USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Lenox > Town annual report of the town of Lenox, Massachusetts > Part 8
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29 Loretta Pero
Hairdresser
Tucker Street
G. E. Co.
Yokun Avenue
Business
Sunset Avenue
32 Albert C. Roux
Meter Reader
Maple Street
33 Jules J. Rollet
Carpenter
Lenox Dale
34 George I. Ryer
G. E. Co.
Kneeland Avenue
35 Harriet Sinacori
Housewife
Pittsfield Road
36 Milton Sample
Welder
East Street
37 Patrick J. Sullivan
Salesman
Lenox Dale
38 John R. Tormey
Papermaker
Lenox Dale
39 George P. Walsh
G. E. Co.
Tucker Street
40 Aline R. Woodger
Housewife
Yokun Avenue
John P. Borden Edward F. Mahanna
DRAWN IN 1956
Bartholomew G. Casey George H. Martin
Charles D. MacLean
New Lenox Road Church Street
2 George A. Armstrong
30 Walter H. Ramsay, Jr.
31 William D. Roche
G. E. Co.
New Lenox Road
Housewife
Schermerhorn Park
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
of the
Town of Lenox MASSACHUSETTS
For the Year Ending DECEMBER 31, 1956
118
.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE TOWN OF LENOX, MASSACHUSETTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1956
ORGANIZATION OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
David T. Dana, Jr., Chairman
Term expires 1957
Miss Iola Drumm, Secretary
Term expires 1958
James A. Quinn
Term expires 1957
Miss Helan M. Toole
Term expires 1958
Dennis Duffin
Term expires 1959
Philip C. Weissbrod
Term expires 1958
John Novo
Term expires 1959
Regular Meeting of Committee alternate Mondays
SUPERINTENDENT Hiram F. Battey Norwich University, B.S. Columbia University, M.A.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN Edward R. Messer, M.D., Tel. 70
SCHOOL NURSE Miss Nellie Morrison Tel. 351
No School Signal-Fire Alarm 22 7:30 A. M .- For All Day 11:45 A. M .- One session-Schools close at 1 P. M.
119
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The School Committee has spent considerable time in the past year on two problems that are becoming serious in all school systems; namely, the increasing difficulty of obtaining qualified teachers, and the shortage of classroom space.
The success and the quality of any school system is dependent on good teach- ers. We might have the best buildings and equipment in the world, but if the teaching is poor the equipment is worthless. Not only are our teachers underpaid in relation to other occupations, but the competition for teachers is becoming very keen. These two conditions and the quality of our school system necessitates a constant study and revaluation of the salary scale.
As you have read in the newspaper, our classrooms are now overcrowded, and new elementary school space is needed for the immediate future. We are watching the developments of the Regional School with interest. Its outcome is an impor- tant factor in our planning. Three plans have been proposed:
1. Build immediately an elementary school with six rooms and an all- purpose room. If the Regional idea fails permanently, this building would be planned for expansion to eleven rooms.
2. Join a Regional District and put grades five to eight in the High School building, with modernization of that building.
3. Do nothing and run double sessions in the present buildings.
In addition, considerable repair work should be done at Lenox Dale, and the High School building will have to be modernized. The boiler in the High School has seen forty-seven years' service, and replacement is recommended by the plumber and the boiler inspector. To assist us in our planning we are requesting the services of an architect to provide sketches and to estimate costs. We are also requesting the appointment of a Building Committee.
The School Committee has been especially pleased at the success of the "open house" for parents conducted by the teachers. The interest shown by all concerned is most encouraging and provides better understanding between pupil, teacher, and parent. We hope to have more of them.
The increasing cost of education causes us much concern, but we wish to report that our per pupil cost compares very favorably with other towns in Massa-
120
chusetts. For 1955 it was $267. There are thirteen towns in Berkshire County more expensive than Lenox, and this community ranks in the middle on percentage of total taxes being devoted to school support.
