USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1947-1951 > Part 50
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12,346.36
127.64
Library-Expense
4,000.00
From Library Trustees
32.42
From Library Salaries
300.00
4,332.42
4,329.60
4,329.60
2.82
Library-Alter. & Improv.
1,000.00
Balance from 1950
4,000.00
5,000.00
901.63
901.63
4,098.37
Total Schools & Library
483,572.34
6,731.22
490,303.56
485,772.09
300.00
486,072.09
133.10
4,098.37
Recreation and Unclassified:
Parks
500.00 4,000.00
500.00 4,000.00
494.78 3,905.85
494.78 3,905.85
5.22
Playgrounds
375.00
70.00
445.00
428.03
428.03
16.97
Honor Roll
350.00
350.00
273.14
273.14
76.86
Band Concerts
500.00
500.00
476.00
476.00
24.00
Swimming Pool-Salaries
2,500.00
2,500.00
2,499.00
2,499.00
1.00
Swimming Pool-Expense
300.00
300.00
298.67
298.67
1.33
Swimming Pool-New Wall
2,500.00
2,500.00
2,496.88
2,496.88
3.12
Dresser St. Field-Sal.
4,000.00
4,000.00
3,880.89
3,880.89
119.11
Dress. St. Fld .- Maint. & Impr.
2,500.00
By Refund
1.75 260.02
2,761.77
2,758.20
2,758.20
3.57
Dress. St. Fld .- Rep to Field
1,200.00
1,200.00
1,197.78
1,197.78
2.22
Dress. St. Fld .- Trees
200.00
200.00
198.71
198.71
1.29
Alumni Field-Salaries
500.00
500.00
484.38
484.38
15.62
Alumni Field-Expense
500.00
500.00
489.23
489.23
10.77
94.15
W. W. I Memorial Park By Excess & Deficiency
By Ins. Loss Reimb.
Henry St. Field-Sal. By Refund
500.00
4.00
504.00
501.70
501.70
2.30
Henry St. Field-Exp. By Refund
500.00
3.00
501.41
501.41
1.59
Henry St. Field-New Const.
3,500.00
3,494.75
3,494.75
5.25
Henry St. Fld .- Lev. & Fill
500.00
500.00
492.28
492.28
7.72
Airport Maint. Acct. Balance from 1950
473.18
473.18
6.30
6.30
466.88
Dam. to Persons & Prop. By Excess & Deficiency
1,250.00
2,150.00
655.98
655.98
244.02
1,250.00
Memorial Day
900.00
900.00
899.96
899.96
.04
Armistice Day
300.00
300.00
300.00
300.00
Annual Reports
1,700.00
1,700.00
1,484.63
1,484.63
215.37
Pensions-Non Contrib.
8,000.00
8,000.00
7,903.08
7,903.08
96.92
Insurance
19,400.00
Rate Reduc .- Refund
85.82
19,485.82
18,624.95
18,624.95
860.87
Town Clock
50.00
756.58
806.58
707.67
707.67
98.91
Water and Ice
600.00
600.00
574.80
574.80
25.20
Outstanding Bills of 1950
251.68
O'drawn bal. 12/31/50 43.66
164.92
416.60
372.94
372.94
Pension Accum.
11,918.00
11,918.00
11,918.00
11,918.00
Tot. Rec. & Unclass.
43.66
68,944.68
3,069.27
72,013.95
68,319.99
68,319.99
1,933.42
1,716.88
Enterprises and Cemeteries:
Oak Ridge Cem. From Dividends
4,400.00
2,225.45
6,625.45
6,521.10
6,521.10
104.35
Cem. Improv. Acc't. Balance from 1950
1,812.77
1,812.77
539.30
539.30
1,273.47
Stone Arch Entrance Balance from 1950
200.00
1,185.00
1,385.00
1,348.50
1,348.50
36.50
Total Cemetery
4,600.00
5,223.22
9,823.22
8,408.90
8,408.90
140.85
1,273.47
Balance from 1950
By Excess &Deficiency
Fund
900.00
503.00 3,500.00
SCHEDULE OF APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, TRANSFERS AND BALANCES (Continued)
Overdrawn Accounts 12/31/50
Approp.
