USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1955 > Part 9
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To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1955.
Permits were issued and inspections made on the following,
Additions to existing wiring 216 Panels (radiant) 1
Air conditioners
21 Ranges( electric) 194
Beauty shops
1 Replace damaged cable
1
Churches (additions)
6 Replace underground cable
1
Clothes dryers
41 Rewiring of switchboard
1
Dishwashers
9 Rewiring after fire
1
Dwellings (new)
186 Repairs to existing wiring
12
Dwellings (old)
7 Services (permanent)
180
Garages
3 Services (temporary)
34
Garbage disposals
2 Schools (additions)
4
Gasoline stations
2 Signs
5
Gas heater controls
30
Stores (additions)
15
Industrial mixers
1
Stores (new)
2
Manufacturing plants
2 Telephone booths (outdoor)
2
Motors
20
Time clock systems
2
Oil burners
280
Vent fans
105
Pumps
4 Water heaters 30
Washers (automatic)
11
Wiring condemmed 7
X-Ray equipment 2
There were twelve violations during the year which included im- proper wiring and wiring without a permit, these cases were cleared up satisfactorily. Most of this work was performed by Mr. George F. Fogg who retired on November 1st, 1955, after eight years of excellent service. Each year shows an increase in the number of inspections to be made and in 1956 even more is anticipated. In the coming year, I hope that time will permit me to make a more intensive inspection of the public buildings and stores, which appears very much needed.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES F. O'DOWD
Inspector of Wires
99
Gasoline pumps
12 Services (change to 3 wire) 55
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The annual report of the plumbing inspector for the year ending December 31, 1955 is as follows:
Number of permits issued
382
Number of fixtures installed
1,811
Gas Storage - Hot Water Heaters
66
Electric Storage - Hot Water Heaters
49
Hot Water Tanks
10
Tankless Heaters
148
Water Closets
333
Lavatories
334
Bath Tubs
235
Showers
17
Urinals
1
Sinks
255
Laundry Trays
78
Disposals
10
Dish Washing Machines
15
Washing Machines
35
Traps
1
Soda Fountain
1
Repiping
2
Drains
1
Wash Fountain
1
Sewer Connections
56
Cesspools
Fees for Permits
163 $ 1,140.00
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW
Inspector of Plumbing
100
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board organized at a special meeting held on March 10, 1955, as follows:
Kenneth C. Latham, Chairman Lawrence Drew, Secretary Gilbert M. Lothrop Boyd H. Stewart, Clerk
Regular meetings were held every Monday night with the exception of the summer months when they were held every other Monday, with special meetings being held whenever necessary. The agenda of the meetings and such hearings as were held were furnished regularly to the Reading Chronicle for weekly publication. The departments under the jurisdiction of this Board have made separate reports which appear on other pages of this publication.
The Board had several meetings with members of the Massachusetts National Guard with reference to using the facilities of the old High School. During the Annual Town Meeting and at a Special Town Meeting in October, the Town was asked for an expression of opinion as to its desire in this matter, and in both cases the Town expressed the feeling that the National Guard should be accepted.
The Board appointed a committee to study future uses of the old High School under the chairmanship of Mr. Forrest T. Benton. This committee studied the possibilities of various organizations throughout the town obtaining housing in the Old High School, and the Board is personally working in this direction.
On April 4, 1955, the Board voted to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations to require vehicular traffic on Washington Street to come to a complete stop before entering Main Street.
Based on a vote of the Town Meeting, the Board appointed a com- mittee to study suitable building sites for additional school housing and recreational areas. This committee is under the chairmanship of Woodbury C. Titcomb. It is anticipated that their report will be submitted to the Annual Town Meeting in 1956.
The Board also appointed a committee to study the feasibility of fluoridation of the town's public water supply as directed by vote of the Town Meeting.
On May 2, 1955, the Board voted to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations to make the following streets one way: Sanborn St. from Woburn St. southerly to Haven St .; Linden St. from Haven St. northerly to Woburn St .; Chute St. from Haven St. Northerly to Woburn St.
The Board appointed members, as instructed by vote of the Town Meeting, of a building committee for the construction of an elementary school on Forest Street. This committee was under the chairmanship of Mr. Edward Palmer who later in the year found it necessary to resign as a result of being transferred out of state.
During the year the Board held several public hearings with ref- erence to complaints which were filed against owners of dogs.
101
The Board held several meetings with the Boston and Maine Rail- road and carried on considerable correspondence with regard to the crosswalk at the railroad station. Plans presently are being made for the installation of signal lights and warning bells at this location to try to prevent further accidents.