We wish to thank all the citizens for their interest in the schools; the other departments of the Town for their cooperation and especially the administration, the teaching staff, and the custodians for their continued devotion to the task at hand.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID T. DANA, JR., Chairman IOLA DRUMM, Secretary DENNIS J. DUFFIN JOHN T. NOVO JAMES A. QUINN
HELAN MAREE TOOLE
PHILIP C. WEISSBROD
121
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Lenox School Committee Lenox, Massachusetts
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is my pleasure to submit my twelfth annual report of the Public Schools. I shall discuss some problems which have become increasingly acute since my last report.
I. TEACHERS
Not too many years ago it became apparent that we were soon to face a shortage of teachers. We are now facing it, and before it gets much better it will be worse. The problem has been compounded by small numbers seeking the education field as a profession, competition among schools for teaching services, and greater financial opportunities offered in the business world. So keen is the competition for teachers that Senior class students in our training institutions are being given teaching contracts in October of their Senior year. The eleventh annual report of Northwestern University points out that 1957 college graduates may expect starting salaries from $4500 to $5000 in engineering, accounting, selling, and other business fields. Many school systems are expanding their staffs, thus increasing the demand for teaching services. All this is a concrete example of the law of supply and demand. The corollary is that increased cost results, and, generally speaking, the higher salary draws the greater supply. A contemporary Superin- tendent now paying teachers on a salary schedule ranging to $9,000 recently said, "If I had a salary schedule from five to fifteen thousand dollars I could get the best teachers."
It has been most encouraging to note the action of your Committee in provid- ing a salary schedule to enhance our position in the competitive recruitment of teachers. I doubt, however, that the condition will become any less serious in the near future, and, depending upon the competition we experience, it may be necessary to take further steps in this direction.
The past year has brought the following changes in our staff-
Miss Maude Baker, retired
Mrs. Walter Lahart, employed
Mrs. Walter Lahart, leave of absence
Miss Kathryn O'Leary, employed
Miss Eleanor Murtha, retired
Miss Elaine DelGallo, employed
Mrs. John Pignatelli, resigned
Mrs. Fred Holmes, returned from leave of absence
Mr. Thomas Regan, resigned
Mrs. Frederick Turner, Jr., employed
122
II. FINANCE
This has been and is a big and troublesome question. With increased enroll- ments and spiralling unit costs the problem is complicated by the restricted source of revenue, namely, real estate taxes. Historically we have assigned public educa- tion to the State, but the towns have to provide and pay for the services. There is a recognized need for aid. Should it be State or Federal? If the education of the young is important to the community, State and Nation, why should it not be a triple partnership and supported from three sources?
The answer is confused by the fear of outside control. However, few instances of outside control can be found in the cases of present aid programs. Where it is found it tends to higher standards which are beneficial. The future of the next generation may demand that we use more of our national wealth for education. When the electorate convinces our leaders that education is as important as super- highways the necessary aid will be available.
III. PUBLIC RELATIONS
Our public relations continue to be excellent. They are reflected in the morale of the staff; testimony of parents; cooperation of local organizations, particularly the Parent-Teacher Association; and pupil morale. A concrete example was our program of parent-teacher conferences held in November. The parental response, cooperation and enthusiasm was beyond expectation; the teachers likewise valued the conferences highly We shall continue to provide this public relations feature on a semi-annual basis.
IV. EVENING CLASSES
There has been an increase in evening classes until we are now handling three sewing classes, one typewriting class, and one shorthand class. The sewing classes are aided financially by the State and Federal funds.
The membership is as follows:
Subject
Number in Class
Instructor
Sewing
15
Mrs. Harold Jost
Sewing
14
Mrs. Edward Burke
Sewing
. 16
Mrs. Edward Burke
Typewriting
20
Miss Jane Fuller
Shorthand
15
Miss Jane Fuller
In addition to the above Miss Fuller is conducting an afternoon class in type- writing for local teachers.
