USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1929 > Part 11
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Superior Teaching Level No. 2-An increment from $2100.00 to $2200.00 open to all teachers whose service is of such high quality as to justify such action and who in addition have completed the equivalent of five years of training beyond the completion of a four year high school course.
Superior Teaching Level No. 3-An increment above $2200.00 open only to those teachers whose service is of a conspicuously high order and who in addition have pursued professional study beyond the re- quirements of the preceding level.
NOTE 1-The requirements for appointment or advancement may be waived in individual cases by vote of the committee.
NOTE 2-All professional study offered by teachers for advance- ment to Superior Teaching Levels No. 2 and No. 3 must be approved by the Superintendent of Schools.
103
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1929]
SWAMPSCOTT SCHOOL DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY
High School
Lee T. Gray, Principal
Maebelle Adams
Elizabeth E. Blanchard
Hazel F. Paine
A. Lillian Rideout
Ilah Spinney
Mary P. Thompson
James H. Dunn
Bertha I. Wales (Mrs.)
Marjorie White
Junior High School
Alice L. Shaw, Principal
Jean G. Allan
Alma Matson
Marion Burlingame
Crandall P. Nodwell
Leonie M. Chandonnet
Lena Patchett (Mrs.)
Beatrice L. Cook
Dorothy R. Powell
S. Perry Congdon
Cleora Price
Edith M. Craig (Mrs.)
Cleora Crooker
Alice T. Durgin
Helen Warren
Hadley School
Margaret E. Durgin
Phyllis G. Smith
Amy M. Fenwick
Dorothy F. Tower
Ruth K. James
Mabel F. Verry
Marion F. Newcomb
Anna F. Willey
Clarke School
Blanche E. Doyle, Principal
Helen B. Lewis
Edith A. Farnum
Melvina G. Pearson (Mrs.)
Mary Gandolfo
Katie Sanborn
Helen A. Hayes
Katherine Wilson
Ada S. Lewis
Machon School
Mary I. Perkins, Principal
Marion J. Champion
Hazel D. Chase (Mrs.)
M. Elizabeth Williams
Mabel S. Knight
Stanley School
Louise C. Stanley, Principal
Charlotte N. Conners
Jessie C. Martin Emma W. Parry A. Thelma Smith (Mrs.)
Grace M. Farrell Alice M. Gove
Flora A. Boynton
Clara B. Fowler
Lillian Hewitt Esther Nazarian
Gladys V. Brown Marion Clinch
Frances M. Newell
L. T. Holder Herbert E. Wood John F. Wilson Iber L. Chapman Simeon Strong Harold Wheeler
Supervisors
Physical Training Art
Penmanship Music
Secretaries
Junior High School High School Superintendent's Office
Janitors
High School Hadley School Hadley School Clarke School
Machon School Stanley School
Roscoe E. Lovell
John L. Miller
Marion T. Childs (Mrs.)
Charles F. Cuddy
Harriet M. Dillon
Helen M. Kelley
George E. Hutchinson
Harry O. Swett
Mary C. Warmber
Gertrude L. Herron
Elsie B. Oakes (Mrs.) Elva M. Shantz
104
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
High School Committee
At the adjourned annual town meeting of March 25, 1929, the following vote was passed:
"That a committee be appointed to select a site suitable for a new high school building and employ an architect, if this is deemed advisable by the committee, to prepare plans and estimates for such a building and to report at a subsequent town meeting concerning such sites, the estimated cost thereof and a sketch or outline of said building and the estimated cost of erecting and equipping it. Said committee shall con- sist of five persons to be appointed in the following manner, namely: one member of the school committee to be designated by the school committee, and four citizens of the town to be appointed by the mod- erator, and that the sum of $801.09 be appropriated by transfer from the Redington Street School account, to be used by the committee for the above mentioned purpose. Voted in the affirmative."
Committee Personnel
The moderator appointed the following committee: Henry S. Bald- win, Philip E. Bessom, H. Allen Durkee, Robert C. Mckay; George C. Thomas, School Committee.
