USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1931-1932 > Part 4
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Respectfully submitted, EDWARD J. CROTEAU, Inspector of Buildings.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit a report as Building Inspector from April 1 to December 31, 1931.
The total number of permits granted was 68, with an estimated value of $46,990.
Permits granted for new construction, 49 @ $1 each ..
Permits granted for alterations, 19 @ 50c each.
The above fees of $58.50 were collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER T. HORTON.
69
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The detailed report of the Library will be found in the report submitted by the Librarian.
During the past year we have added many volumes of books and have also added some much-needed furniture to the Library.
While the funds at our disposal are not large, we realize the necessity, this coming year, of curtailing every appropriation and we have, therefore, put in. for a smaller budget for the year 1932. The Trustees will be pleased to have suggestions from Readers as to books they would like to have purchased. It is not always pos- sible to purchase all the books requested, but consideration will be given to the purchase of any books requested.
The Financial Report of the Library will be found under the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD N. EAMES, Chairman, LOUIS T. McMAHON, HOWARD E. BEDELL, HELEN H. BUCK, PETER NEILSON, PHILIP B. BUZZELL.
70
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Honorable Board of Trustees:
I herewith submit my annual report as Librarian.
Public documents, books, pamphlets and bulletins received, 77. Eighteen Massachusetts reports and 16 paper-covered books sent in by the Town Clerk.
A booklet "The Story of Pequot" has been presented by Pequot Mills, 4 paper pamphlets from California Fruit Growers' Exchange, booklets and chart on soap from Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Co., and two pamphlets. "Peace River County, Canada," and "Travelers' Guide to Germany," have been given.
Number of books purchased 229 volumes
Number of books replaced 2 volumes
Number of books presented 31 volumes
Number of books not returned by borrowers 8 volumes
Number of books worn out and discarded 56 volumes
Two books purchased were found objectionable and taken out of Library.
Seventy-five books have been rebound.
Seven books not needed in Library, with four others given, were sent to the Merchant Marine Library Association.
Number of books in Library 6,235 volumes
Number of books taken out during the year 11,092 volumes Number of persons taking out books 805
The reading table has been supplied from the Town appropria- tion with the following magazines: Radio News, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Scientific American, National Sportsman, Hygeia, Nature Magazine, National Geographic, Good Housekeep- ing, The American, Country Gentleman, Boy's Life, The Youth's Companion combined with The American Boy, St. Nicholas and Child Life.
Some others contributed by friends are Our Dumb Animals, Liv- ing Tissue, Columbia, Motion Picture, N. E. Poultryman, Bell Tele- ยท phone Quarterly, American Issue, Wilson Bulletin, Today's Maga- zine of America, Specialty Salesman, U. S. Army Recruiting News, Silent Hostess, Virginia, The World Tomorrow (for the greater part of the year) and the Town paper, Wilmington News.
The Library has joined the Junior Literary Guild; by this ar- rangement four books are added to the Library each month.
A new desk and chairs have been purchased for the room.
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A portrait of the late Dr. D. T. Buzzell, who served on the Board of Trustees for many years has been presented by Mr. Louis T. McMahon.
Received for fines on books
$98.50
Received for thirty-eight old books sold 3.80
Received for two books lost, one ruined and one injured .. 1.40
Passed in to Town Treasurer
$103.70
Respectfully submitted,
ANNA T. SHELDON,
Librarian.
72
REPORT OF MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
June 15, 1931, Wilmington, Mass.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby respectfully submit my report of expenditures for the proper observances of Memorial Day, May 30, 1931.
Appropriation
$400.00
Music (Wakefield Band)
$110.00
Speaker (Mr. Albert Leman)
25.00
Flowers (George Newcomb)
65.50
Flags (Disabled Vets Association)
8.50
Postage and Stationery (Secretary)
2.00
Printing (Programs Wilmington News)
4.75
Taxi Service (Charles Skank)
10.00
Taxi Service (Carol Gray)
10.00
Taxi Service (William Cavanaugh)
10.00
Dinner (American Legion Auxiliary)
138.50
Ammunition (500 rounds)
15.75
$400.00 $400.00
Respectfully yours,
MAURICE O. REEBENACKER,
Chairman Town Memorial Day Committee.
OSCAR E. DuBORD, Secretary.