123
V. HIGH SCHOOL
The past four High School graduating classes have twenty-seven High School graduate members attending the following higher institutions:
Cornell
1
University of Massachusetts
2
State Teachers' College
1
Regis College 1
Boston Museum School of Art
1
Norwich University
1
Indiana Technical College
1
Green Mountain Junior College
1
University of Connecticut
1
Boston College
1
Springfield College
1
Bryant College
1
Western Maryland College
1
Lady of the Elms College
2
University of New Hampshire
1
Stetson University
1
Southern Seminary Junior College
1
Peter Bent Brigham Hospital
1
St. Luke's Hospital
5
Pittsfield General Hospital
1
Bishop Memorial Training School
1
Other graduates of these classes are currently holding responsible positions at the following:
Registry of Deeds
General Electric Company
Berkshire Life Insurance Company
Western Massachusetts Electric Company
Petricca Construction Company
New England Telephone and Telegraph Company
Massachusetts Department of Public Works
We have many testimonials from their employers as to their abilities and efficiency.
VI. MERIT RATINGS OF TEACHERS
We have heard considerable discussion of late concerning this topic and we find partisans on both sides. Although few of the proponents admit it, their posi- tion has undoubtedly been promoted by the rise in teaching salaries. They voice
124
no direct objection to this increase, but by proposing merit rating there is an in- ference for the teacher that the salary has reached the approximate point where the teacher should establish merit of further increase. There seems to be a fallacy here when we evaluate the purchasing power of the inflated salary in an inflationary period. Simple arithmetic indicates that a $4000 salary with a sixty cent dollar affords the teacher an increase in purchasing power of $400 over her salary of $2000 with a hundred percent dollar.
Merit rating is valid in principle. There are many sound arguments for it in many instances. A worker who turns out an increased volume of product over his co-worker has established merit as a worker and loses incentive if it is not recog- nized. A truck driver who establishes a record for safe driving has earned merit. Other examples can be cited. They are objective in nature, easily established and plainly recognized.
When we come to the establishment of merit in teaching we are in a field of subjective rather than objective ratings. Hence, the definite unquestioned, valid, universally accepted conclusions are less definitely established. The merit system has been tried and discarded in various places. In others the administrations admit that they are pioneering, revising programs, correcting mistakes, and making no claims of having anything superior.
It is my conviction that establishment of merit rating calls for more study, data, and experimentation before any general program is possible. Especially de- serving of study is the impact of merit rating on teacher, child, and community. Furthermore, any such program imposed by Committee or Administration would hold more promise of failure than success. It is not conceivable that merit rating would accomplish anything but to impair the morale of the staff, unless the teach- ers first accepted the plan.
We may come to accept some form of merit rating eventually. Until salaries can be established commensurate with requirements for qualification as a teacher, commensurate with the demands on today's teacher, and commensurate with sal- aries available to the prospective teacher in other fields, it appears to me that the slow, evaluated approach is the safer. In the meantime merit might be accorded a teacher for devoting her or his life to teaching.
VII. LUNCH PROGRAM
The Cafeteria program operates through the winter months from November to April. Students pay twenty-five cents and the Federal Government subsidizes nine cents for each serving. We are operating under a cumbersome and wasteful procedure, as all food is prepared in the High School and lunches are transported to the Lenox Dale School, while Center School students go to the High School. Milk is also served throughout the school year at recess and noon at three cents per half pint.
125
The following summarizes the activity for 1956, and is testimony of the staff's efficiency under conditions far from ideal.