On August 8, 1955, the Board voted to take by right of eminent domain four acres of land in Dividence Meadow. On the same date it also voted to take by right of eminent domain land situated southerly of Forest St. and adjacent to Birch Meadow, estimated to contain 10.896 acres, for school purposes.
As a result of conferences with members of Boy Scout troops in Reading, the Board voted temporary use of the Town Forest to the Boy Scouts for camping sites. These facilities were to be used in con- formance with a set of rules and regulations which were to be drawn up in this connection.
On October 3, 1955, as a result of many conferences, investigations, etc., the Board appionted Mr. Charles Loring as architect to prepare plans and specifications for a proposed new fire station, this station to be placed in the same location as the present Hose 2.
On October 31 we appointed Mr. James F. O'Dowd Wire Inspector to replace Mr. George Fogg who retired due to ill health.
On November 26 we perambulated the bounds of North Reading with members of the North Reading Board of Selectmen.
The Town has held several conferences with representatives of the Addison-Wesley Publishing Company regarding their construction of new facilities on land off South St. on Route 128 in Reading. The facts of this anticipated construction were presented before the Special Town Meet- ing in October, 1955, at which time the unanimous consent was granted to this Board toward encouraging this organization to settle in Reading.
At this time we wish to express our appreciation to the Finance Committee and all other town departments with whom we have worked throughout the year for their splendid cooperation. Also, we wish to thank the many committees appointed for the excellent job which they are doing.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE DREW, Secretary
102
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF. THE
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
for the year ended
December 31, 1955
IN MEMORIAM
ARTHUR B. LORD, A.B., M.Ed. Superintendent of Schools Appointed August 1, 1948 Died July 21, 1955
DOROTHY L. CRONIN, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. Teacher of Grade Two, Highland School Appointed September 1, 1933 Died June 5, 1955
JOHN G. HOLBROOK, A.B. Teacher of Social Studies, Reading High School Appointed September 1, 1955 Died September 25, 1955
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
Paul R. Bergholtz, 45 Middlesex Avenue
Term expires 1958
Barbara Winkler, 52 Pearl Street
Robert E. Turner, 78 Middlesex Avenue William E. Burpee, 178 Wakefield Street Philip R. White, Chairman, 189 Summer Avenue
"
"
1957
"
"
1956
Newell H. Morton, 198 Woburn Street
"
"
1956
School Committee Office
High School Building
62 Oakland Road
RE 2-0180 and RE 2-2384
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During Summer Vacation 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Superintendent of Schools
Robert F. Perry
22 Dudley Street
Secretary to the Superintendent
Mae A. Tanner
26 Mineral Street
Clerks in School Committee Office
Margaret A. McMullen
Irene E. Reichardt
56 Intervale Terrace 90 Vine Street
School Physician
Dr. Robert W. Wakeling
60 Lowell Street
Supervisor of Maintenance
Roderick E. Macdonald
11 John Carver Road
Attendance Officer
Robert A. Grundy
25 Lewis Street or 74 Haven Street
105
"
1958
1957
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Reading:
The School Committee herewith submits its annual report.
The year 1955 has been a year of transition for the School Commit- tee. In February of this year, Superintendent Arthur B. Lord became ill and was unable to carry on the duties of his office again. The whole community was saddened at his untimely death in July of the same year. In the meantime the Committee elected Robert F. Perry as Assistant Superintendent of Schools. After Mr. Lord's death, Mr. Perry was elected Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Perry had long been Principal of the Junior High School and is respected and admired throughout the Town and in educational circles all over the state as an outstanding administrator. This fine administrative talent, combined with the fact that he has lived in Reading a long time and is familiar with our prob- lems and idosyncrasies, has helped to prove Mr. Perry the ideal choice for the position.
The School Committee was already running short-handed, since Mr. Glover had resigned in December and Mrs. Milton had made known her intention not to seek re-election. Following the Town election in March the Committee reorganized with two freshman members.
