USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1931 > Part 13
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The abuse of the appropriating power and the rash spending of money is, and has been, for a number of years, a subject for news editorials and papers read before assessors' and tax officials' conventions, the purpose being to educate the voters and bring the facts home to the real owners of taxable property, who in the last analysis pay the cost of government. Our real estate valuation as of 1930 was $22,239,452 and our debt $714,550, exclusive of water debt, which is 3.21 per cent. of the valuation. The amount allowed by law is 3 per cent. and 5 per cent. is usually the maximum amount considered by legislative com- mittees. The amount of principal and interest payable upon this debt in 1931 was $103,080.25, being 12.8 per cent. of the total appropriation of the town. The amount payable due to State and County assess- ments was $106,614.58 being 13.3 per cent. of the total appropriation. Combined these equal 25 per cent.
The success of the assessors' findings is dependable on the ma- chinery with which it has to work. Our records compare favorably with other towns of similar population and valuation. Our books, cards and maps are in excellent shape and enable one to easily ascertain whatever information is wanted. This is often commented upon by officials del- egated to visit and inspect our office as well as by visiting committees who are investigating assessing problems, as well as the engineering department. We feel, however, that our records relative to buildings are not what they should be, and last year we called this to the town's attention.
Swampscott's growth during the last ten years has been on an accelerated scale. Due to economic conditions, we will, in all probability for the next few years not show the same growth. While the assessed value of new buildings has been placed as of the year of construction. we do not find the town as a whole over assessed, and are therefore in good condition to meet any new values without lowering the aggre- gate value. We do believe, however, that there is room for more equal- ization and last year we reported that the Assessors would with data on hand revalue all lands in town with the hope that it will be placed upon the books as of April 1st. 1932. This is now being done and the system used is a modification of the Cambridge system to suit our needs. The assessed value of the land is dependable upon its depth, taking
139
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
1931]
into consideration district values, which are being determined and the purpose for which the land is being used. The effect of this new study will result in an increase in land values.
The work involved in revaluation of the buildings, however, is a task that requires outside assistance. There are about four thousand buildings in town and each one will have to be properly examined, measured and the data placed on cards. The finance committee of last year did not see the value of having this work done and rendered a negative report, which was accepted by the town. We still think, how- ever, that the work should be done and this year ask for the appropria- tion of one thousand dollars that we might start collecting such infor- mation and gradually place our cards in shape so that when the whole work is completed, we might equalize the valuation on the buildings and place them all on the books at the same time. This work would be done under the supervision of the board of Assessors who would employ engineering assistance to do the necessary field work.
EDWARD A. MAXFIELD, CLARENCE B. HUMPHREY, JOHN B. EARP, Sec., Board of Assessors.
140
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Statistics of the Town of Swampscott, 1889 - 1931
ASSESSORS' VALUATION APRIL 1.
JANUARY 1.
Year.
Real Estate
Personal
Total Valuation
Rate Taxes Der $1,000
Year.
