USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1956-1962 > Part 38
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10.3.4 The Board of Appeals shall have the following powers and duties :
10.3.4.1 To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the applicant for a permit that there is error in any order of decision made by an administrative official in the enforcement of this by-law.
10.3.4.2 To authorize upon appeal with respect to a particular parcel of land a variance from the terms of this by-law, where, owing to conditions especially affecting such parcel but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located, a literal enforcement of this by-law would involve substantial hardship to the appellant and where desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the
140
public good and without substantially derogating from the intent or purpose of this by-law, but not otherwise.
10.3.5 The Board of Appeals shall consider the case at a public hearing as prescribed in Paragraph 10.2.3 of this section. If the Board determines by concurring vote of all its members that the proposed variation relating to the use, construction or alteration of a building or the use of land, can be granted without impairing the general purpose and intent of this by-law, then the Board shall adopt a motion em- bodying their finding in the above-mentioned specific points and shall direct the issuance of a permit which the Building Inspector shall issue fifteen days after the decision of the Board of Appeals shall have been filed with the Town Clerk.
10.3.6 Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Board of Appeals, whether or not previously a party to the proceedings, or any municipal officer or board, may appeal to the superior court sitting in equity, pro- vided that such appeal is filed in said court within fifteen days after such decision is recorded.
SECTION II - AMENDMENTS, VALIDITY
11.1 This by-law and the boundaries of zoning districts established hereunder may from time to time be amended or changed in accordance with Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended.
11.2 If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, or provision of this by-law shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision so ad- judged, and the remainder of this by-law shall be deemed valid and effective.
JOHN J. COONEY THOMAS P. SAWYER ROGER F. LAFRENIERE ROBERT W. LACEY JEROME CARPENTER Planning Board
ART. 69-To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Planning Board to apply for Federal funds and to expend the same for surveys, plans, and reports with estimates of cost of a town sewer- age system in all its various phases, with the understanding that the town will reimburse the Federal Government for that part of the cost of the surveys allocated to a particular sewer project, if and when that particular sewer project is subsequently voted by the town, or take any other action thereon. Planning Board
Recommend adoption.
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ART. 70-To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase or take by eminent domain in fee simple the old abandoned railroad track for its entire length from the Wilmington town line to East Street for the purpose of a town road or any other municipal purpose and to see what sum the town will vote to raise and appropriate for such purposes or takings, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Planning Board
Indefinite postponement.
ART. 71-To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Se- lectmen to acquire by purchase or take by eminent domain in fee simple the abandoned Boston and Maine railroad bed from East Street to the Andover town line for the purpose of a town road or any other municipal purpose and to see what sum the town will vote to raise and appropriate for such purposes or takings, or take any other action in relation thereto. Planning Board
Indefinite postponement.
ART. 72-To see if the Town will authorize the town Moderator to appoint a committee of five to make a playground and Little League Park survey with the cooperation of the Planning Board, or take any action in relation thereto. Planning Board
ART. 73-To see if the Town will vote to sell to the Tewksbury- Wilmington Lodge of Elks 2070, the land purchased from Weiner, bounded by Salem Road, South Street and Main Street for $3,000.00; the purchase price plus $530.40 in taxes lost to the Town since the purchase, or take any other action relative thereto. George A. McDermott
Recommend indefinite postponement, with 2 members, Morrissey and Josselyn, absenting themselves from voting.
ART. 74-To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate to enable the Assessors to publish a real estate valua- tion book as required by Section 11 of Article II of the Town By- Laws, or take any other action relative thereto.
South Tewksbury Betterment Assn., Inc.
Recommend to raise and appropriate $2,500.00 for the purpose of this Article.
ART. 75-To see what sum the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds to provide bus transporta-
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tion for private school children, both inside and outside the town boundaries, or take any other action relative thereto.
Joseph F. Keefe
Recommend that $15,000.00 be transferred from School Department equipment rental under Article 4 for this purpose. 2 Dissents
ART. 76-To determine how and by whom the funds voted under the preceding article shall be administered, or take any other action relative thereto. Joseph F. Keefe
Recommend that School Committee administer this fund under this Article.