73
REPORT OF THE WORK DONE BY THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE IN THE TOWN OF WILMINGTON
The work of the Middlesex County Extension Service in Wil- mington for the past year has accomplished the following results: 1 In agriculture personal farm visits have been made upon request, largely to help farmers with their poultry and fruit problems. Spray service cards and other information were sent to those on the mailing list.
In homemaking, one group was formed in the north part of the town under the leadership of Mrs. Charles Allgrove and Mrs. Rod- ney Buck. In the center of the town another group has carried on with the Child Guidance project under the leadership of Mrs. Alexander Cameron and Mrs. A. G. Macleod. These monthly meet- ings were conducted and planned to help parents to the better understanding of their children and the development of a con- structive program. The home demonstration agent made home visits wherever homemakers requested special help. A talk was given before the local Grange, also an illustrated garden lecture was given at the Catholic Club.
Sixty-one boys and girls were enrolled in 4-H Club work, largely in the garden. poultry and food clubs. Miss Henrietta Swain was chairman of this work, as well as leader. Other leaders were: Oscar DuBord, Norman Darling, Everett Bedell and Charles Fish.
Joseph Lynch and Josephine Roy were awarded a two-day trip to the Massachusetts State College for doing outstanding club work. Donald Fossey was awarded a horticultural medal for garden club work. The boys and girls of the town took part, with 3,700 other boys and girls, in Middlesex County, in carrying on county-wide projects.
In November new projects were started with three new leaders, Mrs. Paul Todd leading a Home-Craft Club and Mrs. Frank Patch and Mrs. Howard Cates clothing clubs.
The present membership of all clubs is seventy-six.
A local exhibit will be held in the late spring.
Of general interest to the townspeople were the county-wide agricultural meetings held, the Homemakers' Day in Lexington in June and the County Picnic held at Wayside Inn.
Respectfully submitted,
ROSEANNA T. MANNING,
Director.
74
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
February 5, 1932.
To the Board Health, Wilmington, Mass .:
The following is a list of cases reported by the Board of Health during the year 1931.
Lobar Pneumonia
1
Tuberculosis
2
Scarlet Fever
4
Infantile Paralysis
1
Typhoid Fever
1
Diphtheria
2
Respectfully submitted,
LYMAN R. ORTON, M. D., Agent, Board of Health.
Report of Wilmington Public Health Nursing Service Year of 1931 Record of Visits Made
Nursing Visits
1,044
Infant Welfare Visits
105
Prenatal Visits
87
Child Welfare Visits
131
Social Service Visits
216
Attendance at Clinics
11
Other Visits
114
Total
1,728
Miscellaneons
Hospital Visits
20
ALICE DOUCETTE, R. N., Public Health Nurse.
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Together with the Report of
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
For the Year ending December 31, 1931
77
REPORT OF WILMINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1931
To the Citizens of Wilmington :
The past year has not been eventful in the public schools of Wilmington. In spite of crowded conditions, the efficiency of pre- vious years has been maintained.
The lack of a convenient place for High School Assemblies is felt to be the most serious defect in present arrangements.
The idea of more portable school houses is not popular, yet this year we may have to choose between them and classes divided into "platoons" for shortened and doubled school sessions. The school population of the town continues to grow.
The cost of education in Wilmington has increased of late very slightly. Comparisons of school expenses in this town with such expenses in adjoining towns are interesting and instructive.
Pupils (net aver.)
Total Cost
Per Pupil $67.27
Transpor- tation
Wilmington
968
$65,122.83
$6,517.12
Tewksbury
585
50,985.78
87.15
9,255.40
Reading
2,042
228,220.32
111.76
6,931.10
Billerica
1,247
104,987.36
83.81
17,990.00
North Reading
419
43,049.68
102.74
15,850.00
Andover
1,452
148,160.64
102.04
10,487.40
These figures are for the school year ending June 30, 1931, according to a report recently published by the State Department of Education.
The physical plant of the school department is in good condition but could be improved. The exteriors of the district and portable school houses need painting. The High School will need a new roof next year.
Modern toilet facilities are needed at all the schools except the High School and the portable schools.
Early in the year the heating plants in the High and Centre Schools were thoroughly overhauled and in part renewed.
During the past summer new leases were obtained for the lots of land on which stand the portable schools. The Silver Lake Men's Club is entitled to the lasting gratitude of the town for the use of its land for a nominal rental.