Debt
1931
$22,523,651
$1,168,246
$23,691,897
$25.50
1932
$534,500.00
1930
22,239,452
1,013,203
23,252,655
24.00
1931
538,700.00
1929
21,592,351
1.016,761
22,609,112
24.00
1930
502,600.00
1928
20,977,277
1,862.029
22,839,306
24.00
1929
259,600.00
1927
20,417,314
1,877,468
22,294,782
26.00
1928
296,800.00
1926
19,584,208
1,648,254
21,232,462
28.00
1927
338,000.00
1925
17,870,147
1,643,644
19,513,791
26.00
1926
345,200.00
1924
17,088,098
1,546,498
18,634,596
25.00
1925
246,900.00
1923
16,157,425
1,526,754
17,684,179
26.00
1924
291,900.00
1922
15,321,512
1,414,422
16,735,934
25.00
1923
343,900.00
1921
14,226,510
1,391,298
15,617,808
24.00
1922
341,500.00
1920
14,007,916
1,316,938
15,324,854
23.00
1921
344,100.00
1919
12,771,170
1,179,422
13,950,592
20.00
1920
236,600.00
1918
12,619,556
1,110,776
13,730,332
20.00
1919
251,750.00
1916
11,532,432
4,928,181
16,460,513
20.00
1917
330,800.00
1915
10,810,305
5,028,193
15,838,498
17.80
1916
363,900.00
1914
10,508,225
3,531,119
14,039,344
16.80
1915
344,100.00
1912
9,413,525
2,974,381
12,387,906
16.00
1913
276,600.00
1911
9,050,850
2,771,167
11,822,017
15.00
1912
273,150.00
1910
8,489,200
2,698,340
11,187,540
15.00
1911
194,639.00
1909
7,675,905
2,450,021
10,125,926
16.00
1910
184,295.00
1908
7,312,165
2,680,490
9,992,655
16.00
1909
191.295.00
1907
7,099,090
2,317,468
9,317,468
14.50
1908
176,420.00
.906
6,303,625
2,093.820
8.397,445
14.50
1907
167,320.00
1905
6,030,185
2,117,442
8,147,627
14.50
1906
151,320.00
1901
5.489,121
2,206,172
7,695,293
12.90
1905
110,020.00
1903
5,135,124
1,286,981
6,422,105
11.50
1904
114,770.00
1902
4,762,665
1,744,874
6,507,539
12.00
1903
75,270.00
1901
4,668,985
1.598,745
6,267,730
12.00
1902
70,600.00
1900
4,446,900
1,138,275
5,585,175
11.00
1901
68,100.00
1899
4,200,175
1,199,045
5,399,220
11.50
1900
64,300.00
1898
4,135,582
1,318,591
5,454,173
14.00
1899
59,000.00
1897
3,997,975
1,304,163
5,302,138
12.00
1898
71,000.00
1896
3,896,059
1,245,245
5,141,304
12.00
1897
78,250.00
1895
3,756,900
1,444,947
5,201,847
12.00
1896
84,500.00
1894
3,619,525
1,529,675
5,149,200
11.00
1895
66,333.30
1893
3,439.975
1,649,953
5,989,928
11.00
1894
71,166.66
1892
3,271,279
1,504,170
4,775,449
10.00
1893
37.499.90
1891
3,122,350
1,771,373
4,893,723
10.00
1892
+2,333.36
1890
3,001,550
1,857,777
4,859,327
10.00
1891
48,666.66
1889
2,585,431
1,453,301
4,038,732
8.40
1890
52,500.00
1917
12,141,321
1,000,682
13,142,300
20.00
1918
312,000.00
1913
10,028,325
3,174,590
13,202,915
16.40
1914
293,500.00
Net
Property
1931]
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
RELATIVE STATISTICS CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND VALUATIONS Compiled by Board of Assessors-E. A. Maxfield, C. B. Humphrey, J. B. Earp
Liabilities
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
Overdraft previous year
$0.00
$3,117.83
$1,023.68
$346.58
$3,597.36
$11,082.60
General government
26,821.75
27,102.00
34,103.50
35,928.50
40,721.30
37,231.00
Protection life and property
95,905.89
96,845.00
97,376.00
94,772.42
110,639.29
102,933.30
Health and Sanitation
39,695.75
43,433.00
39,817.00
50,841.00
53,209.88
49,534.06
Highways and bridges
140,249.27
132,152.63
111,997.17
131,079.00
144,772.00
106,190.27
Charities and soldiers' relief
19,301.15
23,405.10
22,704.11
24,252.88
28,651.57
39,038.00
Education
163,192.35
155,270.00
158,115.00
173,362.50
184,952.35
196,250.00
Libraries
5,200.00
6,000.00
6,300.00
7,500.00
18,025.00
11,000.00
Recreation
8,750.00
7,500.00
8,000.00
8,500.00
8,825.00
12,342.75
Cemeteries
3,415.00
6,290.00
4,700.00
4,843.97
4,678.00
11,757.55
Unclassified
10,318.60
12,821.67
10,317.39
8,593.30
7,346.77
6,687.00
Maturing debt
59,050.00
57,050.00
52,873.40
50,456.25
61,293.45
68,200.00
Maturing debt interest
33,405.75
32,724.25
30,265.25
28,976.25
38,231.25
34,880.25
State tax
31,200.00
31,200.00
28,475.00
28,305.00
23,310.00
24,975.00
State assessments
18,975.56
17,949.39
19,819.58
20.525.82
24,019.25
25,054.41
County tax
27,686.96
30,886.93
39,934.48
42,960.32
41,139.35
40,856.68
County assessments
10,213.18
10,265.55
10,169.70
16,459.82
15,003.53
15,728.49
Overlay
3,000.00
4,500.00
6,000.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
4,500.00
Totals
$696,381.27
$698,513.35
$681,991.26
$731,703.61
$812,415.35
$798,241.36
Above figures represent moneys appropriated at Town Meetings.