ART. 77-To see if the Town will vote to permit Harold J. Patten to discuss the history of the Town as it relates to an observance of the 250th anniversary of the Town, and to hear such discussion at approximately 2 p.m. on the day of the Annual Town Meeting, and to further see what action the Town will take in reference to such anniversary, whether by voting to raise and appropriate a sum of money, appointment of committees, or otherwise, or to take any action in relation thereto. Miriam W. Spaulding
ART. 78-To see if the Town will direct the Selectmen to petition the General Court to enact at its 1960 session of legislation as follows :
The Town of Tewksbury, notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 27 of Section 5 of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, may make periodical or annual appropriation for the celebration of its 250th anniversary and may authorize such money to be placed in a special fund and the principal and accumulated income thereof to be used in the year of the celebration of such anniversary.
Miriam W. Spaulding
ART. 79-To see if the Town will vote to construct a drainage system, consisting of pipeline, catch basin, etc., on Chandler Street, near 612 Chandler Street, and facing 595 to 605 Chandler Street and for said purpose to appropriate the sum of $3,000.00.
Leroy H. Curseaden
Recommend to raise and appropriate $3,000.00 for this Article.
ART. 80-To see if the Town will vote to correct the drainage problem on Edith Drive and to see what sum of money will be raised and appropriated for the purpose of this article. Claire Carroll Recommend indefinite postponement.
ART. 81-To see if the Town will vote to construct, equip and operate a system for drainage, consisting of pipelines, conduits, catch basins
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and appurtenances on South Amos Street to a suitable discharge area, said work to be done under the direction of the Road Com- missioners and to see if the Town will vote further to authorize the Selectmen and/or Road Commissioners to make such land takings or easements as may be necessary to carry out this work and raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money for the purposes of this article, or take any action in John C. Cucinotta relation thereto.
Recommend the sum of $2,700.00 be raised and appropriated for this Article.
ART. 82-To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 1, Section 1 of the Town By-Laws to read, "The Annual Town Meeting for the annual election of town officers shall be held on the second Saturday in March," all other provisions of this By-Law to re- main unchanged. Board of Selectmen
ART. 83-To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to indemnify Robert Haines from the claims arising from an accident on April 3, 1958 while operating a police cruiser in favor of Joseph Killeen, or take any action in relation thereto. Town Counsel
And you are directed to serve this warrant, by posting attested copies thereof upon the Town Hall and in the Post Office and by leaving at least five hundred (500) copies at the Post Office and at the Town Hall in said Town, seven (7) days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
HEREOF FAIL NOT, AND MAKE DUE RETURNS OF THIS WARRANT, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk at the time and place of Meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this 11th day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and fifty-nine.
VICTOR N. CLUFF JOSEPH J. WHELAN GEORGE A. O'CONNELL JOHN H. HART JOHN D. SULLIVAN
A true copy, Attest :
Selectmen of Tewksbury
Constable of Tewksbury
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- Annual Report
OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Town of TEWKSBURY
OF TE
KS
TOWN
BURY
INCO
734
1
P
0
R
also Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31 1958
SCHOOL CALENDAR - 1959
Open January 5, 1959 Close February 20, 1959
Vacation One Week
Open March 2, 1959
Close April 17, 1959
Vacation One Week (Because of delayed opening, Spring Vacation dates do not apply to High School building)
Open April 27, 1959
(Elementary) Close June 17, 1959 (High) Close June 26, 1959
Summer Vacation
Open September 9, 1959 Close December 23, 1959
Reopen January 4, 1960
School Holidays
February 22 Good Friday May 30
October 12
November 11 November 26 and 27
(and such other days as the School Committee may designate) The School Calendar may be subject to change.
No School Signals
When school is called off because of severe weather conditions, the following system will be used: Coded 2-2-2 on the Fire Department and State Hospital whistles.
7:00 A.M. No School Grades 1 - 8 8:00 A.M. No School Grades 1 - 6
11:45 A.M. No School Grades 9 - 12
Radio Stations WLLH and WCAP, Lowell, and WNAC, Boston and Lawrence, will carry announcements on their regular no school broadcasts.
The practice is to close schools only in case of extreme weather conditions, otherwise to hold regular sessions. It should be noted in the schedule above that sessions may be cancelled for any one or more of the groups. Therefore, when school is in session on stormy days, parents are urged to exercise their personal judgment as to the wisdom of sending their children to school.
