USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1928-1932 > Part 3
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If a parent or guardian fails to cause the child under his charge to attend school according to law, he shall be fined not over twenty dollars for each offense.
66
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
Total Appropriation
$15,647 74
General Appropriation
$14,500 00
Special Appropriation ( Albeeville Fur-
nace)
300 00
From County Treasurer, Dog Tax 348 74
Appropriation for School Nurse
250 00
Appropriation for School Physician.
50 00
Amount Transferred from Emergency Fund
199 00
Total Expenses
$15,647 67
Balance on Hand 07
REIMBURSEMENTS.
From General School Fund, Part I $1,530 00
From General School Fund, Part II 1,109 57
For Superintendent's Salary 386 66
For Tuition from State 399 90
For Tuition from City of Boston 76 32
For High School Grant
750 00
Total Reimbursements
$4,252 45
SUMMARY.
Resources $15,647 74
Reimbursements
$4,252 45
67
Balance 07
$4,252 52
Net Cost of Schools to the Town · $11,395 22
SUMMARY OF CURRENT EXPENSES.
Teachers $10,231 90
Superintendent
735 18
Clerk
81 30
Transportation
1,085 00
Fuel
990 57
Care of Buildings
836 83
Text Books
270 32
Supplies
265 98
Miscellaneous
30 91
Repairs
586 68
Health
300 00
Tuition (Millville)
50 00
New Equipment
151 58
Incidentals
31 42
- $15,647 67
CURRENT EXPENSES ITEMIZED.
Teachers
$10,231 90
Oscar L. Garland
$1,200 00
Henry Clough
800 00
Margaret W. McIntyre
840 00
Helen M. Honnors
460 00
Beatrice Taft
1,200 00
Orrilla F. Park
1,314 00
Marguerite F. Pearson
756 00
Martha Ryder
480 00
Caroline W. Blackwood
1,008 00
Hilda Anderson
604 80
Marion Enos
360 00
Agnes Riley
604 80
68
Helen Redgrave 360 00
Ellen D. Hall 180 00
Agnes Gibbons 50 00
Gladys Cook
3 20
Transportation of Training Teachers. . and Candidates
11 10
Text Books
$270 32
Rand, McNally Co.
$11 58
Oliver Ditson Company 15 69
Houghton Mifflin Company 5 22
Ginn & Company
31 79
D. C. Heath & Company
14 75
The Macmillan Company
18 52
Edward E. Babb & Company
23 09
Carroll H. Drown
3 50
J. B. Taylor Company
24 08
Iroquois Publishing Company
27 33
Silver, Burdett & Co.
10 64
F. M. Ambrose & Company
6 72
G. C. Merriam Company
16 00
World Book Company
6 42
Gregg Publishing Company
8 70
American Book Company
1 84
Benj. H. Sanborn Company
24 46
Lyons & Carnahan
2 38
Allyn & Bacon
5 82
Harlow Publishing Company
4 09
John C. Winston Company
4 56
Longsman, Green Company
3 14
Supplies $265 98
J. L. Hammett Company $158 23
Carroll H. Drown 4 50
Rand, McNally Company 4 71
Dowling School Supply Company 43 40
Herbert C. Forbes 9 50
69
J. J. Gibbs 68
Ryan & Buker 5 11
Fuller & Wilson Express Co. 3 00
L. E. Knott Company 27 55
Beatrice Taft
4 12
Edward E. Babb & Company
5 18
Care of Buildings $836 83
Mrs. Augusta Peterson $93 55
Jacob R. Brown 614 00
Mrs. Minnie Thayer 85 00
Vernon Barrows
11 28
Herbert Pickard
3 00
Hugh Ray
30 00
Fuel
$990 57
E. E. Chapman $55 00
H. M. Curtiss Coal Company 871 07
L. F. Thayer & Son 13 00
George Hoggarth 45 00
Alfred Auty
6 50
Miscellaneous $30 91
Worcester Suburban Electric Light
Company $7 06
Henry Patrick Company
1 40
H. S. Chadbourne Company 5 95
Masury-Young Company
16 50
Repairs $586 68
C. W. Ruggles $3 00
H. S. Chadbourne Company 12 11
M. M. Goodnow 356 87
F. M. Aldrich 148 35
Donald Grayson
66 35
70
Health
$300 00
District Nursing Association $250 00
K. A. Campbell, M. D. 50 00
Transportation $1,085 00
Harold C. Barrows $680 00
Mrs. Stephen Bandilla 105 00
M. F. H. & U. St. Ry. Co. 250 00
Johnson Bus Lines, Inc.