Prev. Bal. Refunds Transfers
Total Receipts
Payments
Transfer to Other Accounts
Total Expense
Bal. to Revenue
Balance O'draw Forw'ded Acc'ts to 1952 12/31/5
Specials Accounts:
Am. Legion Kitchen Exit From Excess & Deficiency
750.00
750.00 768.00
665.13 768.00
665.13 768.00
84.87
Ash St. Sew. Purchase
768.00
Belmont St. Grading Balance from 1950 To Town Dump
443.08
443.08
147.95
250.00
397.95
45.13
Central St. Resurfac.
4,750.00
4,750.00
4,731.33
4,731.33
18.67
Central & Hook Sts. Sidewk. From Excess & Deficiency To Town Dump
1,600.00
1,600.00
1,304.75
245.00
1,549.75
50.25
Cert. Check in Lieu of Bond No. Woodstock Rd. Drain
1,288.00
1,288.00
1,288.00
1,288.00
1951 Chap. 90 Constr. Eastford Rd.
6,000.00
From State and County
13,990.25
19,990.25
19,249.27
19,249.27
740.98
Charlton St. Reconstr. Balance from 1950
379.73
379.73
379.73
Charlton St. Drain
500.00 2,500.00
500.00
498.51
498.51
1.49
Civil Defense Balance from 1950
1,500.00
4,000.00
2,016.66
2,016.66
1,983.34
Cliff St. Bridge
4,200.00
4,200.00
3,724.88
3,724.88
475.12
Dam. to Town Dump Pipeline From Northeast. Gas Co.
48.00
48.00 5,000.00
394.50
394.50
4,605.50
12,348.04
12,348.04
11,822.43
48.00
Dennsion Dr. Reconstr.
5,000.00
Dresser St. Resurfacing Balance from 1950 To Durfee St. Resurfac.
18.00
To Highway Expense Dresser-Main St. Prop. Maint. Durfee St. Resurfac. Balance from 1950 From Dresser St. Resurfac.
400.00
400.00
303.50
12,348.04 303.50
96.50
718.35 18.00
736.35
643.20
643.20
93.15
Eastford Rd. School Sidewk.
1,200.00
1,200.00
1,020.79
1,020.79
Elm St. Reconstr.
19,000.00
19,000.00
Elm St. Sewer
11,000.00
11,000.00
Fairmount Ave. Drain Balance from 1950
571.77
571.77 1,100.00
961.50
961.50
138.50
Foster St. Park. Lot Rep. Balance from 1950
944.70
944.70
944.70
E. V. Gillon Dam. Acc't. From Travelers Ins. Co.
16.50
16.50
16.50
16.50
Green Ave. Gutter Constr. From Excess & Deficiency
150.00
150.00
149.95
149.95
.05
Hartwell St. Storm Drain
380.00
380.00
379.63
379.63
.37
Henry St. Land Exch. with Worc. County Elec. Co.
From Excess & Deficiency To Excess & Deficiency
230.00
230.00
230.00
230.00
Hook & Central Sts. Land and Building Purchase Balance from 1950
20,000.00 4,000.00
24,000.00
2.30
2.30
23,997.70 350.00
Kingsley St. Sidewk. Purch.
350.00
350.00
Lemire Post No. 6055 Lease-VFW Balance from 1950
1,125.00
1,125.00
900.00
900.00
225.00
Liberty St. Sidewalk Liberty St. Storm Drain
1,400.00
1,400.00
1,400.00
From Excess & Deficiency
800.00
800.00
688.99
688.99
111.01
Lyons St. Sew. Purchase
521.30
1950 Chap. 90 Construction Main, E. Main., Mech. Streets Rotary
521.30
521.30
521.30
02
Fiske St. Sewer
1,100.00
571.75
571.75
179.21 19,000.00 11,000.00
507.61
From Excess & Defic.
SCHEDULE OF APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, TRANSFERS AND BALANCES (Continued)
Overdrawn Accounts 12/31/50
Approp.