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Registration of Minors October 1, 1958
Age 5-6 911
Age 7-16 2810
Age 17-21 228 3949
Total
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Term Expires
Francis X. Kelley, Marie Street
1959
David Beattie, Marie Street. 1959
James A. Johnson, Arkansas Road
1960
Mrs. Loella Dewing, James Street 1961
Arthur W. Wells, Whipple Road.
1961
Organization Francis X. Kelley, Chairman James A. Johnson, Vice-Chairman Mrs. Loclla Dewing, Secretary
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Everett G. Thistle Office: Foster School
Office open from 8 A.M. to 12 M. and from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. except Saturday.
The Superintendent may be seen at his office by appointment Telephone ULysses 1-2431 Secretary: Mrs. Thelma Whitehouse
School Physicians Morris Kelman, M.D., Telephone: OLiver 8-4531 Edward F. Duffy, O.D., Telephone: Ulysses 1-2857 John Lu, M.D., Telephone: ULysses 1-2272 School Nurses Mrs. Ora MacLaren, R.N., 1928 Main St., Tewksbury Telephone: ULysses 1-2198 Mrs. Rachel Killeen, R.N., 778 Main St., Tewksbury Telephone: ULysses 1-7467
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SCHOOL-GRADE DISTRIBUTION
October 1, 1958
Grade-Age
5 6 7 8 9 |10 |11 |12 | 13 14 |15 16 |17 |18 |19 |20
TOTAL
-
102
342
26
-
471
2
52
228
27
4
311
3
116
206
20
3
345
4
98
205
38
6
347
5
99
188
50
349
6
85
197
32
3
-
319
7
-
|105
146
21
282
45
105
22
12
184
9
-
45 |101
31
9
1
188
10
39
98
14
7|
-
59
=
45
66
13
4
128
12
24
44
9
-
78
Ung.
3
2
2
7
4
2
8
2
-
2
1
34
Totals
102
394
373
334
330
322
362
237
183 |172 | 190 |115
65
14
1
I
3195
AGE-GRADE DISTRIBUTION
October 1, 1958
Grade-School
I | 2 |3|
4
5
6
7 |8 |9 | 10 | || | 12 | Ungraded
Totals
Flemings School
61
8
69
Foster School
62
98
68
30
258
Heath Brook School
177
92
|115 |115 |102
106
707
North Street School
171
122
72
30
70
34
499
Shawsheen School
123
97
96
104
109
88
10
627
Junior High
282 |184
16
482
Total Elementary
471
311
345
347
349 |319 |282 |184
34
2642
High School
188 |159 |128
78
553
ANAKIN TOTAIS
| 171 | 211 | 245 | 347 | 349 | 319 | 282 | 184 | 188 | 159 | 128 |
78 |
34
3195
-
-
-
-
-
- IN
2
8
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-
-
Educational and Employment Certificates
Every person from 14-16 years of age must have an employment certificate or permit, and those between 16-18 years of age must have an educational certificate before starting work. These certificates and permits may be obtained from the offices of the Superintendent of Schools, the High School Principal, and Mrs. William Dewing of the School Committee. When one makes application for a certificate (or "working card"), he must apply in person and bring birth certificate and report of last grade attended.
Age of Admission to School
All children born as of January 1, 1954 are eligible to attend school in the coming fall term. No entrance tests for children under the age requirement will be given.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Tewksbury School Committee, now consisting of five mem- bers, made considerable progress in developing a more functional edu- cational program. The increased membership of the Committee has resulted in considerably more new ideas and constructive suggestions. Future meetings will result in the implementation of plans currently being studied. Documentation of school committee policy will lessen the time now spent on administrative problems and more time may be devoted to the basic responsibility of improving the curriculum. It is anticipated that a "Policy and By-law Guide" with the associated "Staff Handbook of Administrative Regulations" will be published in the very near future.
A significant accomplishment has been made in the matter of curriculum.
The following curriculum guides have been printed; reading, social studies, language arts, science, home economics, mathematics, business education, health and safety, Latin, instrumental music, and vocal music. This work and those responsible for its completion deserve the highest praise. Constant attention is necessary to insure the use of these guides and to continue this work as an integral part of the program of improvement and standardization of the curriculum.