50 00
Tuition
$50 00
Town of Millville $50 00
New Equipment $151 58
L. E. Knott Company $7 90
Carroll H. Drown 2 50
Harold A. Rogers
5.0
United States Envelope Company
·
3 89
J. L. Hammett Company 133 75
Massachusetts State Prison 3 04
Incidentals $31 42
Herbert C. Forbes
$4 20
Carroll H. Drown
25 47
Herbert J. Mann
1 75
Clerk
$81 30
Superintendent
$735 18
Total Current Expenses
$15,647 67
Total Appropriation
$15,647 74
Special Appropriation for Albeeville
Furnace 300 00
Appropriation for Current Expenses . $15,347 74
71
Current Expenditures as per Bills paid
$15,347 67
Amount of Unpaid Bills
540 24
Total Current Expenditures $15,887 91
Expenditures for Albeeville Heater . .
$300 00
Total School Expenditures for 1928. . .. $16,187 91
ALBEEVILLE ACCOUNT.
Appropriation
$300 00
Donald Grayson
$66 35
M. M. Goodnow
234 21
$300 56
Balance (taken from regular account) .. $ 56
UNPAID BILLS.
Harold C. Barrows
$60 00
Augusta Peterson
7 50
Minnie Thayer
7 50
Carroll H. Drown
81 93
Jacob R. Brown
91 50
Agnes Gibbons
2 50
H. M. Curtiss Coal Company
31 00
M. M. Goodnow Co. 76 18
F. M. Aldrich
60 19
Henry Patrick Company
3 92
Worcester Suburban Electric Light Co ...
3 00
D. C. Heath & Company
6 32
Veronica O'Neil
5 00
M. F. H. & U. St. Ry. Co.
50 00
Silver, Burdett Company 4 81
Edward E. Babb & Company
5 86
72
J. L. Hammett Company 80
Wilbur D. Gilpatric 14 80
Dowling School Supply Company 2 86
Herbert C. Forbes 1 37
G. E. Thayer 3 00
H. S. Chadbourne Company 20
Roy Barrows 20 00
$540 24
73
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND CITIZEN'S OF MENDON :---
One of the present day problems which is attracting atten- tion, especially that of the taxpayers is, "Are we carrying this business of education too far ?- Are schools costing too much ?"
It may be that education has been carried too far, especial- ly in that of a philosophic nature in our higher institutions of learning. In the several lines of training for good citizenship there is much yet to be learned. The difficulty is not so much that general learning has been developed too far, but rather that some kinds of education have been carried too far.
Though the type of education, and subjects taught may be lacking in efficiency, it can be said with certainty that our Ele- mentary common school instruction is not being carried too far ; and, as compared with costs of other phases of life, the cost of schools is still far from reaching the point of being excessive. The total cost of education is still smaller than the country's expenditure for even those luxuries which are not necessities.
We believe that no one can justly say that Elementary schools are costing too much. It is true that they cost much more than in previous years.
The present cost of schools of this town is nearly twice the cost of the schools ten years ago. The general increase of the cost of living is likewise as much. The increased cost of many other items is several times that of schools.
When we think of the cost of any article or of any enter- prise it is always a comparative relation. If we say a merchant is charging too much for groceries, our assertion is always based upon the estimate of the cost of the same articles at other stores. Hence, the only just method of considering the real cost of schools
74
in Mendon is to consider the cost of schools in other towns of similar conditions.
Since towns differ in size, the basis of comparison used is the the total expenditure per pupil, or expenditure per pupil in relation to valuation.
The statistics which follow show how the cost of our schools compares with the cost in other towns. The figures are taken from latest statistics compiled by the State Deparment of Edu- cation.
In their arrangement of tables similar towns are placed in groups. Mendon is included in group III. The figures given show cost of Mendon schools as compared with the average cost of towns in this group. The rank in this list of 113 units is also given, which, perhaps more justly than any other method, shows the real relation to the cost in other towns.
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF SCHOOL EXPENSES.