The largest single project proceeding during the year, outside of the regular operation of the schools, has been the beginning of the develop- ment of the Birch Meadow recreation area. The Birch Meadow Study Committee, which had been set up at the 1954 Town Meeting, came into the 1955 Town Meeting with a very fine report on the site and specific recommendations for the future development of the area for school athletic facilities, public playgrounds, roads, parking areas, and so on. As a result of this report, the Town voted the sum of $85,000.00 to begin the development of Birch Meadow. The School Committee had the supervision of this project and immediately set to work to carry it out. All of the Meadow was rough graded, and in Play Area I, on the map prepared by the Study Committee, drainage was installed, and the surface is receiving finish grading and seeding. A quarter-mile cinder track was also laid out. One of the biggest problems in operating our High School, with its enrollment of a thousand students, has been the lack of adequate outdoor play space. Because this area, which has been under development this year, is adjacent to the High School and presented fewest drainage problems, it seemed the logical place to start to remedy this lack. Besides the fact that transporting teams back and forth for practice and games at other playgrounds during the football and baseball seasons is expensive and unsatis- factory, we haven't enough outdoor space to develop a full athletic program for both boys and girls in the High School.
In the matter of buildings we are still plagued by a shortage of classrooms for elementary children. When school opened in September, enrollment was up one hundred sixty-nine over last year. In the annual
106
shuffling around to find space, the sixth grades are caught in the pinch. This year, besides the three in the Prospect Street School and one in the Pearl Street School, we have housed three in the Junior High School and two in the High School. From an educational standpoint this is not good practice, but no other solution presents itself at the moment. The 1955 Town Meeting set up a committee to explore and make recom- mendations for a school on the Forest Street site. The need for a new elementary school there has become increasingly obvious, and we hope the annual shuffling of children from one school to another as a policy of expediency will come to an end before too long.
The Maintenance Department of the schools has also been going through a period of transition. Robert Vars resigned as Supervisor of Maintenance, and Mr. Roderick Macdonald, who has for some years been Director of our Industrial Arts Department, has been doing the work on a part time basis. He is endeavoring to become familiar with the whole department and is gradually getting the problem under control.
Back in the difficult area of teachers' salaries we are by no means out of the woods, although the 1955 Town Meeting voted sufficient funds so that minimum and maximum salaries and annual step-ups could be increased. We must bear in mind, however, that Reading, along with every other town in the United States, must face an increasingly serious shortage of teachers each year, and about the only means of putting ourselves into a good competitive position in hiring and keeping good teachers is by offering more money. This doesn't mean, however, that we want to go on record as believing that straight across-the-board salary increases will automatically guarantee us an unending supply of good classroom teachers. The problem is not that simple; nor is its solution. We do believe that it is the individual classroom teacher who ultimately makes or breaks our school system, and we must keep that constantly in mind.
Our policy in facing this problem and every other one in connection with the schools must be decided by asking ourselves, first, "What do we want from schools in Reading?", and then, "How can we best pro- vide this for all the children of Reading?".
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL R. BERGHOLTZ WILLIAM E. BURPEE NEWELL H. MORTON ROBERT E. TURNER PHILIP R. WHITE, Chairman BARBARA WINKLER
107
SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUDGET - 1955
Appropriations, Transfers & Refunds 1955
Expended 1955
SALARIES:
$ 35,795.90
Supt., Clerks and Enf. of Law
$ 34,147.01
24,366.64
Directors
24,366.64
1,600.00
Misc. Salaries of Instruction
1,640.00
28,199.98
Principals
27,912.47
492,372.40
Teachers
487,179.52
73,040.89
Janitors and Matrons
70,177.25
8,931.98
Health
8,191.83
$664,307.79
$653,614.72
MAINTENANCE:
$
1,000.00 125.00
Supt. Office Expense Refund
$ 1,200.72
300.00
Research and Professional Study
297.45
600.00
Printing
497.50
600.00
Travel Expenses
262.09
750.00
Prin. Office Expense
563.78
3,500.00
Telephones
2,999.25
150.00
Travel Expense -- Enf. of Law
