USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1958-1962 > Part 3
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May I thank the Firemen for their good work and the townspeople for establishing a new low in fire losses this year.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM F. IRONS Forest Warden
70
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report of work done on the Town roads during 1958:
CHAPTER 81
There were 22,349 gallons of asphalt applied on various roads under this Chapter. On Blackstone Street 2,300 feet were widened and hard-topped. On Bates Street 2,250 feet of road was rebuilt with a four inch mix. It was also regraded. On Bellingham Street 800 feet of road was rebuilt with a four inch mix. 800 feet of road on Emerson Street was also treated the same way. Brush was cut on all roads. A new culvert was installed on Bellingham Street near the Ferrucci Farm as a replace- ment of the old stone culvert. The end of the driveway to the Town dump was widened and cleared for better visibility. Shoulders were cut back on Hartford Avenue and Bellingham Streets.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
There were 12,680 gallons of asphalt applied to various roads. Guard posts were painted and on some streets shoulders were cut. Brush was cut on all Chapter 90 roads.
71
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 90 Construction for 1958 was completed in September. Fifteen hundred feet of drainage was in- stalled on North Avenue and the road widened to 24 feet. Some of the old drainage was removed as it did not work with the new drainage which was installed. Next year's project will continue on toward the Upton town line.
SNOW REMOVAL
Since my last annual report we have added a new automatic sand spreader to our highway equipment. In case of emergency this new machine may be operated by one man. He would be able to load and spread the sand alone if the roads were bad and needed spotting in icy places which might be hazardous.
I wish to thank the townspeople as well as the State and County Engineers for their cooperation and assist- ance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM R. BOWEN Highway Surveyor
72
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
Following is the Financial Report and Recapitula- tion of the East Mendon Water System for the year 1958:
Appropriation for Maintenance
$1,620.00
Expended:
Nelson Meter Service $ 25.08
Town of Hopedale, repairs 21.75
Town of Bellingham, water
1,241.08
George K. Allen, labor
72.75
Postage
6.39
Clerical
25.00
Total expended:
$ 1,392.05
Unexpended: 227.95
$ 1,620.00
RECAPITULATION
Cost of Maintenance
$ 1,392.05
Water Loan Note
1,000.00
Interest on Note
258.75
Total cost for 1958
$ 2,650.80
Water Commitments for 1958
$ 2,163.01
Net cost to Town for 1958 $ 487.79
Respectfully submitted, CLARENCE E. VARNEY, Chairman M. MORTON GOODNOW DONATO F. LEONE Water Commissioners
73
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of Taft Public Library:
The circulation for the year (100 days) was 8147; an increase of more than 1000 over last year. The largest number given out in one day was 225; the smallest, 35; and the average, 81. Circulation by classes was as fol- lows :- fiction, 3009; juvenile, 3168; magazines, 894, biog- raphy, 300; literature and fine arts, 122; science and use- ful arts, 222; all others, 116. The greatest increase was in juvenile books, due partly to the fact that the elementary teachers borrow deposits of books frequently for their classes.
New books added to the library by the Town, 60; by the Fletcher Fund, 83 and by gift, 47, making a total of 190. A new set of Encyclopedia Americana in 30 volumes was purchased by the town for the reference department. Gifts of books were received from Charles and Hazel Leon- ard, Richard Harding, Leon Cox, Mrs. Leonard Rogers, Dorothy Lowell, Sandra Harvey, Marjorie Vear and Mrs. Marion L. Nutter. Mrs. Nutter gave a fine collection of books from her library, thirty books; as well as the loan of a large globe over 100 years old. This globe was handed down to her from her great grandfather, a sea captain, who learned navigation by it on a sailing vessel.
Interest in the library has continued with the ac- quisition of 58 new readers.
Magazines available to readers are American Home, Atlantic Monthly, Better Homes and Gardens, Boys' Life, Flower Grower, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeep-
74
ing, Life, McCalls Magazine, National Geographic, Popu- lar Mechanics, Popular Science, Readers Digest, Red Book, Saturday Evening Post and Time. Fines collected and turned over to the town treasurer, $14.18.