Cash balance January 1, 1956
$ 384.43
Sales-milk and lunches
$4,878.38
U.S.D.A. reimbursements
2,622.14
Appropriation
800.00
$8,300.52
$8,684.95
Expenditures
Food and supplies
$5,126.66
Labor
2,367.00
Other
107.53
$7,601.19
Balance, January 1, 1957
$1.083.76
Number of lunches served
16,200
Number additional milk served
30,086
Average daily lunches served
169
Average additional daily milk served
167
(Money, other than appropriation, deposited with Town Treasurer)
VIII. ATHLETIC ACCOUNT
Athletic monies are deposited with the Town Treasurer and expenditures controlled by the Committee. An accounting for the year follows:
Balance, January 1, 1956
$ 27.99
Receipts:
Season tickets
$ 10.00
Games, Pittsfield
32.60
Mt. Everett
73.75
Searles
202.20
Lee
232.40
Williamstown
20.70
Chester
36.05
Williams
336.00
Adams
486.50
Windsor Mountain
76.80
1,507.00
$1,534.99
126
Expenditures:
Janitors
$ 41.25
Officials
431.00
Police
46.00
Cleaning of uniforms
164.70
Equipment
480.16
Miscellaneous
136.81
$1,299.92
Balance, January 1, 1957
$235.07
IX. HIGH SCHOOL CLASS FUNDS
We have transferred the accounting of the High School Student Fund from the Superintendent's Office to the students of the bookkeeping classes under the direction of Miss Read. The students gain practical experience of banking deposits, writing checks, reconciling the check book, bank statements, trial balances, and monthly reports to the Principal and Superintendent. The following shows the balances on January 1, 1957.
Class of 1957
$573.22
Class of 1958
694.50
Class of 1959
138.76
Class of 1960
177.04
Class of 1961
41.10
Class of 1962
54.00
Locker Fund
61.19
Girls' Athletics
8.05
Xonel
75.60
Music Fund
65.45
Senior Year Book
400.00
Total
$2,288.91
127
x. THRIFT PROGRAM
In the absence of a student banking program we conduct a weekly defense stamp sale for teaching thrift. The following shows the results for the school year ending in June 1956.
CENTER SCHOOL
LENOX DALE
Grade la
$195.85
Grade 1
$171.80
1b
181.10
2
316.50
2
279.65
3
304.30
3
354.55
4
244.50
4
373.10
5
195.80
6a
154.90
HIGH SCHOOL
6b
87.05
Grades 7-12
$306.75
GRAND TOTAL $3,255.85
Before closing this report I wish to express testimony to the service and loyalty of James O'Brien whose untimely passing removed a conscientious worker from our midst. Known to all as "Jimmie" his personality is keenly missed.
CONCLUSION
The past year has brought demands on your Committee members for addi- tional time and study dealing with plans for the future. I would like to have it in the record that no electorate receives more conscientious, devoted service at personal sacrifice than is given by your group and the Regional School Planning Committee.
This office has likewise been burdened, but the load is lightened by the good spirit permeating the discussions in Committee meetings, and the cooperation of a loyal staff. Whatever has been accomplished has been aided by their loyalty, cooperation and morale.
Respectfully submitted,
HIRAM F. BATTEY, Superintendent.
128
1956 LENOX SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES 1957 BUDGET
Expenditures 1956
Budget 1957
Administration
Superintendent's Salary
$ 7,100.00 $
7,500.00
Superintendent's Travel
200.00
200.00
Secretary's Salary
2,450.00
2,800.00
Telephone
266.43
450.00
Office Expense
683.53
600.00
Committee Expense
354.43
200.00
Total
$11,054.39
$11,750.00
Instructional
Teachers' Salaries
$115,572.49
$135,410.42
Substitute Teachers' Salaries
630.00
1,000.00
Supervisors' Travel
150.00
150.00
Textbooks
2,673.19
4,000.00
Supplies
4,487.55
3,000.00
Tuition
110.40
250.00