78
The officers of instruction and all other employees of the School Department have rendered good service and deserve the apprecia- tion of the public.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HATHAWAY, HELEN H. BUCK, OLIVIA H. NORCROSS, HARRY W. DELORIEA, ALFRED S. ALLEN, NORMAN W. PERRY.
79
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my eighth annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
This year I am making a distinct departure from the usual type of report. An endeavor is here made to give to the citizens, by means of a catechism, some very important information concerning the support and administration of the Wilmington schools.
What follows could have been presented much more briefly by means of tables of statistics, or graphs. It is the writer's opinion, however, that very few would make the effort to study such. Graphs may mean much or little, depending on the readers' familiarity with their construction and use.
As to Numbers
What is the population of Wilmington?
4,013-according to the census of 1930.
What persons are required, by law, to attend school?
All between ages of 7 and 16 years, but a child of 14 may leave, under certain conditions, to go to work, provided he has completed the sixth grade or its equivalent.
How many pupils were enrolled in the local schools?
1,081 on October 1, 1931. This is more than one-quarter of the total population.
How were these divided as to high or elementary schools?
High School 192, Elementary 889. There were also 10 in voca- tional schools in Boston and Lowell and should be counted as equivalent of high school pupils.
What is the form of organization of the Wilmington Schools?
We follow what is known as the 6-6 plan. This means six grades are elementary, and the other six are united as a high school organization.
Is this a modern type of organization?
Yes. It is perhaps better adapted to a small town than the 6-3-3 type with junior high school.
80
Does this do away with the old "Grammar School" studies of former days?
By no means; it rathe" emphasizes them by means of better methods of planning and : esentation. At the same time the gap which used to exist between the Grammar School and the High School is robbed of much of its evil.
What branches are required, by law, to be taught in the elemen- tary grades?
Reading, writing, spelling, English language and grammar, geography, arithmetic, history and Constitution of the United States, civics, physiology and hygiene, physical education, drawing and good behavior.
What determines the subjects to be taught in the high school in the grades from nine to twelve?
Legally, United States History and Physical Education are pre- scribed by the state. The remainder of the course of study is sub- ject to the wisdom of the local School Committee. They act on the expert advice of the Principal of the High School and of the Super- intendent of Schools.
What other opportunity for education above the elementary grades is available to the children?
Vocational education may be had in the vocational or trade schools of Boston or Lowell.
Is the town obliged to provide this vocational education ?
Yes, according to the laws of the Commonwealth. The town is reimbursed for one-half of the money thus spent.
Is special instruction for mentally retarded children provided?
It is when there are ten or more children of this type in the schools. This is a legal requirement.
Administration
How many members has the School Committee?
Six. Two members are eleoted each year.
What are the powers and duties of the Committee?
Individually, none; collectively, by majority vote, they have abso- lute control; as representatives of the citizens, over all questions relating to the conduct of the schools, not already covered by state law.
They are a legislative body whose majority vote determines every condition surrounding the education of the children of the town from grade one through grade twelve. They delegate various elements of this power to their agents, who are responsible only to them.
81
Their chief duty is to make sure that the children resident in the town get the very best educational opportunity that the town can afford. It is also their duty to make sure that the town gets the quality of education for which it pays.
Among the various elements under control of the committee are: Adoption of the budget and determination of how it shall be spent; election of all employes of the school department; investigation and approval of all changes in school organization as to courses of study and text-books; authorization of repairs and changes in physical equipment of school buildings; control of all expendi- tures for services or materials.
What are the duties of the Superintendent of Schools?
He is the advisory and executive officer employed by the Com- mittee, as an expert, to carry out all plans and policies of the Committee. He acts for the Committee to make sure that the work of all its employes is carried on with promptness, efficiency and economy. His duties are many more than these, but his general function is as stated. He is the first person who should be consulted on any question concerning any school activity. The Committee should only be asked to act as a final court of appeal from his decisions, thus conserving the time and energy of this unpaid body.
How many persons are regularly employed by the School Com- mittee?
1-Superintendent of Schools.
1-Principal of High School.
13-High School Teachers (including 4 in grades 7 and 8).
19-Elementary School Teachers.
3-Supervisors-Drawing, Music and Physical Education.
1-Nurse.