Four Girl Scouts were trained as library aides this year by the librarian and her able assistant, Marjorie Vear :- Margaret Palmer, Janyce Mathewson, Mildred O'Grady and Eleanor Goodnow. A Summer Reading Club was conducted, featuring short biographies of famous peo- ple. The librarian attended two Area Meetings, one at the Hopkinton Library and one at North Grafton Branch Li- brary; also, a meeting of librarians and trustees, to discuss regional plans, at Westboro.
National Library Week was observed in March by an Open House on March 20th, with the Girl Scouts assisting.
May we thank the Trustees for their loyal support and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, VESTELLA M. DANIELS, Librarian
-
75
REPORT of TRUSTEES of TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Taft Public Library submit the annual report of the Library for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1958.
The Financial Report shows the itemized expendi- tures of the Library during the year. It has been necessary to make only minor repairs to the library building in 1958. Due to insurance regulations, some more expensive repairs will be necessary during 1959. Several door check closers must be installed, and fire proof insulation in certain areas around the furnace will be required.
The Trustees are pleased to note the increased circula- tion as reported by the Librarian. A most cordial invitation is extended to the townspeople to make full use of the Library.
A significant addition to the reference material of the library is a new set of the Americana Encyclopedia pur- chased in 1958.
The Trustees greatly appreciate the interest and effort shown by Mrs. Vestella Daniels, Librarian, in the conduct of the library activities.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT P. CONGDON, Chairman VESTELLA DANIELS GORDON R. GOOD PERCY L. ROWE HENRY P. CLOUGH
76
FINANCIAL REPORT of TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Appropriation
$1400.00
Expended:
Barney Coal Company
$261.44
Worcester County Electric Co.
44.48
Americana Corporation
205.00
H. W. Wilson Co.
24.00
American Library Association
11.00
Mass. Library Trustees Association
2.00
Gaylord Brothers Co.
21.05
Bro Dart Industries
7.25
Nathaniel Dame Company
10.55
Campbell and Hall Co.
82.39
Mendon Post Office
2.60
Casey Hardware
3.00
C. L. Goss Construction
36.18
Vestella Daniels
520.00
Raymond Dudley
100.00
Vestella Daniels, expenses
10.00
Raymond Dudley, expenses
3.95
Hermann Goldberger Agency
53.25
Total
$ 1398.14
Unexpended
1.86
Expended from Fletcher Fund:
$ 191.12
$ 1400.00
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
and
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
of the
TOWN OF MENDON
MASSACHUSETTS
for the
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1958
SCHOOL DIRECTORY 1957 - 1958 SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Gordon R. Good, Chairman
Harry C. York, Secretary
William M. Kimball
Term Expires 1960 Term Expires 1959 Term Expires 1961
Regular meetings are held at the High School Building on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 P.M.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-PERCY L. ROWE, Boston University, B.S.E., Ed.M.
78
The Superintendent may be met every Tuesday and Wednesday at the Mendon High School or by appointment.
Office - Pinecrest School, Bellingham
Telephone, TUcker 3-8000
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Ronald Lukert, M.D.
Telephone, GReenleaf 3-3045
SCHOOL NURSE
Grace Moran, R.N.
Milford District Nursing Association
SCHOOL CUSTODIAN
William Hazard
Mendon, Mass.
TRANSPORTATION AGENTS
Harold C. Barrows Harold Barrows, Jr.
Mendon, Mass.
Mendon, Mass.
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
William D. Rondeau
Mendon, Mass. 79
TEACHERS
Name Subject or Grade
Preparation
Degree or
Years in
Years
Town
Henry P. Clough, Principal Mathematics Dartmouth College and B.S.
French, Social Science
New Hampshire Univ. Ed.M.
Thirty-first
Raymond F. Biedrzycki Mathematics
Rhode Island State B.S.
Thirteenth
Science
Howard C. Llewellyn
Commercial Ed. Salem State
B.S.E.
Second
Teachers College
Anne K. Davenport
Home Economics University of B.S.