141
142
TO BE RAISED BY RECEIPTS AND TAXES ON PROPERTY
Assets
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
Estimated receipts
$91,755.83
$79,409.17
$90,242.47
$130,304.22
$183,467.62
$174,640.97
Transfers
4,556.51
33,717.83
37,525.44
52,672.70
64,732.04
10,000.00
Poll taxes
5,560.00
5,722.00
6,080.00
6,108.00
6,152.00
*9,457.00
Property taxes
594,508.93
579,664.35
548,143.34
542,618.69
558,063.69
604,143.39
Totals
$696,381.27
$698,513.35
$681,991.26
$731,703.61
$812,415.35
$798,241.36
APPROPRIATIONS FOR WATER DEPARTMENT OR MONEY RAISED ON BOND ISSUES NOT INCLUDED IN ABOVE FIGURES
Amounts bonded
$36,000.00
$0.00
$25,000.00
$50,000.00
Value of buildings
12,798,637.00
13,533,567.00
14,200,731.00
$253,700.00 14,579,621.00 7,012,730.00
$88,000.00 15,178,236.00
15,444,237.00
Value of land
6,785,571.00
6,883,747.00
6,974,546.00
7,061,216.00
7,079,414.00
Value of personal property
1,648,254.00
1,877,468.00
1,862,029.00 22,839,306.00
1,016,761.00 22,609,112.00
23,252,655.00
23,691,897.00
Tax rate
28.00
26.00
24.00
24.00
24.00
25.50
Polls
2,757
2,861
3,040
3,054
3,067
3,147
Population, 10,328.
*Includes Old Age Assistance Tax.
[Dec. 31
TOWN DOCUMENTS
1,013,203.00
1,168,246.00
Total valuations
21,232,462.00
22,294,782.00
143
WATER AND SEWERAGE COMMISSIONERS
1931]
Water and Sewerage Commissioners
WATER DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
We submit herewith our annual report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1931:
Water mains have been laid in all streets voted by the town excepting Duke street and Allen road which have not as yet been completed as required before pipes can be laid.
Mains in several streets should be relaid in 1932, and we will place articles in the Warrant covering same for action by the town.