Once again it is necessary to point out the need for additional school facilities. The school population is continuing to increase and more school construction is required. The most pressing need is at the Junior High level. With the opening of the new high school it will be possible for all pupils to attend school on a full-time basis during the 1959-1960 school year. However, the present high school building is inadequate for conducting satisfactory programs in physical education, industrial arts, science, art and music. It is essential that this building
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be enlarged and modified to accommodate the large classes which are now in the upper elementary grades.
At the elementary level, the School Committee is concerned for the children presently housed in the wooden school buildings. Many steps have been taken to provide for the safety of those in these build- ings. It is necessary that definite steps be taken to replace these buildings as soon as possible. The Long Range School Planning Committee is responsible for providing a plan which will insure adequate school facilities and it is anticipated that this Committee will provide the necessary leadership in this matter.
There have been a number of reports printed relating to school needs in Tewksbury. The most recent report was presented by Dr. Everett G. Thistle, dated October 6, 1958. School population trends and school construction needs contained in Dr. Thistle's report are summarized in the following Tables :
TABLE | ACTUAL SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS
Number of Pupils
1949
863
1950
983
1951
1,055
1952
1,164
1953
1,425
1954
1,763
1955
2,315
1956
2,746
1957
2,977
1958
3,358
Considering the enrollment of 1949 as 100%, this table shows that the school population has increased 389% as of September 15, 1958. In order to provide the needed pupil stations for the expected enrollment, Dr. Thistle estimates that the following elementary schools will be required.
TABLE II ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEEDS
Year
Needed
Available
Shortage
Schools Needed
1959
2,425
2,100
325
1960
2,550
2,100
450
14 Room School
1961
2,675
2,520
155
1962
2,855
2,520
335
14 Room School
1963
3,110
2,640
470
14 Room School
Year
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TABLE III SECONDARY SCHOOL NEEDS
Year
Needed
Available
Shortage
Schools Needed
1959
1,260
1,525
1960
1,465
1,525
1961
1,675
1,525
150
Add 350 to old High School
1962
1,840
1,775
65
1963
1,990
1,775
215
Begin new Jr. High School
The above information presented by the Superintendent of Schools represents his estimate of the expected school building needs. Unless additional facilities are provided, the Town can look forward once again to the prospect of over crowded classrooms, use of makeshift, temporary facilities and half-session classes at both the elementary and Junior High levels.
During the year considerable work was completed in order to improve the older school buildings. The gymnasium at the high school was converted to four permanent classrooms using money made avail- able through Federal Funds. The shop has been relocated to the un- used cafeteria area and new lighting installed. Two large classrooms have been constructed in the space vacated by the shop. At the Shaw- sheen School, a large portion of the play area has been resurfaced. New lighting is to be installed and four rooms badly in need of renovating have been repainted. Funds have been voted for fire escapes and a new fire escape has been constructed at the Foster School. Construction of a fire escape at Shawsheen School will be completed at an early date.
As the size of the school system has increased it has become ap- parent that a strong central office is essential to maintain control and standardize the activities in the increasing number of schools. The School Committee has encouraged the Superintendent of Schools to demonstrate the leadership and administrative control necessary. It is anticipated that all personnel will recognize the need to work as a team in order to achieve the common goal, that is, better education for all the children of Tewksbury. There is much to be done and it can be best accomplished by mutual understanding and cooperative effort at all levels.
The cumulative financial needs of the constantly increasing school population and of new school construction is now being felt. The cur- rent school budget is close to the million dollar mark and will exceed the million dollar figure considerably next year. Under the present tax structure in this State, the property owner bears the major burden of taxation. The financial support of the local educational system is a matter of serious concern to the present members of your School Com- mittee who realize their obligation to provide the funds for the schools yet also recognize the serious problem facing many young parents with
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large mortgages and ever increasing tax bills. It is apparent that additional State support for education is necessary if the local com- munities are to continue to meet the minimum demands of education.
Conditions at the High School have been a matter of concern during the past year. The Committee has examined the cumulative folders on recent graduates, and has discussed the matter of cumulative record keeping, the grading system, attendance, behavior, and the re- quirements for graduation from high school with the administration. Definite steps were taken by the Committee to provide incentives for students to obtain passing grades. An attendance officer has been em- ployed in the person of Sgt. Walter Jop whose activity has already improved the attendance matter. The matter of requirements for graduation, various types of diplomas and other suggestions have been made by the administration. Definite programs for the overall im- provement are under study and the Committee expects administrative action and recommendations in the form of proposals for adoption as school policy.