Third
Social Science Massachusetts
Christine E. Cervizzi
Latin, French
Boston University
A.B.
First
Wayne D. Miller
English Staley College
B.A.
First
Mary Whitney
Social Studies University of Colorado
B.A.
First
Catherine Whelen
Grade 6
Boston University
A.B.
Fifth
Grade 5
Framingham State
B.S.E.
Second
Alyce Youngson
Teachers College
Louise M. Benotti
Grade 5 Simmons College
B.S.
First
E. Jane Coleman
Grade 4 Mass. School of Art
B.S.E.
Seventh
Margaret C. Duren
Grade 3
Syracuse University
A.B., Ed.M.
Fifth
Grace Hutchinson
Grade 2 Framingham State Teachers College
Two
Twentieth
Ruth A. Burrill
Grade 2 Framingham State Teachers College
B.S.E.
First
Lucille A. Gould
Grade 1 Perry Kindergarten Normal R. I. College of Ed.
Two
Third
One
80
Virginia Cobb
Grade 1 Framingham State Teachers College
B.S.E.
First
Gladys Morrison (Resigned) Commercial Ed. Gray's Business College Arlene C. Rovedo (Resigned) English, Latin Worcester State B.S.
First
Second
Teachers College
SUPERVISORS
William L. Rinehart Christine Wilson
Handwriting University of Pittsburgh A.M. Eleventh
Music N. E. Conservatory Three Eleventh 81
of Music
Helen G. Thomas
Art E. S. Normal School Two
First
82
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR PERIOD
January, 1959 to June, 1960
HIGH SCHOOL
OPEN
January 5, 1959 March 2, 1959 April 27, 1959
CLOSE
February 20, 1959
April 17, 1959 June 19, 1959
SUMMER VACATION
September 9, 1959
January 4, 1960
February 29, 1960
April 25, 1960
December 23, 1959 February 19, 1960
April 15, 1960
June 24, 1960
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Same as High School except:
Close June 12, 1959 Close June 17, 1960
SCHOOLS NOT IN SESSION
Good Friday Observance, March 27, 1959 Columbus Day Observance, October 12, 1959 Teachers Convention Day, November 6, 1959 Veterans Day Observance, November 11, 1959 Thanksgiving Recess, November 26 - 27, 1959
83
AGE OF ADMISSION TO SCHOOL
Any child who becomes six years of age on or before January first of the year following the term when he wishes to enter school may be admitted into the first grade, but in every case the admission of a child under six shall be dependent upon the fitness of the child to profit by the work of the school, such fitness to be deter- mined by the superintendent. Pupils under seven years of age who have not previously attended school shall not be permitted to enter later than thirty days after the opening of school in September of any school year.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS
Any complaint or representation which any person desires to make shall be presented or referred in writing to the superintendent of schools, who, in his discretion may bring it before the school committee. In cases of dis- cipline or other school matters relating to their children, parents shall first discuss the matter with the teacher con- cerned. If for some reason they are not satisfied they will further discuss the matter with the following persons, if necessary, and in the following order: first, the principal of the building and then the superintendent of schools. If, finally, the superintendent has been unable to satisfy the parents, he shall report the case to the school com- mittee for consideration and action.
THE NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
It is the policy of the school officials to practically abandon the use of the "no school" signal on account of weather conditions. This is in line with what many other cities and towns are doing. The reason for so doing is that much confusion has resulted from the use of the "no school" signal, and the realization that the loss of even one school day is a very serious one.
84
However, there may be days when it is advisable to close schools on account of severe weather conditions or any other emergency.
Arrangements have been made with Radio Stations WBZ, WWON, WNRI, and WMRC to broadcast the fact whenever it is necessary to close the schools. The "no school" signals are usually given before, during, or im- mediately after the news program. The siren will also blow three blasts twice at 7:30 A. M.
If schools do not close on any particularly bad day (rain, snow, or cold) parents are requested, and urged, to use their own judgment in sending their children to school.