Expenditure per pupil for Elementary Schools in
Mendon $56 07
Average Expenditure per pupil for Elementary Schools in towns of Group III 69 43
Average Expenditure per pupil for Elementary Schools in the State 78 72
Mendon's rank in Group III of 113 towns 99
Expenditure per pupil for all schools in Mendon .. 81 97
Average Expenditure per pupil for all schools in Towns of Group III 90 74
Average Expenditure per pupil for all schools in the State 92 77
Mendon's rank in Group III of 113 towns 80
Expenditure from local taxation per $1,000 valua-
tion in Mendon 8 95
75
Average Expenditure from local taxation per $1,000 valuation in Group III 9 43
Mendon's rank in Group III of 113 towns 78
Expenditure per pupil from local taxation in Mendon 61 97
Average Expenditure per pupil from local taxation in Group III 74 76
Average Expenditure per pupil from local taxation in the State 83 26
Mendon's rank in Group III of 113 towns 84
Expenditure per pupil for High School in Mendon *138 84
Average Expenditure per pupil for High School in Group III 149 28
Average Expenditure per pupil for High School in the State 132 77
Mendon's rank in Group III of 113 towns 68
(*This cost is considerably higher for this past year, being over $200.)
All figures are taken from the latest printed report.
"Per pupil" means per pupil of average membership.
It can be noted that Mendon's rank in this group of 113 towns for cost of Elementary schools is 99. This means that this town is number 99 from the top of the list, the top being the highest cost. Only fourteen towns out of 113 expend less per pupil for elementary schools than Mendon. Surely no one can justly say the cost of Mendon schools is large. Indeed can we take any satisfaction in the fact that we are almost at the bottom of the list, especially since this list includes many small towns that are far back from the large centers, and not as favorably located as Mendon ?
The cost of small High Schools is always high. While Mendon's cost in most departments is far down in the list, the
76
High School cost is near the Median. The cost in the past two years is close to the Median, it being over $200 per pupil.
These figures will show that the cost of Mendon's schools, outside of the High School, is very low as compared with that of other towns in the same group.
The table of reimbursements shows that the town of Mendon receives considerable financial rebate from the state, and thus does not pay all the costs of its schools from local taxation.
The state reimburses the town with the sum of one hundred to two hundred dollars per teacher, according to the training and experience of the teacher and the amount of salary paid.
The following figures will show that a town will not incur much more cost or may even gain money by retaining an ex- perienced teacher at a salary of $1,100 instead of engaging an inexperienced teacher at $850.00
Town pays experienced teacher $1,100 00
Town receives from state on General School Fund, Part I $200 00
Town receives from state on General School Fund, Part II, 12 of $1100 550 00 Town receives in behalf of experienced teacher 750 00
Town pays experienced teacher from local taxation $350 00
Town may receive from General School Fund, Part II, Schedule F $50 00
or 100 00
Then the town pays from local taxation
250 00
.only
or
300 00
Town pays inexperienced teacher 850 00
77
Town receives from State from General School Fund, Part I 100 00
Town receives from State from General School Fund, Part II, 1/2 of $850.00 425 00
Town receives in behalf of inexperienced teacher 525 00
Town pays inexperienced teacher from local taxation $325 00
If town pays inexperienced teacher $900.00, the amount paid from local taxation to each of the two teachers will be the same.
The names in the teachers' directory are largely new. Most of our teachers left last summer to accept better paying posi- tions. Though some of our new teachers were without experi- ence, fortunately we secured desirable teachers. This meant much anxiety, time and effort for the superintendent. The num- ber of candidates who would like to be teachers is large. Many of them are needy and some worthy, but the successful experi- enced teachers who are available are still few.
For one of our vacant positions four different teachers were engaged, each one turning the position down to accept one pay- ing more salary. The last teacher engaged may be as capable as the first one, and perhaps more reliable, but this instance shows the difficulty in securing teachers at a low salary.
The difference may not be noticed in a short time, but con- tinued frequent changes from experienced to inexperienced teach- ers will be injurious to a school system.
The ability and faithfulness of our present teachers are worthy of high commendation.
There have been three teachers in the High School the past year. The extra teacher, extra room and equipment required by the State Department has considerably increased the cost of the High School.
78
The Elementary grade schools are rather crowded, especi- ally the intermediate room, with its over fifty pupils. This crowded condition is a handicap to the success of the school, and difficult for the teacher and pupils. Arrangements have been made so that during the past year, Normal Training girls have been giving some assistance. This has served to meet the re- quirements of the law that a school of fifty pupils or more shall have an assistant teacher.
If provision should be made for more school room in the building, the Elementary schools should be arranged with two grades in each room. This division would be a great advantage to the grades. For the present the only feasible arrangement for the intermediate school is to provide some teaching assistance.