Extension of mains (with cost) including gates and hydrants, etc .: Hampshire, street and Worcester avenue,
329 ft. 6 in. C. I. pipe
$1,021.25
Commonwealth avenue
140 ft. 6 in. C. I. pipe
265.89
Nason road
168 ft. 6 in. C. I. pipe
330.16
Replacement of Main :
State road
315 ft. 2 in. C. I. pipe
224.43
Ingalls terrace
288 ft. 4 in. C. I. pipe
480.80
Gates :
592
In use, December 31, 1930 Added
3
Total December 31, 1931 Hydrants :
279
In use December 31, 1930 Added
36
Abandoned
4
32
Total in use December 31, 1931 Meters :
2,705
Total cost to December 31, 1930
$31,521.44
Purchased during year, 75
971.02
Total cost to December 31, 1931
$32,492.46
Table of Distributing Pipe in Feet December 31, 1931
Wrought Iron
Cast Iron
Cement Lined
Kalemin
Total
11/4 inch
303
303
2
9,190
1,468
10,658
4
"
6,335
1,031
7,366
6
114,665
1,861
116,526
8
7,375
7,375
10
21,800
21.800
12
6,714
6,714
14
"
3,721
3,721
9,190
160,610
3,712
1,031
174,543
11/2
80
80
"
"
„,
Total December 31, 1931 Services :
595
2,673
144
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Water Debt
Bonds and notes incurred to December 31, 1931
Bonds and notes paid to December 31, 1931
$368,300.00 305,300.00
Net debt
Decrease during year
Bonds and notes due 1932
$63,000.00 $8,000.00 8,000.00
Inventory of Property, Water Department December 31, 1931
Water mains and stand pipe
$199,642.90
Land on Pine street
2,000.00
Brick building, Pine street
2,000.00
Workshop and garage
2,500.00
Two auto trucks
600.00
Office furniture
800.00
Meters and parts
32,492.46
Stock on hand
5,000.00
$245,035.36
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, HAROLD ENHOLM, CHARLES E. HODGDON, Water and Sewerage Commissioners.
SEWER DEPARTMENT
All sewers authorized by the town have been completed and all houses have been connected with these sewers when laid.
We do not believe there is any urgent need of any sewers to be laid this year, and so do not recommend any.
Sewer Maintenance
Appropriation
Expended
$9,475.00 9,368.93
Balance
$106.07
Particular Sewers
Appropriation
$500.00
Expended
77.97
Balance
$422.03
Construction Details
Section "A." Contractor Menici Construction Co.
271 lin. ft. 10 in. vit. pipe
@ $1.46
$395.66
129 lin. ft. 10 in. C. I. pipe
@
.89
114.81
1683 lin. ft. 8 in. vit. pipe
a
1.20
2,019.60
280 lin. ft. 5 in. vit. pipe
@
.85
238.00
589 cu. yds. rock excavation
@
4.00
2.356.00
14 manholes
58.00
812.00
Extra work:
881/2 hours labor
@
.75
$66.38
2 hours compressor
@
5.00
10.00
352 cu. yds. gravel
@
1.50
528.00
177 cu. yds. excavation
@
.75
132.75
$737.13
110.57
Plus 15%
847.70
1931]
WATER AND SEWERAGE COMMISSIONERS
145
$23.10
Blueprints
3.00
Inspection
470.00
Manhole rings and covers
207.59
Water department
318.56
Police
11.25
Sewer pans
16.80
Teaming
15.00
$7,849.07
Section "B" including "B" Part 2. Contractors: Falino & Videtto Co., Mogavero Merrill Co.
195 lin. ft. 12 in. vit. pipe
@
$ .50
$97.50
271 lin. ft. 10 in. vit. pipe
@
1.00
271.00
2145 lin. ft. 8 in. vit. pipe
@ 1.20
2,574.00
436 lin. ft. 5 in. vit. pipe
@
.90
392.40
1215 cu. yds. rock excavation
@
4.00
4,860.00
26 manholes
@
50.00
1,300.00
Extra work:
681 hours labor
@
.75
$510.75
3 hours, mason
@
1.25
3.75
5 hours, truck
@
2.00
10.00
38 cu. yds. loam
@
2.50
95.00
6 cu. yds. screen loam
@
4.00
24.00
1066 cu. yds. gravel
@
2.00
2,132.00
4 bags cement Fence
a
.75
3.00
5.00
$2,783.50
Plus 15%
417.53
3,201.03
575 lin. ft. 10 in. vit. pipe
@
1.60
920.00
1967 lin ft. 8 in. vit. pipe
@
1.40
2,753.80
998 lin. ft. 5 in .. vit. pipe
@
.80
798.40
1583 cu. yds. rock excavation 15 manholes
@
58.00
870.00
Extra work:
1831/2 hours, labor
a
.75
$137.63
17
hours, mason
@
1.25
21.25
4
hours, truck
@
2.00
8.00
13
hours, compressor
@
5.00
65.00
166
cu. yds. gravel
@
2.00
332.00
Cement, sand, brick, etc.