At the first meeting of April 17, the committee organized with Henry S. Baldwin chairman and Robert C. McKay clerk.
Harold F. Dow, Superintendent of Schools; W. W. Pratt, Town Engineer; the architects, Messrs. Ralph Adams Cram, senior member, Chester N. Godfrey, Alexander E. Hoyle and Chester A. Brown, have attended several meetings, by invitation, in consulting capacity.
Transactions of Committee
Your committee has been diligent, holding numerous meetings and conferences throughout the year.
Locations of possible sites in the town have been visited by the committee as a whole and individually to become fully acquainted with their advantage or disadvantages for school purposes.
As no funds were available for the use of the original committee on the needs for a high school, it was decided from the outset to be within the scope of the duties of the present committee to review the situation along the same lines as the proposed new high school. When the architects, Cram & Ferguson, were selected, they were requested to make a study of the present Phillips School and submit drawings, including an elevation and floor plans and to obtain bids for the work. This they agreed to do without extra charge to the town and the subject will be fully discussed in the present report.
Study of Locations
In considering the question of location for a high school building, your committee has made a survey of all plots of land in the town which might be considered suitable or available. This included the site of the Phillips High School. There are five of these locations, and they have been studied in parallel column. They are:
Plan 1. Phillips School.
Plan 2. Phillips Park.
Plan 3. Adjacent Phillips Park.
Plan 4. Forest Avenue.
Plan 5. Griffin Lot.
-
PROPOSED HIGH SCHOOL
Cram & Ferguson, Architects
105
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1929]
The advantages and disadvantages of each plan or lot were weighed. The factors considered were accessibility for students; the possibility of future extension; public appeal to persons passing through the town; economy of maintenance, heating and ventilation; adequate parking space near the building; availability of an athletic field; loss of taxable property; cost of location and the like.
This study resulted in the unanimous decision of the committee in favor of Plan No. 2, in which the school would be located about 100 feet back and parallel to Humphrey street. Ralph Adams Cram and his assistants concurred on this location as best suited for a new high school plant.
This land is the property of the town, and it will be necessary to obtain an act of Legislature to use it for school purposes.
Much development has been done by the Park Board since it was purchased by the town in 1913, and very little preparation would be necessary either for the erection of the building or the athletic field.
From information available, it is clear that the school could be built at this point for the least expenditure, and without loss of taxable land or buildings. The large auditorium, with seating capacity of more than seven hundred, would be of great value to the town, not only for high school purposes, but also for meetings of citizens and community gatherings.
Being on a main artery, it can easily be reached by street railway cars, buses or automobiles.
Before arriving at this decision, the architects were asked to co- operate in the preparation of scale layout drawings of the five locations, which they did without extra charge to the town. These drawings showed not only the building in each case, but also the athletic field and all important details. Information regarding the value of the sev- eral locations and buildings thereon was obtained from the records of the Assessors' department.
Specifications
In June and July joint meetings were held with the members of the school committee and school superintendent to draw final specifica- tions of building requirements for use of the architects. The schedule covering the number and size of the rooms, as reported by the original committee, with minor changes, was unanimously adopted and sub- mitted as follows:
No. of Rooms
Capacity or size
Gymnasium
1
66×88
Library
1
50
Study halls
2
50 each
Auditorium
1
600 to 750
Shops
2
24 each
Cooking and sewing
2
24 each
Drawing:
Mechanical
1
30
Freehand
1
30
Science
5
2, 30 each
Bookkeeping
1
35
Typewriting
2
25 each
Shorthand
1
30
Foreign language
3
30 each
Mathematics
2
35 each
Social studies (History, civics)
2
35 each
English
4
35 each
Others
2
35 each
Administration
2
Rest rooms
3
.
Lunch
1 300
3, 24 each
106
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The proposed high school shall accommodate from 500 to 600 students, with provision for future additions sufficient for the normal increase of the population of the town.
It was decided to recommend colonial style of architecture, with red brick and limestone trim, as being in keeping with the spirit and atmosphere of our New England community.