The Albeeville school is becoming very small and thus ex- pensive. An especially good school is being conducted there this year. Unless conditions change there, before long it will be necessary to close that school. In fact it would be wise now if there were ample room in the Center building. As suggested above, more room ought to be provided in the Center building, then the few pupils of this school could easily be accommodated.
Aside from the work upon the heaters but few repairs have been made this past year.
Per order of the State Building Inspector a new jacket heater has been installed in the Albeeville building. The new heater necessitated a new chimney. The $300.00 appropriated was used for these improvements.
A new stove was essential in this building, but, had it not been for the official order, no wise person, considering the condi- tions there, would have expended that amount.
Again we say if this building is to be used long, there should be a new front door. The toilet buildings should be repaired and new curtains and better seats provided.
The greatest material improvement needed for the schools is new heating apparatus in the Center building. The boiler has been inspected twice by a state official, and with the few repairs made, it is in a fair condition and is doing good work.
79
The furnaces after having served for many years, were worn out two years ago. Considerable has been laid out in repairs upon them. New heaters should have been installed before, and the writer does not see how the matter can be delayed longer. The cost of repairs on the old furnaces and the cost of the neces- sary extra fuel are rapidly climbing toward the cost of new heat- ers. You may prefer that the writer refrain from a discussion of what type of a heater shall be provided. However, we ask that a consideration be given to the probability of sometime in- stalling water toilets in the basement of the building. While danger of freezing must be considered, some of the expense of a more elaborate heating plant might possibly be saved and used for the toilet installation.
In keeping with the progress of the times this modern im- provement of water toilets should be made.
Without question an appropriation for a new heating equip- ment must be made at the coming town meeting.
As previously reported, we succeeded in having the boiler in the Center building tested last year by a state engineer. Per order of state authorities, the same engineer made an inspection this year. He pronounced the boiler in good condition, had it thoroughly cleaned, ordered some slight repairs made, and now the boiler does more efficient work than before. This improved condition is of great assistance to our faithful janitor, Mr. Brown, and will keep the building warmer.
Last summer a few new seats and desks were purchased for the intermediate room, and the other desks were smoothed down and varnished. As many of the seats are badly worn and not adjustable, a few more new ones should be provided, and those in the Grammar room are much in need of smoothing and refin- ishing.
Making a slight change in the manner of conducting the steam to the room, and enclosing one stairway will make the attic room more comfortable in cold weather. Storm windows or weather strips for the Grammar room are still needed.
80
Though there were no special conditions to increase school expenses this past year, the expenditures exceeded the budget by several hundred dollars.
The usual strict economy has been practiced, and no pur- chases or expenditures except the essential have been made. The mistake was in the appropriation not being sufficient to meet the necessary current needs. A careful budget would have shown this fact.
It is always much more satisfactory and more in compliance with law for voters to grant a sufficient appropriation than for a department to be obliged to over run the appropriation.
Sixteen thousand dollars should be appropriated for current expenses for the Mendon schools for the year 1929. This amount would include the dog tax and the amount usually appropriated for the school physician and nurse. This appropriation would not include the amount needed for the new heating plant or for any other large improvements, and does not include payment for 1928 unpaid bills. Provision for such should be made by special appropriation.
It is agreed that teachers are the most important factors in a school system, and in the past few years Mendon has been most fortunate in this respect.
We regretted to lose some of our earnest working teachers. Among them were Mr. Garland who had been a popular princi- pal for six years, and Miss McIntyre and Miss Pearson who had been with us four years. The teachers in our rural school were highly esteemed and most of the patrons urgently requested that they remain. The good work of those few teachers who re- mained are none the less appreciated.
Because of the arrangements made in Hopedale, our Union District for a music supervisor was broken up. This condi- tion made it difficult to secure a music teacher for Mendon, and the schools were without one for several weeks until Miss Gib- bons was elected. With her ability and extended training it is hoped that some of the work of the lost time can be made up.
81
It is the faithful everyday work, "Line upon line, precept upon precept" that brings effective results. This important work is not spectacular and hence often is not appreciated.
Since the Eighth Grade graduation has been given up, it is the High School that comes before the public most often. We urge that parents visit schools in their daily work. The enter- tainments of the High School have been pleasing and of high order.
The plays given this past year have been good and this work is good training for the participants. The last High School graduation was one of the best, and it would be difficult to find a Prize Speaking Contest that excelled the one given by the pupils last May.