85
SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIPTS
General Appropriation
$97,987.64
Dog Tax, 1958 591.36
Total Receipts
$98,579.00
Total Expenditures
$96,024.47
Unexpended Balance
2,554.53
REIMBURSEMENTS
State Aid
$15,903.46
All School Transportation
11,571.38
Superintendent: Salary-
Transportation
1,466.67
State Wards: Tuition, Transportation
685.44
Vocational Education
765.32
Tuition
341.28
Total Reimbursements
$30,733.55
TAXATION COST OF SCHOOLS
Total Expenditures
$96,024.47
Reimbursements
30,733.55
Net Cost by Taxation $65,290.92
86
EXPENDITURES
School Committee Expense $ 257.29
Superintendent's Salary 3,199.94
Supt.'s Secretary's Salary
1,200.00
Superintendent's Expense
409.24
Supervisors' Salaries
2,299.10
Teachers' Salaries
52,754.81
Textbooks
2,764.26
School Supplies
2,355.01
Wages of Janitor
4,252.74
Fuel
1,867.96
Janitor Supplies
1,032.71
Telephone
230.41
Electricity
625.32
Advertising
13.50
Replacements
604.12
Rubbish Removal
19.00
Repairs
4,125.74
Library
890.39
Transportation
14,078.14
New Equipment
1,890.90
School Lunch Program
1,127.01
Total Expenditures $96,024.47
87
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the citizens of Mendon the School Committee makes this report:
Superintendent Percy L. Rowe after 13 years as superintendent of the Mendon and Bellingham School Union tendered his resignation effective as of December 31, 1958.
We appreciate the outstanding service Mr. Rowe has performed as our superintendent and we accept the fact of his retirement from full time employment as an educa- tional leader in our community with considerable regret. Mr. Rowe has our best wishes for happiness in his new way of life.
When the recent state wide inspection of all schools was suddenly ordered the only defect found in the Mendon school building was the wrong type of lock on one class- room door. This was immediately replaced and the build- ing was certified as having fulfilled all requirements for safety.
To provide further for pupil safety a major project for 1959 will be construction of a driveway on the south side of the school. This will eliminate the need of school busses turning around in the play area at the rear of the school. It will also provide access to the land south of the building which may be used for a parking area making
88
it unnecessary to park cars on the avenue in front of the school or in the play area at the rear of the building.
We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the people of Mendon during the inconvenience and added expense connected with the two session plan. This plan has many disadvantages, however, it seems to be the best method of providing classroom space until the Regional Junior-Senior High School is constructed.
We wish to extend our thanks to the School Planning Committee, Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Lowell and Mr. Goss and to the P.T.A. for their assistance during the year.
We wish to commend the work of our school principal Mr. Clough, the teachers, cafeteria workers, custodian and transportation agents during a year that has necessitated many changes and adjustments in the school curriculum.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON R. GOOD, Chairman WILLIAM M. KIMBALL HARRY C. YORK, Secretary Mendon School Committee
October 1, 1958
GRADE-AGE DISTRIBUTION
AGE
GRADE
5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12
13
14 15
16 17
18
Total Boys
Total Girls Total
I
B
4
11
2
17
25
42
II
B
8
13
1
22
G
2
18
1
21
43
III
B
1
19
1
21
G
1
17
18
39
IV
B
3
19
22
G
2
7
1
10
32
V
B
18
2
20
5
13
18
38
VI
B
1
12
1
14
3
11
1
15
29
VII
B
4
11
2
17
G
3
13
2
18
35
G
4
21
89
G
G
90
Boys
4 19
16 22 20
19
18
12
19
25
7 10
7 2
200
Girls
4
23
19
20
12
17
14
15
16
16
15
17
9
197
Total
8 42 35 42 32 36 32 27
35
41
22 27 16
2
397
9
9
1
19
G
1
13
1
1
16
35
IX
B
3
5
2
10
G
1
9
10
20
X
B
4
11
2
17
G
6
10
1
17
34
XI
B
2
9
1
12
4
13
1
18
30
XII
B
1
6
2
9
G
3
8
11
20
G
VIII
B
91
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Mendon:
Gentlemen:
It is with pleasure that I submit for your considera- tion my annual report as Superintendent of Schools. This is the sixteenth and last of a series of such reports begin- ning in 1943. In recent years all reports have dealt empha- tically with over-crowded school housing. This report also, and of necessity, will deal to a considerable extent with this same subject.
