17
Water Rates 1928
9,008.50
Water services
853.28
Water rents
20.00
Water services interest
480.74
11,596.52
Revenue 1928
$544,136.76
Less estimated receipts collected 9,907.82
534,228.94
.
Overdrawn Accounts :
Overlay 1926
$70.78
Overlay 1928
72.00
Trust Fund Income
Loans Authorized
142.78 33.25 28,000.00
$668,853.69
$668,853.69
Special Assessments : Apportioned, but not due
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS Apportioned Sewers due 1928 to 1937, $3,835.31 inclusive Apportioned Sidewalks due 1928 to 1932, inclusive
$1,977.25
$3,835.31
$3,835.31
116
TOWN DOCUMENTS
1,858.06
[Dec. 31
117
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1928]
School Committee-1928
No-School Signal
Two double strokes on the fire alarm, 2-2. Streets lights turned on for five minutes.
7.20 A. M. No school in the junior or senior high schools.
7.50 A. M. No session in grades I to VI inclusive.
IMPORTANT: If the signal is not given at 7.20, but is given at 7.50, sessions of school will be held in the junior and senior high schools and no school in grades I to VI inclusive.
School Calendar-1929
Winter terms begins
Wednesday, January 2
Winter term closes
Thursday, February 21
Spring term begins
Monday, March 4
Spring term closes
Thursday, April 18
Summer term begins
Monday, April 29
Summer term closes
Thursday, June 27
High School Graduation
Thursday, June 27
Fall term begins
Tuesday, September 10
Fall term closes
Friday, December 20
Report of the School Committee
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
We commend to your earnest consideration the interesting and comprehensive reports of our superintendent and high school principal which follow.
Looking back over the past year we feel that it has been one of normal growth and development. Your committee has endeavored to give to all school problems the utmost thought and consideration and endeavored to solve these problems looking to the best interests of the children and of the town.
It should be evident that the school committee must be governed in its administrative function of educational control by the attitude of the citizens. In other words no matter how strongly the committee mem- bers may feel in regard to certain school problems lack of interest, real or fancied, on the part of the citizens must temper official action. As an example of what is meant let us consider the present situation in re- gard to the High school. A need may or may not exist-at any rate there is a special committee now engaged in considering the needs of the High school because of the vote in town meeting last year. This committee starts with certain facts which should be apparent to any interested citizen and which have been known to the School Committee for some time. Unfortunately the facts are not a matter of common knowledge because the rank and file of our citizens-even those most interested-the parents-have not made personal investigation.
We believe our 35 year old High school is, and has been for some time a stumbling block as far as physical condition is concerned. It is not the place here to give the details for this opinion. We can only ask the support of those public spirited citizens in our future endeavor to remedy the situation we believe to exist, and such support can best come
118
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
from a personal visit to the High school and personal observation of the conditions under which our children are laboring. Wide spread knowledge based on first hand information is a prerequisite to an in- telligent consideration of a remedy.
Outside of physical limitations our schools are good. Our stan- dards of achievement compare well with those of other schools, as evidenced by the superintendent's report, and your committee feels that during the past year some progress has been made toward that ideal of creating in Swampscott a superior school system.
Our budget is about four per cent higher this year than last, the major portion of the increase occurring in the item for salaries. The salary item is increased for two reasons-we have made allowance for the employment of additional teachers and we have made provision for increases in the salaries of those teachers who have not yet reached the present maximum, as well as those teachers who measure up to standards to be determined by the committee. We have given con- siderable time and thought in the past to the question of teachers' salary increases, and we believe that before the school year closes we shall have worked out a system of reward whereby teachers of outstanding merit will be encouraged to remain in our schools and other teachers of superior ability attracted to them.
Efforts to co-ordinate the work in the senior and junior high schools are bearing fruit. We believe that the employment of a full- time specialist in testing and guidance, as recommended by our super- intendent, will be of incalculable assistance to our boys and girls, in electing their study courses and in the selection of their life-work.
The college preparatory work in our High school is on a reasonably high level. Swampscott school graduates have made their mark in the higher institutions of learning. Our commercial department compares favorably with that in other schools. But Swampscott schools do not offer similar opportunity for self development to that large proportion of our boys and girls who elect courses in industrial and practical arts. We are unable through physical limitations in our equipment and in the building itself to give proper consideration to this branch of education. While this condition prevails Swampscott can not offer to all boys and girls of the town equal educational advantages.
Two years ago your committee embarked upon a definite program of constructive publicity with three objects in view:
1. To make Swampscott "school conscious".
2. To acquaint our citizens with the school problems of the town.
3. To enlist the co-operation of our citizens in attempting a solution of these problems.
The results to date have been gratifying. It can well be said that Swampscott is becoming "school conscious," and the degree of co-opera- tion accorded this committee by other departments of the town, by town officials and by private citizens has been helpful in that direction. We are especially cognizant of the splendid work done by the Parent- Teacher Association, and record our sincere appreciation of the un- failing co-operation accorded us by its officers and members.
We wish to express again our appreciation of the excellent work which is being done by our superintendent and the teaching staff. No spectacular achievements, perhaps, but a healthy normal growth, a steady, progressive development, an earnest desire to give to each child the training and education best suited to his particular needs. Our schools are still small enough to permit our principals and teachers to study their pupils and work for the best development of each individual.
With deep regret we record the death of our sometime associate, Charles W. Hobbs. We shall miss his wise counsel, his friendly pres- ence. His life-long experience in educational work, his unfailing inter- est in the welfare of all children, his unremitting toil in their behalf, made him an invaluable member of our educational board, while his public spirited attitude toward all community problems was an inspira-
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