The speaking contest deserves special mention. The ease of the speakers upon the platform was pleasing and the speaking was clear and forceful. The contestants' interpretation of the compositions was remarkable, and the message and feeling were so carried over to the audience that all were deeply interested and inspired. Those of us who have heard many such contests considered it one of the best. It was an entertainment that it was a pity to miss. The audience of parents and friends was not large but it was very appreciative and sympathetic.
Arrangements are being made to hold another contest next May and the hall ought to be filled with appreciative listeners.
The students have entered into this undertaking with com- mendable enthusiasm, and the work and spirit of the school is constantly improving. The attainment of the last graduating class was high. The Washington trip by the Senior Class re- ceives much consideration, and the Classes find much enjoyment and benefit in the trips. There should be caution against let- ting the interest in the Washington trip over rule other worthy interests.
The readers' attention is called to the reports of the High School Principal and School Nurse.
One article of apparatus which the schools much need is a piano. For some time we have been planning for a piano to be
82
placed in the High School main room. A small sum of money which has been raised by several means makes the basis for a piano fund. The schools plan an entertainment for next April by which it is hoped that a good sum will be raised for the piano fund.
This is a very worthy object and the piano is much needed now. If the whole amount cannot be raised by outside means it would be very ligitimate to take some of the school .funds to complete the payment.
As required by the State Department between two and three hundred dollars have been expended for scientific apparatus which is used but a few times a year. It certainly is proper to use school funds to pay for a piano which is to be used every day and would be a benefit not only to one but to all the schools in the building. We urge that this arrangement be made and a piano be furnished right away.
Through the foresight of the teacher and the efforts of the pupils a nice victrola has been placed in the Albeeville school. We urge that the East Mendon School do likewise.
The efficient work of our school physician and nurse is worthy of commendation. Our nurse, Miss Grady, has come very closely in touch with the homes and people as well as with the schools. Her work in that very important line of real health training is becoming very effective.
It is needless to repeat that the loyal support of the tax payers, School Commimttee and all people of the town is very helpful to us who are working in the schools and is much ap- preciated.
Success in our schools has already been attained, but we must continue to make progress and growth in that most im- portant and far reaching business of the town-Education.
When we come to consider the everlasting influence of the training given our growing citizens, we are convinced that edu- cation in our country common schools is not beng carried too far; and, that when funds are rightly expended, schools do not
83
cost too much. This expenditure rather becomes the best pos- sible investment giving the greatest satisfaction in returns. Intel- ligent united effort on the part of all concerned will bring re- sults in Mendon school which will far exceed the cost. The worth of well trained human beings cannot be measured in terms of dollars.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL H. DROWN,
Superintendent of Schools.
84
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I herewith submit my first annual report of the Mendon High School.
The total enrollment of the High School is twenty-nine members who, with the thirteeen pupils of the Eighth Grade, fill the room to its capacity. By classes the numbers are as follows : Seniors, 7; Juniors, 4; Sophomores, 7; Freshmen, 11.
By curricular the list shows that twenty are in the Classical group and nine in the General. The predominance in number of the Classical students is due to the fact that nearly all members of the Freshmen and Senior classes are following the Classical curriculum. Doubtless some of the former class will change to the General group before graduation.
The Program of studies adopted in 1925 is being followed. The Classical Curriculum differs from the general in that four years of Latin are required in the former, whereas in the latter, History and Science courses take the place of the Latin.
The attendance to date averages 98.52 % .
Six members of the present Senior Class are planning to at- tend post-secondary or special training institutions. Two per- sons are preparing for College entrance and one for admission to Normal School.
On December 8th, the Senior Class Play, "Patty Makes Things Hum," was presented in the Mendon town hall, and the proceeds were added to the Washington trip fund.
Earlier in the year money was raised by magazine subscrip- tion sales, a part of which was turned over for the piano fund. A public program at a later date is planned for the purpose of ad-
85
ding to the fund. The piano now in use is badly worn and a new one should be purchased as soon as possible. The benefits to be derived from such an investment are obvious, for money yields returns to the school children for many years to come.
Rhetoricals are being continued and a public speaking pro- gram will be given before the close of the school year.
Some repairs about the building are necessary. The heating system is in poor condition and is unsatisfactory in cold weather. A partition, separating the vacant attic from the stairway lead- ing to the new High School room, would aid in fuel economy, and would substantially increase the physical comfort of the pupils. A number of desks are broken or badly worn and soon must be replaced or repaired.
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