18.72
1
8 in. 14 band
1.50
$584.10
Plus 15%
87.62
671.72
Advertising
34.30
Blue prints
14.20
Inspection
1,352.50
Water Department
802.34
E. C. G. Co.
4.35
Sewer pans
53.20
Hume Pipe Co.
13.64
F. Prideaux
21.00
Teaming
45.00
J. J. H. Gregory
6.25
Buist & Libby
2.52
Typewriting
5.00
Manhole rings and 7 covers
586.91
$28,853.71
@
4.55
7,202.65
Advertising
146
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Section "C." Contractor, Corso Mattera Co.
944 lin. ft. 8 in. vit. pipe
@
$1.75
$1,652.00
413 lin. ft. 6 in. vit. pipe
@
1.10
454.30
495 lin. ft. 5 in. vit. pipe
@ 1.00
495.00
688.5 cu. yds. rock excavation
@
3.00
2,065.50
10 manholes
@
36.00
360.00
Extra work:
254 hours labor
@
.75
$190.50
10 hours, foreman
@
1.25
12.50
9 hours, carpenter
@
1.25
11.25
1 hour, mason
@
1.25
1.25
9 hours, truck
@
2.00
18.00
4 hours, compressor
@
5.00
25.00
10 tons stone dust
@
2.00
20.00
400 gallons oil
@
.09
36.00
80 cu. yds. gravel Lumber
@
2.00
160.00
55.55
Plus 15%
79.51
609.56
Advertising
14.70
Blue prints
2.20
Inspection
515.00
Water Department
242.34
Sewer pans
14.20
Manhole rings and covers
114.35
Teaming
15.00
$6,554.15
Section "D." Contractor: Corso Mattera Co.
325 lin. ft. 8 in. vit. pipe
@
$1.70
$552.50
150 lin. ft. 5 in. vit. pipe
@
.70
98.00
126 cu. yds. rock excavation
@
3.35
422.10
2 manholes
@
35.00
70.00
Extra work:
15 hours labor
@
.75
$11.25
4 bags cement
@
.75
3.00
5 cu. yds. gravel
@
1.00
5.00
$19.25
Plus 15%
2.89
22.14
Advertising
12.60
Sewer pans
2.80
Manhole rings and 7 covers
25.16
$1,205.30
Atlantic Road Culvert. Contractor: Mogavero-Merrill Co.
70 lin. ft. 26 in. con. pipe @ $4.90
$343.00
36 lin. ft. 10 in. vit. pipe
@
.90
32.40
1 manhole
60.00
2 catch basins
@ 60.00
120.00
$530.05
147
Extra work:
4 lin. ft. 15 in. vit. pipe
@
1.80
$7.20
24 hours labor
a
.75
18.00
Plus 15%
3.78
28.98
Advertising Stonework Manhole rings and covers
11.40
33.00
36.63
$665.41
Muriel Road Drain. Contractor: P. J. McDermott
1002 lin. ft. 30 in. con. pipe
@
$4.20
$4,208.40
100 lin. ft. 10 in. vit. pipe
@
1.35
135.00
5 manholes
@
45.00
225.00
5 catch basins
@
50.00
250.00
Extra work:
26 lin. ft. 24 in. con. pipe
@
3.60
$129.60
16 lin. ft. 10 in. vit. pipe
@
1.25
20.00
2 bags cement
@
.75
1.50
Blacking
$4.50
35 hours labor
@
.75
26.25
4 hours, mason
@
1.25
5.00
$37.75
Plus 15%
5.36
41.11
Advertising
13.30
Blue prints
2.90
Inspection
220.00
Curbing
66.00
Manhole rings and covers
129.95
Water Department
27.99
Teaming
15.00
$5,485.75
Inventory of Property, Sewer Department December 31, 1931
Pumping station
$17,000.00
Pumping plant
12,500.00
Land
5,000.00
Office furniture
350.00
Tools and equipment
500.00
Truck and garage
500.00
$35,850.00
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, HAROLD G. ENHOLM, CHARLES E. HODGDON, Water and Sewerage Commissioners.