150.00
$ 7,025.00
Total General Control
$ 5,970.79
INSTRUCTION:
$
700.00
Travel Expense of Directors
$ 658.97
11,000.00
Textbooks and Supplementary Books
11,107.04
14,510.00
Supplies - School
14,452.31
2,000.00
Supplies - Shop
2,026.03
1,000.00
Supplies - Domestic Science
934.42
1,000.00
Film
484.92
2,000.00
Physical Ed Equipment
1,832.55
1,500.00
Tests
1,320.65
5,281.10
Instructional Apparatus
6,045.83
300.00
Express Charges
208.19
$ 39,291.10
Total Instruction
$ 39,070.91
108
1,125.00
OPERATION OF PLANT:
$ 25,000.00
Fuel
$ 22,781.02
2,400.00
Water and Sewer
1,523.18
10,000.00
Electricity
8,997.39
600.00
Gas
346.55
500.00
Laundry and Summer Cleaning 295.03
300.00
Ash Removal
456.89
400.00
Exp. of Supr. of Bldgs. and Grounds
325.37
7,000.00
Janitors Supplies
6,989.53
$ 46,200.00
Total Operation of Plant
$ 41,714.96
MAINTENANCE OF PLANT:
$ 2,489.00
Grounds
$ 2,465.62
6,123.00
Buildings
7,271.59
900.00
Service System
810.43
3,090.00
Plumbing and Heating
3,238.01
335.00
Furniture Repair
62.23
$ 12,937.00
Total Maintenance of Plant
$ 13,847.88
AUXILIARY AGENCIES:
$ 3,000.00
Library
$ 2,501.58
500.00
Health Expenses
612.04
400.00
Commencement
350.53
$ 3,900.00
Total Auxiliary Agencies
$ 3,464.15
CAPITAL OUTLAY:
$ 2,620.70
New Equipment and Furniture $ 2,502.97
$111,848.80
Total General Maintenance Refund
$106,571.66
664,307.79
Total Salaries
653,614.72
$776,281.59
Grand Total
$760,186.38
24,466.00
Transportation
20,653.01
4,000.00
Vocational Tuition
3,189.71
4,500.00
Athletic Account
4,500.00
3,450.00
Pension Account
861.24
1,800.00
School Car
1,400.00
14,455.43
Highland School Boiler
14,451.18
109
125.00
$111,973.80
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE - 1956 Receipts not from Tax Levy - Showing Net Cost to Town January 2, 1956
Estimate 1956
1955
Appropriation Credits
$838,544.81
Total Expenditures (less transportation)
$760,186.38
Receipts:
$127,306.70
State Reimbursement (estimate)
$102,976.71
50,400.00
Tuition
60,626.36
2,500.00
Tuition - other
4,262.28
181,206.70
1,000.00
Sundry
1,106.98
168,972.33
$657,338.11
Net Cost to Town
$591,214.05
VOCATIONAL TUITION
$ 3,000.00
Total Expenditures
$ 3,189.71
Receipts:
1,500.00
State Reimbursement
1,346.72
$ 1,500.00
Net Cost to Town
$ 1,842.99
TRANSPORTATION
Total Expenditures $ 20,653.01
$ 25,000.00
GENERAL ACCOUNT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens of Reading:
I herewith submit my first report as Superintendent of Schools for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1955, it being the sixty-third in a series of such reports.
Two important and significant reports dealing with school problems were submitted to the Town Meeting members at their annual meeting in March. The first report was that of the committee appointed to study the problem of additional schoolhouse facilities established by the following vote at the Annual Town Meeting on April 5, 1954:
"Article 30. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that there be and hereby is established a committee composed of seven members for the purpose of studying the matter of additional schoolhouse fa- cilities, such committee to consist of one member from the School Committee, one from the Planning Board, one from the Board of Public Works, one from the Finance Committee, such members to be appoint- ed by their respective Boards and Committees, and three members to be appointed by the Moderator from the Town at large, and such com- mittee to report at subsequent Town Meeting to be held not later than the Annual Town Meeting of March, 1955."
The members of this committee included the following citizens: Frank Zeo, Chairman Eleanor C. Bishop, Secretary Irving C. Austin
Newell H. Morton (School Committee) L. Lloyd David (Planning Board) Kenneth R. Johnson (Public Works) John R. Kay (Finance Committee)
The task of this committee was to study the matter of additional schoolhouse facilities, a problem that faces thousands of communities throughout the country as the result of rapidly expanding school en- rollment. As a result of this study, which was well documented with statistics dealing with local population growth, rising birth rates, en- rollment projections, and distribution and location of children in the town of pre-school age, the committee summarized their recommenda- tions as follows:
"1. New ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Authorize money for the prepa- ration of plans and surveys for the construction of an elementary school of approximately 16 rooms to open in September 1957.
2. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE - Establish a School Building Committee for the purpose of the construction of an elementary school.
3. SITE SELECTION COMMITTEE - Establish a Site Selection Committee to study and investigate suitable sites in the Town for additional schools where growth is expected.