Prev. Bal. Refunds Transfers
Total Receipts
Payments
Transfer to Other Accounts
Total Expense
Bal. to Revenue
Balance O'drawn Forw'ded Acc'ts. to 1952 12/31/51
Balance from 1950 From Highway Aid Rev.
3,997.94 5,458.21
9,456.15 15,000.00
6,780.03
6,780.03 14,832.82
2,676.12
Morris St. Ext. - 1951
15,000.00 1,200.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
Removal of Porch-Morris St. From Excess & Deficiency
100.00
100.00
100.00
Morris St. Resurfacing Balance from 1950
5,267.59
5,267.59
4,375.98
4,375.98
891.61
No. Woodstock Rd. Drain
1,350.00
1,350.00
1,226.88
1,226.88
123.12
Oliver St. Sidewalk
1,400.00
1,400.00
1,218.71
1,218.71
181.29
River St. School Ret. Wall Balance from 1950 River St. Storm Drain
1,023.12
1,023.12
934.00
934.00
89.12
400.00
400.00
202.48
202.48
197.52
School Fire Alarm Boxes From Reserve Fund
900.00
900.00
897.58
897.58
2.42
School Planning Survey Balance from 1950
5,000.00
5,000.00
4,691.00
4,691.00
309.00
School Build. & Archi- tectural Survey
From Excess & Deficiency
20,000.00
20,000.00
20,000.00
Sewage Disposal Plant- Engineering Services Balance from 1950 Strand Theater Rental
2,605.09
2,605.09
2,605.09
225.00
225.00
225.00
225.00
Town Government Survey Balance from 1950
171.06
171.06
171.06
Town Hall Alter. & Rep. Balance from 1950 Foster St. Park. Lot St. Drain
648.30
648.30
648.30
14,832.82
167.18
Morris St. Sidewalk
Balance from 1950 Wells High School Elec. Serv Entrance West. St. Sch. Ret. Wall
3,376.00
3,376.00
56.25
56.25
3,319.75
2,000.00
2,000.00
1,900.43
1,900.43
99.57
2,000.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
West St. & Locust Ave. Drain Balance from 1950 Westwood Pkwy Resurfacing Balance from 1950
293.95
293.95
293.95
103.94
103.94
103.94
Total Special Accounts
82,644.30
109,866.62
192,510.92
90,111.98
1,250.61
91,362.59
5,777.65
95,370.68
Interest and Maturing Debt:
Interest-Temporary Loans
1,900.00
1,900.00
1,691.58
1,691.58
208.42
Interest-Fixed Debt
1,540.00
1,540.00
1,540.00
1,540.00
Maturing Debt
31,000.00
31,000.00
31,000.00
31,000.00
Anticipation of Rev. Loans
Balance from 1950
100,000.00
Issued during 1951
250,000.00
350,000.00
350,000.00
350,000.00
Total Int & Matur. Debt
34,400.00
350,000.00
384,440.00
384,231.58
384,231.58
208.42
Agency, Trust, and Investment:
Federal Tax Deductions
70,831.88
70,831.88
62,599.94
62,599.94
8,231.94
Deposit on Plans & Bids
1,475.00
Balance from 1950
20.00
1,495.00
1,440.00
1,440.00
55.00
Blue Cross
4,598.60
4,598.60
4,598.60
4,598.60
Mabel Murphy Fund
50.00
Balance from 1950
36.67
86.67
20.00
20.00
66.67
Adah Stedman Fund
25.00
Balance from 1950
27.06
52.06
8.00
8.00
44.06
J. J. Angell Fund-
Balance from 1950
31.27
31.27
31.27
Alexis Boyer Jr. Fund- Balance from 1950
11.29
11.29
11.29
Ella M. Cole Fund-
SCHEDULE OF APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, TRANSFERS AND BALANCES (Continued)
Overdrawn Accounts 12/31/50 Approp.
Prev. Bal. Refunds Transfers
Total Receipts
Payments
Transfer to Other Accounts
Total Expense
Bal. to Revenue
Balance O'draw Forw'ded Acc'ts to 1952
12/31/5
Balance from 1950 Fund Income
395.71 68.75
464.46
29.45
29.45
435.01
Mary Mynott Fund- Balance from 1950 Fund Income
13.23
25.00
38.23
17.27
17.27
20.96
Post War Rehabilitation Acct.