It was also specified that the construction shall be fire-proof and in accordance with the State building regulations.
The interior trim shall be of wood, with linoleum floor covering in general.
Ample gymnasium lockers and showers for 500 to 600 students shall be provided.
There shall be separate toilets for boys and girls on each floor, and also for rest and emergency rooms and administrative departments.
There shall be supply rooms on each floor.
The system of heating and ventilation is to be decided by the architects, with the approval of the committee.
It was the unanimous sense of both joint sessions that the proposed high school shall be of the most modern and up-to-date construction throughout and conform to the latest educational requirements. Also, that every provision shall be made for comfort, hygiene and sanitation.
Selection of Architect
In the erection of major public buildings by far the most important factor is the selection of the architect. There are many other factors, such as location of the plant, educational problems, furniture and fittings, facilities for athletics and convenience of the public, all of which can be readily and economically worked out by a diligent committee with the assistance of an architect of wide experience.
Many applications were received from well known architects and given careful consideration. The firm which seemed to your committee to combine experience, qualifications and fitness was Cram & Ferguson, of 248 Boylston street, Boston, Mass. Furthermore, Chester A. Brown, a citizen of Swampscott, is associated with Mr. Cram. This firm has a world-wide reputation for buildings of the most important character for educational and public purposes. The selection was made at the meeting of July 25, and since then the architects have rendered most valuable assistance, not only in the design and planning of the high school itself, but also in the study of various locations. They have also prepared drawings and plans showing what could be done around the present Phillips High School to meet the educational requirements as set forth in the specifications.
Although the amount requested by the committee was reduced from $2,000 to $801.90, the architects agreed to the extra work involved in the Phillips School study and locations without charge. They also agreed to obtain preliminary bids on both the new school and on the reconstruction and addition which might be made to the Phillips school.
All of their work has been completed in the most thorough and satisfactory manner and the sum of $800.00 has been paid. If the town decides to go ahead with this proposition, your committee strongly recommends that the firm of Cram & Ferguson be entrusted with the entire enterprise. In their acceptance of the commission, they agreed that any amount paid for the preliminary plans would be credited on the final bill.
Description of School
Titles of pictures : Front elevation of proposed high school.
Plan of basement. Plan of first floor.
Plan of second floor.
AUTO PARKING
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PLAN NO. 2-PHILLIPS PARK LOCATION
107
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1929]
The accompanying illustrations made from architects' drawings and plans, give a good idea of the form and style of the proposed new high school, together with the arrangement of rooms on each floor.
The style of the architecture of the school is New England colonial, and in keeping with the spirit of the community.
The school is of two stories, with basement, and is first-class, fire- proof construction throughout.
The material of the walls is red brick, with limestone ornamenta- tion; the lantern or bell tower and cornice are of wood.
There are two floors above the basement, and the arrangement of each is shown in the accompanying drawings.
The auditorium and the gallery give a seating capacity of between 600 and 750, and a fully-equipped stage is provided, suitable for any exercises of the school or public entertainments.
No attempt will be made to describe in detail the arrangement of the rooms for the various departments, but these have been made with the co-operation of the school committee, superintendent of schools and the architects with a view to providing every need of a modern educa- tional plant.
Citizens are urged to study these plans, and note the excellent arrangement which they represent.
The question of heating, ventilation and sanitation have been thor- oughly considered, and agree with the most modern practice.
A glance at these drawings will show the impossibility of attempt- ing to obtain equal results by the reconstruction of the old building.
Furniture and Equipment
In addition to the very complete information supplied by the architects covering the building and location, they also furnished a schedule of furniture and equipment, together with unit prices on each item. This was submitted to Superintendent of Schools Harold F. Dow, who studied them carefully and submitted a digest of the in- formation for the assistance of the committee. Mr. Dow also sat in a number of meetings, in consulting capacity on this subject.
Without going into detail here, the results may be stated as follows:
It is probable that some of the furniture in the present high school can be utilized to advantage.