Space does not permit listing the names of all school personnel who have made outstanding contributions during the year. However, there are several persons who deserve special commendation. They are: Ralph Brown, for his outstanding contributions both at the Junior High and his assistance to the Superintendent of Schools, Kenneth Young for his work with the Audio-visual Aid program, Dorothy Woodhams for her extra curricular work with the Science program, Daniel G. O'Connor for his work as Chairman of the High School Building Committee, Dr. Edward Duffy and Dr. John Lu for their work with the health program.
In conclusion, I extend my personal and sincere appreciation to my associates of the School Committee, the Superintendent of Schools and his staff and the many individuals and groups who have con- tributed to the sometimes thankless but all important task of providing for the education of our children. The success and progress accomplished during the past year requires the continued effort and cooperation of all who recognize the importance of education to the future of the Town and Nation.
FRANCIS X. KELLEY, Chairman
The Tewksbury School Committee by formal vote has set the following sums as the amounts required for the support of the Tewks- bury Public Schools for the year 1959:
Salaries
.$703,391.00
Expenses
215,905.00
Outlay
22,150.00
Out of State Travel
875.00
Total $942,321.00
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The sums above are based on the following estimated require- ments:
A. Salaries and Wages
Teachers
$528,262
Principals
40,135
Supervisors
22,738
Substitute Teachers
10,000
Home Tutoring
3,000
Custodians
57,041
Health
9,667
Superintendent
9,800
Clerical Services
21,748
Attendance Officer
400
Census Enumerator
600
$703,391
B. Expenses
Supplies
$28,050
Office Expenses
2,400
Building Maintenance
15,050
Equipment Maintenance
800
Equipment Rental
89,000
Travel
1,150
Electric Power and Lights
14,600
Fuel
27,500
All Other
37,355
$215,905
C. Outlay
Permanent Improvement
$11.800
New Equipment 10,350
$ 22,150
D. Out of State Travel
$ 875
Total $942,321
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The School Committee also controls the expenditures of funds for maintaining the Tewksbury Stadium. The 1959 Requests for these purposes are:
A. Salaries and Wages
$ 300
B. Expenses
Supplies
$800
Building Maintenance 400
Equipment Maintenance 100
Electric Power and Lights
75
Fuel
250
All Other
400
$2,025
C. Outlay
Permanent Improvement
$2,675
New Equipment 280
$2,955
Total
$5,280
The estimated requirements in 1959 for Public and Vocational Schools to educate pupils outside of Tewksbury are:
B. Expenses
Transportation
$1,845
Tuition
7,625
$9,470
Discussion of anticipated reimbursements will be found in the Report of the Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Each of the annual reports for the past few years has been charac- terized by lengthy discussion of the lack of school housing and the many and varied provisions for solving these problems. We can look to the immediate future this year with much more optimism than in the past. The projected opening of the new high school in September 1959 will enable us for the first time in more than five years to house all grades on a regular day in a regular classroom. It has been quite a struggle to reach this point.
We must hedge our statement of "regular classrooms" somewhat since two classes will be in the new playroom at Shawsheen School and in basement rooms at the present high school building. These rooms have been constructed with floor to ceiling partitions, however, and are a vast improvement over some of our makeshift arrangements of the past. In addition it will be necessary to house eight classes of grade six at the new high school.
The Town is to be commended for providing during the past three years 26 elementary classrooms and the 1000-pupil high school. Un- fortunately, this is not the end of our problem. The School Committee Report points out future needs as a result of continued births and the movement of ever larger classes up through the grades. There is need to look to the future.
The cumulative deleterious effect of the school housing shortage through recent years is difficult to assess to an exact degree. We have some evidences which point the way. A strong indicator is in the history of the classes reaching the junior high school level. Some of these groups were in classes of over 50 in each of the first and second grades, on half-day sessions in grades three and four and in temporary classrooms and on short days in grades five, six, and seven. It is impossible to do justice to a child's education under such circumstances. Under adverse conditions, those with above average ability seem to progress satisfactor- ily, but those of average or below average ability suffer for want of the extra time and practice which can make the difference between success and failure as the work becomes increasingly more difficult. These are the pupils who make up a large portion of our reading problems.
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