Fund Income-Invested
3,375.00
3,375.00
3,375.00
3,375.00
School Athletic Fund Balance from 1950
1,000.00
1,705.59
Receipts
6,971.60
By Refunds
250.00
9,927.19
6,714.41
6,714.41
3,212.78
School Lunch Program
From State
1,518.48
Cafeteria Receipts By Refund
2.21
9,903.76
9,292.61
9,292.61
611.15
Dog Tax for County
2,069.00
2,069.00
2,069.00
2,069.00
Cem. Perpet. Care Bequests- Deposited
1,200.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
46.00
State Tax State Auditing Tax
1,733.64
1,733.64
1,733.64
1,733.64
State Parks & Reservations Tax-Over-
drawn 12/31/50
524.26
3,018.82
3,018.82
2,036.38
2,036.38
458.18
State Exam. of
632.09
632.09
632.09
632.09
County Tax
48,496.91
Balance from 1950
1,486.64
49,983.55
45,953.94
1,486.64
47,440.58
2,542.97
To 1951 Revenue
County TB Hosp. Maint. Tax
23,567.88
8,383.07
46.00
46.00
Retire. System
Balance from 1950 To 1951 Revenue Various Overpayments Refunds Balance from 1950
3,965.24
27,533.12 25,429.62
3,965.24 29,394.86
1,861.7
2,673.67
20.50
2,694.17
2,694.17
2,694.17
Total Ag., Tr., Inv.
524.26
78,495.34
111,230.46
189,725.80
169,844.12
5,451.88 175,296.00
15,767.28 1,861.7
Recapitulation:
General Government
66,606.00
932.24
67,538.24
65,117.68
65,117.68
2,134.12
286.44
Prot. to Pers. & Prop.
230,959.62
3,118.22
234,077.84
229,319.32
229,319.32
4,758.52
Health & Sanitation
30,257.00
486.06
30,743.06
28,070.01
28,070.01
2,673.05
Highways
2,384.40
97,090.00
9,128.83
106,218.83
96,008.11
96,906.98
6,927.45
Char. & Vet. Ben.
238,064.00
170,221.81
408,285.81
333,809.60
340,709.60
10,545.76
57,030.45
Schools & Library
483,572.34
6,731.22
490,303.56
485,772.09
486,072.09
133.10
4,098.37
Recreation & Uncl.
43.66
68,944.68
3,069.27
72,013.95
68,319.99
68,319.99
1,933.42
1,716.88
Cem. & Enterpr.
4,600.00
5,223.22
9,823.22
8,408.90
8,408.90
140.85
1,273.47
Special Accounts
82,644.30
109,866.62
192,510.92
90,111.98
1,250.61
91,362.59
5,777.65
95,370.68
Int. & Maturing Debt
34,440.00
350,000.00
384,440.00
384,231.58
384,231.58
208.42
Agency, Trust, Inv.
and Refunds
524.26
78,495.34
111,230.46
189,725.80
169,844.12
5,451.88
175,296.00
15,767.28
1,861.7
2,952.32
1,415,673.28
770,007.95
2,185,681.23 1,959,013.38
14,801.36
1,973,814.74
35,232.34
175,543.57
1,861.7
898.87 6,900.00 300.00
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Southbridge, Mass.
GE
INCORPORATED
FEB. 15
5
S
1816
--
THE EYE
E
VEALTH
YE
O
THE
C
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
December 31, 1951
SOUTHBRIDGE TYPESETTING COMPANY SOUTHBRIDGE, MASS. 1952
A Tribute to the Memory of
EDNA C. PINSONNEAULT
School Nurse Southbridge Public Schools 1945 - 1951
DIED - OCTOBER 9, 1951
ORGANIZATION OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1951-1952
Paul A. Roy, Chairman, 141 Everett Street 1954
Lorenzo J. Beaupre, 131 Central Street 1954
Mrs. Frederic Beck, 103 Eastford Road 1953
Eugene LeBlanc, 30 Forest Avenue 1953
Mrs. Alexander Steen, Jr., 28 Maple Street 1952
Gabriel Crevier, 104 Highland Street 1952
Meetings of School Committee
The regular meetings of the School Committee are held on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 P. M. in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, Town Hall, except as follows: In January, 2nd Monday In March, 3rd Monday In September, 2nd Monday
There are no regular meetings in July and August.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Robert H. McCarn Residence: 17 Franklin Terrace, Tel. 387-W Office: Town Hall, Tel. 365
SECRETARIES
Margaret R. Connolly, 14 South Street Tel. 87
Gloria C. Ciukaj, 906 Main Street Tel. 1890-M
The Superintendent's office is open from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 A. M. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 P. M. to 5:00 P. M.