Band Supplies
210.16
300.00
Rinehart Writing
450.00
500.00
Nature Course
215.63
225.00
Miscellaneous Expense
1,196.38
1,100.00
Evening Classes, Salaries
210.00
630.00
Total
$125,905.80 $146,565.42
Operational
Janitors' Salaries
$13,462.13
$13,925.00
Janitors' Salaries, Extra
330.75
100.00
Janitors' Evening Class, Salaries
300.00
Janitors' Supplies
1,012.69
900.00
Fuel
7,454.00
7,500.00
Electricity
1,473.40
1,450.00
Water
253.40
300.00
Gas
152.36
200.00
Cartage
192.13
175.00
Total
$24,330.86
$24,850.00
129
Maintenance
$4,721.24
$4,000.00
Outlay
$6,913.20
$3,903.60
Auxiliary Agencies
Nurse's Salary
$2,880.00
$3,200.00
Doctor's Salary
625.00
625.00
Transportation
14,863.14
19,571.00
Band Transportation
68.50
200.00
Census
75.00
75.00
Cafeteria
780.50
450.00
Athletics
243.76
250.00
Total
$19,535.90
$24,371.00
Grand Total
$192,461.39 $215,440.02
NET COST OF SCHOOLS
1956
Expenditures
$192,461.39
State Aid
Chapter 70
$25,250.18
Transportation
8,152.95
Gymnasium rentals
332.50
Tuition
48.00
$33,783.63
Net Cost
$158,677.76
1957
Budget
$218,940.02
Estimated State Aid
Chapter 70
$25,000.00
Transportation
15,700.00
Estimated gymnasium rental
300.00
Estimated tuition
50.00
$41,050.00
Net Cost
$178,890.02
130
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE OCTOBER 1, 1956
Boys
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Total 29 2 27
Kindergarten
Grade 1
45
.. 1
51
Grade 2
3 28 5
110.36
Grade 3
3 25 7
35
Grade 4
3 27 5
35
Grade 5
4 27 4
35
Grade 6
2 11 8
21
Grade 7
4 15 6 2 3 1 17 3 2
23
Grade 9
3 14 3 3
23
Grade 10
1 8611 3 5 1
1
10
Grade 12
3 3
6
Total
2 29 48 35 33 38 34 19 24 26 20 19 14 5 4 1
351
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE OCTOBER 1, 1956
Girls 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Total
Kindergarten
3 27 1
31
Grade 1
1 23
24
Grade 2
4 35
39
Grade 3
1 35
3
39
Grade 4
6 25 1
32
Grade 5
5 27 3
35
Grade 6
1 4 12 1
18
Grade 7
3 17 3
23
Grade 8
4 19 5 1 5 22
29
Grade 9
2 1
30
Grade 10
6 8 32
19
Grade 11
2 14 3
19
Grade 12
6 8 1
15
Total
3128 28 36 41 34 32 18 22 27 33 13 24 13 1
353
30
Grade 8
17
Grade 11
131
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1956-1957
September 4
Schools open
October 12
Schools closed
Columbus Day
October 26
Schools closed
Teachers' Convention
November 12
Schools closed
Armistice Day
November 22 and 23
Schools closed
Thanksgiving Weekend
December 24 to Jan. 7
Schools closed
Christmas Vacation
February 18 to 22
Schools closed
Mid-winter Vacation
April 15 to 25
Schools closed
Easter Vacation
May 30 and 31
Schools closed
Memorial Day Weekend
June 19
Elementary Schools closed
June 21
High School closed
REGISTRATION OF MINORS, October 1, 1956
Registered in public school system
704
Attending other schools
41
Not attending any school
1
EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS DURING 1956
To males between 14 and 16 years of age 24
.7
To females between 14 and 16 years of age
43
To males between 16 and 21 years of age
25
To females between 16 and 21 years of age
-
Total 99
.
PERSONNEL OF LENOX SCHOOL SYSTEM --- SCHOOL YEAR 1955-57
Name
Position
Education
Hiram F. Battey.
Superintendent ..
B.S. Norwich University 1921
1945
M.A. Columbia 1933
Joseph J. Carroll.
Principal, High School
B.A. Boston College 1930
1946
M.A. Boston College 1931
Eleanor Beneat.
Grade I, Lenoxdale.
B.S. North Adams State Teachers' College 1940 1944
M.A. Columbia University 1954
Louise Berrigan. .
Grade VI, Center.
B.S. North Adams State Teachers' College 1940 1948
Thomas Bosworth
Physical Education
B.A. Springfield College 1953 1953
Mae Brown.
Household Arts.