WATER AND SEWERAGE COMMISSIONERS
1931]
$25.20
151.10
148
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Care of Brooks
The Hawthorne Brook outfall has been completed and seems to be working very satisfactorily. The Muriel and Shelton road drains have also been completed, and relieves this section of a nuisance that has existed for some time and has been the cause of many complaints.
Construction of Hawthorne Brook Culvert. Contractor: Frank L. Burk Lump sum as per contract $3,790.00 Extra work:
5 pieces sheeting 4×10x12
@ $2.60
13.00
Driving sheeting
41.30
Labor and spikes
3.00
52 bolts
.50
20.80
16 hours labor
1.25
20.00
$98.10
Plus 15%
14.72
112.82
Advertising
10.45
Blue prints
2.00
Inspection
230.00
Tide gates
200.00
Manhole rings and covers
9.48
Vent. top
4.25
Lumber
.35
Carpenter labor
140.65
$4,500.00
Emergency Sewer $20.67
Carpenter labor
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, HAROLD G. ENHOLM, CHARLES E. HODGDON.
149
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1931]
School Committee-1931
George C. Thomas, Chairman
Br. 3667
Marion C. Miller, Secretary Br. 8813
Eleanor H. Ingelfinger
Br. 8790-R
Harry D. Linscott
Br. 2873
82 Millett road
Regular meeting, second Wednesday of each month Superintendent of Schools Frank L. Mansur 29 Andrew road
Telephone-Br. 2193
Office of Superintendent of Schools-Hadley School, Br. 2067 The office of the Superintendent of Schools is open on school days from 8:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m .; Saturdays from 9:00 a. m. to 12:00 m.
School Calendar-1932
Winter term begins
Monday, January 4
Winter term closes
Friday, February 19
Spring term begins
Monday, February 29
Spring term closes
Friday, April 15
Summer term opens
Monday, April 25
Summer term closes
Friday, June 17
High School Graduation
Friday, June 17
Fall term begins
Wednesday, September 7
Fall term closes
Friday, December 23
Report of the School Committee
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The School Committee submits herewith its annual report.
The town of Swampscott needs better high school facilities.
The Phillips School is neither adequate nor fit for present high school education.
School Committees have been pointing this out for a number of years past. The problem cannot be solved by a small expenditure of money. To attempt this would be wasteful.
In our opinion it is essential for the town either to commence the construction of a new high school on a new site, or else to make a substantial addition and alteration to the present building.
Either course will cost a considerable sum of money, which will affect the tax rate. No plan can be devised that may avoid this.
Various committees of the town, covering the past three years, have studied the question of a new school. The School Committee this year has considered, obtained advice and examined plans as to alteration and addition of the old school. The cost of doing this would be in the vicinity of $300,000. The cost of a new school would be at least $400,000.
If we continue the present building, remodeled and enlarged, as a high school, it will soon become essential to erect an additional elementary school in the vicinity between the Hadley School and the
15 Outlook road
73 Fuller avenue
5 Cliffside avenue
78 Greenwood avenue
Ralph Maxwell Br. 1818-M
150
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[ Dec. 31
Stanley school. Cheap land is diminishing. The Committee points out to the town the advisability of acquiring land in this neighborhood, with a view to using the same for an elementary school if not a high school, while real estate prices are still low.
Interest rates on bond issues, which were low in the spring and early summer of 1931, have since undergone a marked advance. It is unfortunate that the town did not see fit to appropriate money for a school last year. A considerable saving would have resulted. We hope the matter will not be further postponed until building prices also shall have advanced.
It is the Committee's purpose to place in the warrant for the annual meeting articles covering these questions.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE C. THOMAS, Chairman, . MARION C. MILLER, ELEANOR H. INGELFINGER, HARRY D. LINSCOTT, RALPH MAXWELL.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Members of the School Committee:
I submit herewith my first annual report as superintendent of the schools of Swampscott.