The new furniture and equipment, including apparatus required for the various laboratories, domestic science, manual training, gymnasium, library and other departments, will cost approximately $30,000, and this amount has been included in the estimate of the cost of the school.
Athletic Field
It was unanimously agreed that a modern high school plant would not be complete without taking into account the subject of athletics. One of the strongest factors in education today is the esprit de corps of students, based on clean, competitive athletics. A healthy body and a healthy mind go together to produce the best citizen for the future. This viewpoint is being generally adopted throughout the country and wherever possible an athletic field forms part of all high school build- ing programs.
It was, accordingly, specified that the architects' plans shall include a layout of an athletic field with a one-quarter mile track, foot ball and base ball fields, also tennis courts and hockey rink; and that provision be made for bleachers so that interschool games and contests can be held.
It was also specified that there should be ample parking space, to take care of the normal school requirements, as well as of the public when community meetings are held in the auditorium or on the athletic field.
1
108
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Phillips High School
In carrying out the instructions of the town, to report on the loca- tion and cost of a new high school, your committee has reviewed the work of the original committee in regard to the possibility of recon- struction and addition to the present plant.
As stated elsewhere, the architects have co-operated in this work in the preparation of plans and preliminary bids from contractors, all of which has been thoroughly done without expense to the town, making any similar work unnecessary.
By reference to Page 225 of the Town Report of 1928, a statement will be found regarding the plant, which may be summarized as follows:
The location is sightly and was given to the town without restric- tion.
The original building was erected in 1893-'94, at a cost of about $54,000. In 1915 two wings and a gymnasium were added, with fire- proof stairways to the auditorium, at a cost of $61,500.
No question is raised as to the necessity for additional facilities and more modern conditions.
The committee on needs for a high school went as far into the problem as was possible without drawings and actual bids. Their findings have been confirmed by more complete information, which is now available.
The location is not a good one for a public school, not only on account of steep approaches from the lower part of the town, but owing to the limited space available for educational buildings. No adequate or satisfactory plan of building an addition on the present land could be worked out, without interfering with the present building.
In order to meet the specifications, a new plant would be necessary at one side, which would mean the taking of a large amount of property, buildings and land. Even if this were done no future additions would be possible, and an athletic field would be impossible. The question of cost of buildings on the various sites will be considered elsewhere, but it can be stated that the saving in money by the use of the old plant enlarged would amount to only a few thousand dollars and the advan- tages sought by the town not only for today but for the future, would be entirely lost, together with the destruction of six buildings and the loss of much taxable property.
The question of disposition of the present plant, in the event of a new high school, has been considered and it is felt that the building has more than paid for itself in the thirty-five years of continuous service. The erection of a new building should, therefore, not be made dependent on what shall be done with the old one.
Undoubtedly some use can be found for the present plant not involving its demolition. Various suggestions have been made for future grade school, community hospital or other public building re- quired by the town.
Costs
In estimating the cost, both of reconstruction of the Phillips School and the new high school, all data as to areas and assessed valuations were obtained from the official records of the town. The figures cover- ing construction are bids of reputable contractors, obtained by the architects, and based on drawings and specifications submitted. The estimate covering furniture and fittings was prepared in consultation with the superintendent of schools, on the basis of a schedule of prices obtained from the architects. The estimates as to extra excavation in Plans 1-3-4 are based on estimates of town engineer, W. W. Pratt. The architects' fee is based on the usual 6% on the cost of the general contract.
Considering taking of property, the town can offer only 25% in excess of assessed valuation. For the purpose of this comparison, how- ever, the committee has used 50%.
For the benefit and convenience of citizens in the consideration of this report, the following tabulation is given:
TABLE OF COSTS
SUBJECTS
Plan 1 Phillips School
1
Plan 2 Phillips Park
Plan 3 Adjacent Phillips Pk.
Plan 4 Forest Avenue
Plan 5 Griffin Lot
Area required for building in square feet
40,773
160,000
176,048
160,000
160,000
Area required for athletic field in square feet
Not possible
160,000
160,000
160,000
Assessed value of land ...