A.B. Jarvis College 1941 Oct.
1951
Marguerite Cameron
Grade II, and Principal, Center
B.S. North Adams State Teachers' College 1943
1952
Elaine DelGallo.
Grade III, Center. .
B.S. College of St. Rose 1956
1956
Charlotte Davis.
Girls' Physical Education B.A. Skidmore College 1936 1953
Margaret deCoste ..
Grade III, Lenoxdale . 1945
Margaret Finn.
Grades VII and VIII.
B.A. College of New Rochelle 1940
1954
Jane Fuller ..
Commercial.
B.S. Bryant College 1949 1949
Edward Gilligan
Social Studies, Coach H. S.
B.A. Georgetown University 1934 1942
M.A. North Adams State Teachers' College 1953
Roger Hall.
Music Supervisor ..
B.Mus. New Eng. Conservatory of Music 1949 1955
Coletta Holmes ..
English and Remedial Reading, H.S.
A.B. Our Lady of the Elms 1944 1950
B.J. University of Missouri 1946
M.A. North Adams State Teachers' College 1953
May Hogan ..
Principal, Grade IV, Lenosdale.
Diploma North Adams Normal 1915 1915
Daniel Horton.
Grades VII and VIII
B.S. University of Massachusetts 1949 1951
M.A. North Adams State Teachers' College 1954
A.B. College of New Rochelle 1938 1955
Marie Kergaravat .. ..
Latin and English, High School.
Cont. of Service
M.A. Simmons College 1950
M.A. North Adams State Teachers' College 1949
Diploma Westfield Normal 1918
Alice Lahart.
Center .
|B.A. University of Massachusetts 1956
Elizabeth Leahey . Grade VI, Center.
A.B. College of Our Lady of the Elms 1952 1955
John Lewarn, Jr.
Supervisor of Art ..
B.A. Syracuse University 1950 Jan. M.A. Columbia Teachers' College 1951 1952
Anna Martin. .
Grade I, Center .
Diploma North Adams Normal 1917
1945
Anna Mitchell.
Spanish and French, High School.
B.A. Smith College 1921 1922
Ruth Morrison
Grade I, Center.
Diploma North Adams Normal 1913
1913
*Katherine O'Leary
Grade IV, Center ..
B.S. in Ed., North Adams State Teachers'College Jan. 1957
Charlotte Pignatelli
Grade II, Lenoxdale
B.S. North Adams State Teachers' College 1940 1955
Rebecca Read.
Commercial, High School ..
B.S. Boston University 1953 1955
¡Thomas Regan . Biology and Chemistry, High School. . .
A.B. Providence College 1954 1954-Jan. 1957
Frances Stannard.
Grade V, Center. .
Diploma North Adams Normal 1916 1955
+Barbara Turner
Biology & Math., High School .
B.S. Purdue University 1942 Jan. 1957
Anna Weiss.
Kindergarten .
.
Diploma Westfield Normal 1923 1945
Darryl Wiejaczka ..
Grades VII and VIII.
North Adams State Teachers' College 1951 1952
M.A. Clark University 1955
Adalene Lindley
Superintendent's Secretary 1946
Nellie Morrison.
School Nurse.
1922
Dr. E. R. Messer
School Physician.
1936
John O'Brien.
Custodian, High School .
1951
Peter Ster ..
Custodian, High School .
1956
Henry Kirby . Cutodian, Center School.
1935
Joseph Maillot. Custodian, Lenoxdale School. 1940
M.A. North Adams State Teachers' College 1950
.
.
*Mrs. Lahart taught at Center until December 21, 1956, when she secured a leave of absence. Miss O'Leary was appointed to fill the vacancy, caused by Mrs. Lahart's leave, January 14, 1957. tMr. Regan taught in the High School until January 11, 1957, when he resigned. Mrs. Turner was appointed to fill the vacancy, caused by Mr. Regan's resignation, January 14, 1957.
BUREAU OF GOVERNMENT RESEARCH UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MAY 20 1957 12345 6
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