It is superfluous to enlarge in this report upon the need of a new high school building. The condition of the present building has been laid before the town on numerous occasions, with sufficient emphasis. It is sincerely to be hoped that definite action for a new building may come with the new year.
The heart of any school is reflected in morale. As a newcomer, but likewise as an observer basing judgment upon rather intimate contacts from the inside as well as the outside, it seems to me that our school is suffering in its morale from a consciousness of its own physical de- ficiencies, and I do not expect to find much change in that respect until something better is offered in the way of facilities. I find this feeling reflected in too little enthusiasm for school in its non-physical aspects on the part of the present student body, and in an apologetic attitude on the part of others whenever the school or school matters are men- tioned in public.
That is a deadening state of mind, and it is a difficult one to offset: for none of our pupils ever comes in contact with a school in another community without having the inadequacy of his own building staring him in the face. Furthermore, there is a tendency always to fail to distinguish between the inadequacy of the building and what takes place within it, with the result that feelings toward the one become the ac- cepted point of view towards the other in the minds of pupils and public alike. All too often, indeed, pupil attitude is a reflection of public at- titude.
I do not believe that an attitude of belittlenient is justified, if we apply it to the quality of teaching within the school. The work of the teachers within the classrooms is, in my judgment, above the average. So far as we go, we are doing work up to the best standards of the good comprehensive high schools. My criticism would be that we do not go far enough. We are not comprehensive in the accepted sense of the word, for circumstances in the form of no facilities prevent us from providing a type of education that would be satisfying to and suitable for about thirty per cent. of our student body. I refer to the non-academically minded pupil who does not care for. and profits little by, the Commercial Course, and who has no place in the College Preparatory Course.
151
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1931]
It is expecting more than is reasonable to hope that these pupils will be contented with what does not interest them or with what has no obvious function in their lives. Their lines of thought are concrete, not abstract. Many of them possess skills far beyond their more scholastically minded companions. They can think and work in terms of materials and are willing to do so, but they are lethargic towards, and even hostile to, efforts to force on them work the use of which they cannot readily see.
Nobody, I think, will argue that these pupils are not going to oc- cupy places in society. They will all have to bear their shares in civic relations, assume their family responsibilities, and determine the use they will make of their own leisure time. Unless we can hold their con- fidence, how can we expect to mould their thoughts in such matters? Leaders in later life will and do arise from such students. By the time they are ready to assume that leadership, should we not have pointed out what ethical leading is? Homes will be established by them. Should we not have guided them towards worthy home membership? Leisure will be available to them. Should we not have brought them in contact with the finer possibilities of enjoying themselves?
Under present circumstances we are workmen without tools. We lack workshops and laboratories both for boys and girls, a lunchroom, a usable stage and auditorium, freehand and mechanical drawing rooms, a library, and gymnasium facilities. This situation effects every pupil within the school. It is not an unknown situation for a school to be the center of much more than the intellectual activities of its pupils: and to have any worth while and lasting effect, it should be such. In- deed, this is the theory upon which some of the best of the private country day schools are organized. Our school fails in this respect from lack of opportunity.
Meanwhile, we argue at length on where to put a new school (which doesn't much matter) instead of how quickly we can get it.
Modern School Arithmetic
The subject of arithmetic has been the focus of attention for our teachers during the past year. A committee of eight spent the greater part of the year investigating the subject and selecting a text book that would satisfy the requirements of our course of study and at the same time meet several criticisms that had been directed against it. As a result we are now using, from grade three upward, the "Modern School Arithmetic," a book that is recognized as one of the leading texts of the day. Our course of study has been modified somewhat to advance pupils with greater rapidity in subject matter, retaining at the same time the stress that had been laid on accuracy at the expense of such an advance. The adjustment in these respects cannot be completed immediately. Indeed, it may be two years before the full effect of the modification can be felt.
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