3
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Dr. William Langevin, 24 Everett Street Tel. 984
Dr. Adah B. Eccleston, 62 Elm Street Tel. 32
SCHOOL NURSE
Louise A. Pontbriand, 31 Newell Avenue Tel. 307-W
SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
Paul A. Duhart, School Office Tel. 1750-W
SCHOOL CALENDAR-1952
Winter term, seven weeks January 2-February 15
Spring term, seven weeks February 25-April 11
Summer term, nine weeks April 21-June 20
Fall term, sixteen weeks September 3-December 19
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
2-2-2 on fire alarm at 6:40 A. M. will indicate no school all day for High, Trade, and Elementary schools.
2-2-2 on fire alarm at 7:15 A. M. will indicate no school all day for Elementary schools only.
There will be an announcement of no school over Radio Station WTAG beginning at 7:00 A. M.
4
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
In Brief:
Total Expenditures
$470,001.55
Total Receipts Returned to Town Treasurer
156,476.98
Net Cost to Town 313,524.57
In Detail:
Receipts to School Department
Appropriation
471,098.34
Smith-Hughes Fund, U. S. Gov't
2,226.64
George-Barden Fund
170.00
Total-Funds Available 473,494.98
EXPENDITURES:
General Control: Salaries
11,723.26
Other Expenses
1,882.43
Total-General Control
13,605.69
Auxiliary Agencies:
Transportation
16,106.71
Tuition to other schools
443.30
Compulsory attendance
199.94
School Doctors
1,999.96
School Nurse
3,143.46
Medical expenses
486.04
Total-Auxiliary Agencies
22,379.41
High School:
Instruction salaries
91,671.72
Instruction expenses:
Textbooks
2,560.32
Supplies
2,999.77
Other expenses
482.90
Operation of plant
14,981.80
Maintenance of plant
4,655.93
Capital outlay
6,358.02
Total-High School 123,710.46
5
Elementary Schools:
Instruction salaries
$164,695.41
Instruction expenses:
Textbooks
2,864.85
Supplies
5,225.48
Other expenses
206.36
Operation of plant
27,742.77
Maintenance of plant
4,824.89
Capital outlay
1,901.39
Total-Elementary Schools $207,461.15
Vocational School:
Instruction salaries
61,796.04
Instruction expenses:
Textbooks
304.18
Supplies
3,028.08
Other expenses
432.10
Operation of plant
5,204.17
Maintenance of plant
4,490.35
Capital outlay
Total-Vocational School
78,515.46
Evening High school:
Instruction salaries
639.45
Instruction expenses:
Supplies
22.30
Operation of plant
100.00
Capital outlay
Total-Evening High School 761.75
Elementary Evening School:
Instruction salaries
754.00
Instruction expenses
20.06
Total-Elementary Evening
School 774.06
6
Evening Vocational School:
Instruction salaries 2,524.48
Instruction expenses: Textbooks Supplies
8.08
435.32
Operation of plant
50.00
Maintenance of plant
176.21
Total-Evening Vocational School
3,194.09
Household Arts:
Instruction salaries
$ 4,864.87
Instruction expenses:
Supplies
361.80
Other expenses
38.47
Maintenance of plant
5.49
Capital outlay
1,251.94
Total-Household Arts $ 6,522.57
Industrial Arts:
Instruction salaries
960.47
Instruction expenses: Supplies
99.28
Maintenance of plant
17.54
Capital outlay
180.94
Total-Industrial Arts
1,258.23
Domestic Science:
Instruction salaries
1,675.27
Instruction expenses
59.44
Supplies
Total-Domestic Science 1,734.71
Visual Aids:
Instruction salaries
800.00
Instruction expenses: Supplies
350.39
Maintenance of plant
27.23
Capital outlay
1.75
Total-Visual Aids
1,179.37
7
Playgrounds: Instruction salaries Instruction expenses: Other expenses
2,770.00
1,135.85
Total Playgrounds 3,905.85
CONTINGENCY FUND
4,998.75
ATHLETIC FUND
721.76
Total Expenditures
470,723.31
Bal. on hand, Dec. 31, 1951
375.03
$470,348.28
REIMBURSEMENTS
State Aid for Schools (Chap. 70, as
amended 1948, Chap. 643) $ 83,758.97
Vocational School (Coop.) State Grant .. 3,950.15
Vocational School (Day) State Grant 23,926.73
Vocational School (Evening) State Grant 998.21
Household Arts-State Grant
3,724.98
Worcester Girls' Trade School
225.00
Evening Practical Arts School
458.30
Worcester Evening Industrial and Practical Arts School 39.00
Worcester Apprenticeship School
5.10
Springfield Trade High School