4. OLD HIGH SCHOOL - Exclude the Old High School from all future consideration in school plant planning.
5. LOWELL STREET SCHOOL - Abandon the Lowell Street School upon opening of the recommended new elementary school.
6. ANNUAL CENSUS - Make an annual census of children of pre-school age.
111
7. ENROLLMENT PROJECTION - Revise yearly the school enroll- ment projection and related statistics."
Under Articles 31 and 32 of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of March 21, 1955, the Town voted to establish a building com- mittee and appropriated $10,000.00 for consulting engineers and archi- tectural services, preliminary plans, and surveys for the construction of an elementary school on a site located off Forest Street near the Birch Meadow area. The members of this building committee are as follows: Edward Palmer, Chairman John Austin, Secretary
William Burpee (School Committee)
Emerson Willard (Finance Committee) Kenneth Johnson (Board of Public Works) William Florence Thomas Galvin
This committee has been at work since May 31, 1955. It selected an architect, visited many elementary schools throughout the Common- wealth, consulted with the Massachusetts Building Assistance Com- mission, studied and approved preliminary plans for an elementary school of 18 classrooms with auxiliary facilities, and will submit its report at a special Town Meeting scheduled for January 30, 1956.
The second valuable report was submitted by a special committee known as the "Birch Meadow Study Committee", appointed pursuant to a vote of the Town of Reading at its adjourned Annual Town Meeting held on March 22, 1954. This committee was appointed to make a com- prehensive study of the future development of the Birch Meadow area relating to school athletic facilities, playgrounds, access roads, etc., and consisted of the following citizens:
William Dolben, Chairman; Charles L. Richardson, Jr., Gilbert Loth- rop, William Herrick, Lawrence Cate (Capital Expenditures Committee), Carl Pitman (Finance Committee), Harold Kilgore, Jr., (Board of Public Works), Robert Turner (School Committee).
As pointed out in the report of the School Committee, a start has already been made in this long-range project for development of Birch Meadow which, when completed, will provide the Town and the School Department excellent and adequate playing fields and facilities for outdoor sports and recreation.
ENROLLMENT
The schools opened in September with an enrollment of 3,332 pupils, an increase of 169 pupils over the enrollment as of October 1, 1954. As predicted in the report of the Committee for Additional School House Facilities, the elementary schools were 6 classrooms over capacity. In September 1956 it will be necessary to find space for two additional classrooms of elementary school pupils, making the elementary school enrollment 8 rooms over the capacity of the present school plant facilities.
112
As of December 1, 1955, the enrollment in the various school build- ings was as follows:
Senior High
1039 (includes 48 in Grades 6)
Junior High
645 (includes 85 in Grades 6 and 10-Special Education)
Highland 392 Grades 1-5
Eaton 563 Grades 1-5
Pearl Street
471 Grades 1-6
Prospect
103 1 Grade 5, 3 Grade 6
Lowell Street 120 Grades 1-4
3,333
STAFF
Most people today understand that the public schools are faced with two serious problems as the result of the pressure of increased enrollments. School housing and the shortage of qualified teachers are vying for first place as the number one problem. We shall prob- ably be able to supply the bricks and mortar to build school houses, but bricks and mortar do not make a school. Far more than anything else, the quality of teachers and of teaching will determine the quality of education in the years ahead. To secure good teachers Reading must compete with other school systems in a market of personnel where the demand far exceeds the supply.
The present personnel of the School Department includes 134 teachers (39 men and 95 women), 5 Principals, 5 Directors, 2 Nurses, 1 Physician, 10 Secretaries, and 21 custodians and matrons, a total of 178. This growth of our School Department is obvious when these figures are compared with the 134 people necessary to staff our schools 5 years ago.
There were 30 new teachers on our staff when school opened in September as the result of vacancies created for the following reasons:
1. Fifteen teachers resigned to accept teaching positions in other communities at increased salaries.
2. Six teachers gave up teaching for various reasons.
3. One teacher was drafted for military service.
4. One death.
5. Seven teachers were appointed to fill positions because of in- crease in enrollment in the schools.
THE WORK OF THE SCHOOLS
Reading has long been proud of the work of its schools. It has been equally proud of its good town government, two factors which make the town a good place in which to live, a desirable place to bring up a family. Parents and citizens have been generous in their support of the schools, as indicated by the wide participation in Parent- Teacher activities as well as a willingness to support the school pro- gram financially.
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To summarize the work of the schools during the past year, I refer you to the reports submitted by the Principals, the Director of Guidance and the Director of Health.
In conclusion, the Superintendent wishes to express his appreciation to the School Committee, principals, teachers, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria employees, and the many groups associated with the schools, for their helpful cooperation, understanding and advice during the year. It is a real privilege to be associated with so many fine people, but in particular with members of the School Committee, who give so generously of their time and energy to the work and service of pro- viding the best possible educational program for our boys and girls within the limits of our resources.
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