$7,350.00
$2,000.00
$6,720.00
160,000 $24,000.00
Assessed value of buildings on land.
$26,350.00
*$29,000.00
Estimated cost of school site
$50,550.00
$46,500.00
$10,080.00
$36,000.00
Estimated cost of athletic field.
$15,000.00
Estimated extra excavation
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
Bid for enlarging Phillips School.
$369,138.00
Bid for New School.
$437,000.00
$437,000.00
$437,000.00
$437,000.00
Estimated cost of furniture and fittings
$30,000.00
$30,000.00
$30,000.00
$30,000.00
$30,000.00
Total cost of land and school, including architects' fee
$452,437.00
$463,220.00
$520,320.00
$498,900.00
$499,220.00
Total cost, including athletic field and furniture.
$482,437.00
$493,220.00
$550,320.00
$528,900.00
$529,220.00
---------
---
---
* Estimated.
1929]
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
109
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110
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
In considering the different locations and the estimated cost of the school, it must be kept in mind that other features, from an educational, economic and maintenance standpoint, are equally important and in some cases more important.
Taking the plans in order:
Plan No. 1, Phillips School
It appears that the cost of this undertaking would be within $11,000.00 of the cost of an entirely new plant, according to Plan No. 2.
The advisability of continuing the use of the Phillips School has been covered in a separate paragraph. In the opinion of your com- mittee, this plan would not be advisable for the town under the circum- stances.
Plan No. 2, Phillips Park
It is estimated that the cost of a school equipped, together with an athletic field on Phillips Park, would cost $493,220. This is the lowest estimate of the four new locations considered.
The advantages of this site have been discussed elsewhere in this report.
No taxable property need be condemned, nor would there be any loss in taxable property, in the matter of future development if the park location is adopted.
It must also be kept in mind that the park is practically ready for work, which could be carried on economically and without interference with the operation of the present school.
Both the architects and competent engineers, who have been con- sulted, concur with the committee in the opinion that the building can be erected at this point without difficulty as to foundation.
Plan No. 3, Adjacent to Phillips Park
This plan was first considered by your committee early in the year, but since then the land has been improved and a number of dwellings are now being, erected. To condemn these would be an expensive matter, as will be seen from the estimate covering the total cost.
Under the conditions, this plan was abandoned by the committee.
Plan 4, Forest Avenue
This plan was seriously considered, but it appears that the cost will be much higher than Plan No. 2, and the location not suitable for a new school plant.
This site is almost wholly ledge, and the expense of the building and an athletic field would be very great.
Plan No. 5, Griffin Lot
The land on this location is of high value, so that the total esti- mated cost with the building would be much higher than that for Plan No. 2. This is without considering an athletic field as a part of the plant, but depending on the use of Phillips Park.
Your committee is of the opinion that this location would not lend itself to the most advantageous development from the standpoint of taxable property.
Based on these considerations your committee, as stated, decided to recommend Plan No. 2, which with school and athletic field, it is estimated, will cost the town $493,220.
Effect on Tax Rate
Your committee has given careful consideration to the question of effect of a new high school building on the tax rate. From the pre- liminary bids and a study of the cost of furniture, fittings and location, it appears that the total cost of the enterprise to the town will be about $500,000.
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111
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1929]
We are informed by the Bureau of Corporations that money for high schools in the Commonwealth is being borrowed by special Act of Legislature, for fifteen year periods, with ten per cent. of the total cost paid from the tax levy the first year. With a total valuation for the town of $22,394,762, it is necessary to raise by taxation approxi- mately $22,395 for every $1,000 of taxable property. On this basis were no other reductions or economies made, the additional tax on account of high school for the first year would be about $2.23 per thousand, or an average of $1.77 per thousand throughout the entire period of fifteen years.
Under present business conditions, it is particularly desirable to proceed with the erection of important public buildings, and not only President Hoover and his committees, but all business and industrial agencies are urging that work be done at this time to give employment and thus tide the country over the critical financial period.
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