43.28
Smith-Hughes U. S. Gov't Fund
2,226.64
George-Barden Fund
170.00
High School Tuition
19,707.29
Elementary School Tuition
991.14
Vocational School Tuition
13,017.59
Cole Trade High-Eve. School Tuition
583.00
Household Arts-High School Tuition
2,621.40
Cole Trade High School-Goods Sold
5.20
Refunds
25.00
Total Receipts Returned to Town Treasurer $156,476.98
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens of Southbridge:
It is a pleasure to submit my second annual report as Superintendent of Schools of Southbridge for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The chief purpose of this report is to present to you, as simply and clearly as possible, an analysis of our school situa- tion as it exists today.
During the past year, we have tried to plan our program carefully to meet the needs of all the youth of this community in order that they may become good American citizens, better prepared to succeed in our democratic way of life.
Realizing the all-important part that a teacher plays in the training and education of youth, we have recommended a rea- sonable and adequate salary schedule. The purpose for so do- ing is to retain and provide a stable, well-trained, and efficient teaching force who are professional in their attitude and con- tent in their profession. A greater spirit of enthusiasm for their work is bound to result. Harmony and cooperation on the part of the teacher has, at all times, been encouraged by im- proving professional standards wherever possible.
Educational activities have been expanded to suit the ability and aptitude of the individual, to satisfy his interests, and to meet his needs. Adequate instructional materials have been provided for this purpose. To be specific, we have greatly ex- panded our program of physical education activities, music ac- tivities, art activities, speech activities, including debating, dramatics, public speaking, and choral reading. The one-ses- sion day in our high schools has provided greater participation in varied types of learning experiences which are conducive to the general well-being of the student.
A new kitchen and cafeteria have been built with complete facilities and furnishings, appropriately painted and decorated. Hot lunches are now provided to pupils attending the Mary E. Wells and Marcy Street Schools. A dietitian and a specially trained supervisor has been appointed in charge of the cafeteria.
Our Household Arts Department has been completely reno- vated with new and modern equipment. This improvement has merited the approbation of State Department officials.
New typewriters and equipment have been provided for the Commercial Department.
Our Trade School has been replenished with much-needed new machinery and equipment. Greater cultural, social and physical advantages have been provided for the students who attend the Trade School.
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Special classes are still held for exceptional children and for those who are physically handicapped.
Pleasant Street School is now open to grades one to four inclusive for pupils living in that district.
Our kindergarten enrollment, within two years, has in- creased from thirty to one hundred and fifty. We now have three full-time instructors and six different groups in attend- ance; three in the morning, and three in the afternoon.
Our maintenance program has been quite extensive during the past year. It has consisted in cleaning classroom walls, fill- ing in cracks, priming and painting, varnishing woodwork and furniture, sanding, sealing and waxing classroom floors, mak- ing green chalkboards, renewing window shades, refinishing gymnasium floors, purchasing new classroom furniture, reno- vating and decorating principals' offices, cleaning and painting lavatory and toilet rooms, walls, ceilings, and corridor floors. Thus, completely renovated were: thirteen classrooms, eight office rooms, six toilet and lavatory rooms, four household arts rooms, one nurse's room, cafeteria and kitchen, and four base- ment corridors.