Except for additions to the faculty because of double sessions there have been few changes in our teaching staff. Resignations were received from Mrs. Gladys Morrison and Mrs. Arlene Rovedo. Mr. Howard Llewellyn replaced Mrs. Morrison in the Commercial Department. He re- turned to this original position after completing two years military service. Mr. Wayne Miller replaced Mrs. Rovedo in the English Department. The re-organization of classes at the junior-senior high level and the formation of a two platoon system at the elementary level made it necessary to engage five more teachers. New teachers engaged for the secondary school were Miss Mary Whitney and Mrs. Christine Cervizzi. Additional teachers at the elementary level were Mrs. Louise Benotti, Mrs. Ruth Burrill, and Mrs. Virginia Cobb. Mrs. Helen Thomas, of Franklin, began her duties in the art department at the very begin- ning of the year. See School Directory for a complete listing of all School Department personnel.
92
Actual day to day classroom instruction has been maintained on a high level. Ample textbooks and all the necessary materials of instruction have been placed in the hands of pupils. The somewhat shorter school day at the elementary level has made it necessary to have a more intensified program in the grades on dual sessions. Our junior-senior high day has been lengthened 30 minutes. Several new additional teachers were engaged for the September opening of school. This was due to the change in the organization of the school program. It is now planned to keep the size of classes at a maximum of 30 in grades 1-6, and a few less if possible. All of our new teach- ers, as well as our teachers who have been with us several years are doing fine work. Our instructional program is at present better than it has ever been.
This year there were two-one-day conferences, or workshops, held in October. One was at the High School level and one at the elementary level. The secondary work- shop was held in Northbridge High School. Towns taking part in this conference were Northbridge, Grafton, Mill- bury, Sutton, East Douglas, Blackstone, Bellingham, Men- don, Uxbridge, and Hopedale. The subject of this confer- ence was "Your Place In the Community." Various aspects of the curriculum were discussed in both the junior and senior high schools.
The elementary conference was held at the Pinecrest School, Bellingham. The general theme of this conference was "Importance of Social Studies Today." Superin- tendents, principals and teachers from the following towns attended this workshop: Hopedale, Uxbridge, Whitins- ville, Upton, Blackstone, Millville, Bellingham, and Men- don. Both of these conferences were held under the direc- tion of Miss Ruth Somers of the Worcester State Teachers College faculty and the superintendents of schools in the
93
towns taking part in the conference. Many of our own school department personnel participated in organizing and planning the programs, as well as taking an active part in the leadership.
A three-day art institute (or workshop) was held at the new Pinecrest School on March 5th, 6th, and 7th. This was for all teachers in grades one to eight inclusive. Elementary teachers from Bellingham, Blackstone, and Millville were in attendance as well as those from Mendon. All of this intensive art instruction to teachers was under the direction of Miss Mariam Ulrickson, an art consultant from Binney & Smith, Inc. Certificates were issued to teachers at the successful completion of the course. Sub- sequent to this course in art our teachers are much better qualified to teach drawing, art, art appreciation and re- lated subjects. These institutes have been given in progres- sive school systems in several of our surrounding towns.
The registration days for entering first grade children held annually in May becomes increasingly more impor- tant as the years go by. This is because our September entering first grade classes are increasing in size every year. It is necessary to know well in advance of the open- ing of school in the fall just how many to plan for in order to have enough books, workbooks, and the other many and varied materials of instruction which is so essential for this grade. Last May the total registration was 36. When school opened in September we had 42. This is only an 85 per cent registration, whereas we should have 100 per cent. We urgently request each parent of a first grade child who will attend school for the first time next September to register him next May. Children must be six years of age on or before January 1, 1960 in order to enter school in September, 1959.