The custodians are now using new and modern cleaning equipment, new vacuum cleaners and floor machines for the interior of the building. Power lawn mowers have also been procured for the upkeep of school grounds.
The Trade High School boys, under the skillful supervision of their instructors, have helped considerably in making tables and chairs, cabinets, cafeteria equipment, trucks, sinks, trays, railings, and other materials. They have contributed much in the way of painting, papering, and interior decorating. This program of vocational activities has saved the town many thou- sands of dollars.
Boilers, furnaces, and chimneys have been cleaned and re- paired. Thermostats have been installed and general repair work in several buildings has been done on our plumbing and electric service systems, roofs, basements, sidewalks, and stor- age facilities.
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OUR SCHOOL BUILDING PROBLEMS AND PLANS
Like many other towns and communities, Southbridge is faced with a school housing problem, and, consequently, a school building program. This building problem concerns the welfare of every pupil enrolled in our school system. It involves our high school, trade school, elementary schools, and kinder- garten. Our problem is four-fold:
1. Our four elementary schools are overcrowded, and contain grades 1-8 inclusive, which, educationally, is an undesirable grouping because of the age differences.
2. Our present high school lacks adequate facilities for provid- ing a modern progressive educational type of program.
3. Our Trade School lacks sufficient shop space for its present enrollment and does not meet state requirements.
4. Our kindergartens are housed in a building which is quite old and dilapidated. Its location demands considerable transportation which is costly and hazardous.
This summarizes our situation: For the past two years, this problem has been studied at great length by educational author- ities-experts in the field. A survey was made by Griffenhagen and Associates. A report was made to the town through the School Planning Board. The School Committee appointed an Advisory Committee made up of members representing various groups in the community. Jointly, the School Committee and its Advisory Board analyzed the problem. The State School Building Assistance Commission was consulted for advice. A Special Town Meeting was held, and $20,000 was appropriated for the purpose of appointing a School Building Committee, an educational consultant, and an architect, to present their find- ings to the Annual Town Meeting in March. The School Build- ing Committee of eleven members has been appointed, consist- ing of: William Orzech, Chairman; William Rogers, Louis Co- lognesi, Dr. Romeo LeClair, William Schneider, Lorenzo Beau- pre, Eugene LeBlanc Mrs, Linnea Beck, Paul Roy, John Martin, and Robert McCarn, Secretary. Dr. William K. Wilson of the New York State Department of Education is the Educational
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Consultant, and George H. Sidebottom of Reading has been selected as the architect. Several meetings have been held and practically all of these groups and individuals have concurred on their solution to these problems, which is as follows:
1. The Trade School to be remodeled and expanded in its pres- ent location.
2. A new cafeteria, gymnasium, and auditorium, and modern high school building to house 550 pupils to be constructed, adjacent to the Trade School.
3. The present high school building to be used for a junior high school to house grades 6, 7, and 8. This will provide adequate space for additional educational activities and exploratory educational experiences so necessary during their formative years.
4. The elementary buildings to house the kindergarten through the fifth grade, which will give adequate space for the increased enrollment.
5. The Mechanic Street School to be closed, as it will no long- er be needed for kindergarten, which will henceforth be held in each area of the town in the respective elementary buildings.
This program will cost approximately 11/2 million dollars. If the post-war Rehabilitation Fund is applied to this project, it will mean a net increase of 4 or 5 mills in the tax rate. The State will contribute 28% of the entire cost if the plans are ap- proved.
We believe the youth of Southbridge are worthy of these essential facilities which are necessary for their proper training and education in the years ahead. There is no sounder invest- ment that any community can make than to invest in the boys and girls of the community who are to become its citizens of to- morrow. It means the preservation of our form of government, freedom, and equality of opportunity.
We trust that the citizens of Southbridge will act with vision and foresight in this matter which so vitally concerns them.
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