94
The annual census and distribution of minors was taken in October, 1958. This includes all residents of the town on October 1, 1958 between the ages of 5 and 16 whether attending school or not. Residents 16 and over are not counted. The figures shown here will not neces- sarily agree with the figures in the Age-Grade-Enrollment chart. The result of the October 1, 1958 tabulation is as follows:
5 yrs. or over 7 yrs. or over and under 7 and under 16
Boys
36
178
Girls
41
159
77
337
Distribution of minors:
In public school membership
47
300
In private school membership
6
34
Not enrolled in any school
24
3
77
337
The school enrollment figures continue to climb. The increase seems to be gradual but steady from year to year. As this is written the school plant is too small to accom- modate the Town's school pupils and of necessity double sessions have been resorted to. It is to be hoped that this is only a temporary measure and that the Town will vote to construct a new regional junior-senior high school with the Town of Upton. This would adequately take care of all pupils in town from grades 7-12 inclusive for many years and at the same time give them a far better educa- tion than Mendon alone could possibly give, even at an exhorbitant cost per pupil. The following table shows the actual and predicted enrollment figures over a twenty-one year period, 1948-1968. Figures through 1958 are actual known figures. Those from 1959 through 1968 are pre- dicted.
95
MENDON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Actual Enrollment-1948-1958 GRADES
Grand
1 2 3 4 5 6 Tot. 7 8 9 10 11 12 Tot. Tot.
1948 32 21 18 22 22 20 (135) 27 27 23 12 13 12 (114) 249 same 1949 32 36 24 21 27 27 (167) 23 23 24 18 12 12 (112) 279 +30
1950 28 38 36 27 24 24 (177) 33 19 19 22 16 11 (120) 297 +18 27 31 43 45 29 24 (199) 27 32 17 23 16 13 (128) 327 +30
1951 1952 39 35 28 42 39 30 (213) 21 22 28 14 19 17 (121) 334 + 7 1953 35 38 35 26 44 39 (217) 33 21 21 23 12 18 (128) 345 +11 1954 39 38 37 36 25 43 (218) 37 29 19 16 20 11 (132) 350 + 5 1955 32 40 35 35 37 27 (206) 44 39 31 18 14 18 (164) 370 + 2 1956 37 33 42 28 34 34 (208) 30 36 36 28 15 13 (158) 366 - 4 1957 45 37 34 41 29 35 (221) 35 23 36 34 25 12 (165) 386 +20 1958 42 43 39 32 38 29 (223) 35 35 20 34 30 20 (174) 397 +11
Predicted Enrollment-1959-1968
1959 45 45 44 39 32 38 (243) 30 32 33 18 29 27 (169) 412 1960 51 48 46 44 39 32 (260) 40 27 30 30 15 26 (168) 428 1961 44 55 49 46 44 39 (277) 34 36 25 27 26 14 (162) 439
1962 1963
37 47 56 49 46 44 (279) 41 31 33 23 23 23 (174) 453 46 40 48 56 49 46 (285) 46 37 29 30 20 21 (183) 468
1964 52 49 41 48 57 49 (296) 48 41 34 26 26 18 (193) 489
1965 54 56 50 41 48 58 (307) 51 43 38 31 22 23 (208) 515 1966 55 58 57 50 41 48 (309) 61 46 40 35 27 20 (229) 538 1967 54 59 60 57 51 41 (322) 50 55 43 36 30 24 (238) 560 1968 56 58 60 60 58 52 (344) 43 45 51 39 31 27 (236) 580
All figures as of October 1st
96
This year for the first time it became necessary to resort to double sessions. This was not due to an increase of eleven pupils over the preceding year, but to the cumulative results of overcrowding for a number of years. No additional teachers were engaged until this year. It was impossible to use them because of lack of space and classrooms. We had 11 faculty members while the enroll- ment grew from 327 to 386. Each year more and more pupils were jammed and squeezed into the same building with the same number of teachers until it was literally "bursting at the seams." Classes became so large that instruction suffered. At the secondary level there was no place to put study room pupils except in the same room with regular classes. This also was an intolerable situation. Several elementary classes were well over 40. At one time last year there were 46 pupils in a lower grade.
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