8-Janitors.
1-School Physician.
1-Attendance Officer.
1-Clerk (part time).
Buildings and Equipment
How many school buildings are in use?
1-High School of 12 classrooms.
3-Four-room elementary buildings.
2-Two-room portables.
3-One-room schools.
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What is their general condition ?
The High School is in a fair state of repair. The chief need for attention is to the roof, which is of tar and gravel, and has been exposed to the elements for nearly 18 years with only minor repairs. The Walker and Whitefield buildings are in good condition but have serious need of improved toilet facilities. The Center School is one of those buildings which one keeps using for lack of anything better. Here the toilet facilities are all but impossible. The portable buildings are from many standpoints the best in the town. Two of the one-room schools are sadly in need of painting.
What is the nature of the seating equipment?
All seats and desks are of the adjustable type. Some of it is worn with age but is still usable.
Are the buildings properly heated and ventilated?
Heating and ventilation in all schools, except the one-room build- ings, is better than for a number of years, due to repairs made during the past year.
Financial Facts
What was the total cost of schools for the fiscal year? $69,664.74 was spent from an appropriation of $70,000.00.
How much of this sum was paid from local taxation?
$54,039.74 came from the pockets of the citizens of Wilmington.
This amount should have been reduced about $1,700.00 more if the dog tax be credited to the school department, and if the $704.28 due for the tuition and transportation of state minor wards had been paid when due.
Who pays this difference?
The difference between the gross and net costs shown above comes from the following sources :
$14,225.00 from income tax on account of teachers' salaries.
1,160.00 on salary and expenses of Superintendent of Schools.
$15,385.00
Other credits which would reduce the net cost to approximately $52,335.46 are:
$1,000.00 approximate receipts from dog tax.
240.00 tuition for high school pupils.
704.28 tuition and transportation of state wards-due in 1931. $1,944.28
Why does the state give this reimbursement?
83
It is done to permit towns like Wilmington to pay salaries suf- ficient to secure and hold better teachers than it could otherwise afford; and to give the schools the supervision of a superintendent who is professionally trained for his work.
Upon what is this reimbursement based?
It is based upon the number of teachers, their qualifications and experience, with an increased allowance dependent on the ability of the town to pay, as compared with the number of pupils in its schools.
What does this mean per teacher in dollars and cents?
It means a rebate from the state, on each teacher's salary, of from $350.00 to $450.00 as follows:
For 22 teachers the rebate is $450.00 each.
For 6 teachers the rebate is $400.00 each.
For 6 teachers the rebate is $350.00 each.
Reimbursement is also received on two part-time supervisors at rates depending on their training and experience.
What is the gross cost per pupil of our schools?
For 1931 it was $64.48 as compared to a state average of $98.00.
What was the net cost per pupil to the town?
$50.92 as compared to a state average of $79.58. This is about 29c per pupil-day.
What was gross cost of High School education per pupil?
$116.30 compared to state average of $139.70.
What was the net cost?
Approximately $95.00 per pupil or about 50c a day.
Why is the High School cost so much more than the elementary?
High School salaries are higher; books are more expensive, equipment is more costly, especially for commercial pupils; aver- age number in classes much smaller because of small numbers taking certain required subjects in the college course.
What is annual cost of transportation?
In 1931 it was $6,852.96.
What does this average per pupil actually transported ?
$39.48 approximately or about 22c per pupil-day.
Are we obliged to supply transportation?
Yes, unless every parent, living more than two miles from the school his child must attend, will agree to have his child or children walk to school.
84
Are we required to furnish vocational education?
Yes, to all who can profit by it.
Who pays for it?
The town and the state divide the expense equally.
Does this come out of the regular school appropriation?
No, it is paid from a special appropriation voted for that purpose.
Is the local salary schedule for teachers high or low?
It is low. The average salary for the state is approximately 54% higher.
What are the average salaries paid teachers ?
Wilmington
State $2,624.00
Difference State Higher
High School, men
$2,100.00
$524.00
25%
High School, women 1,300.00
2,027.00
727.00
56%
Elementary
1,106.52
1,702.00
595.00
54%
All teachers
1,237.90
1,910.00
672.00
54%
Supervisors
1,096.00
2,034.00
938.00
86%
What is the gross cost of superintendence?
$2,789.50 for salary and travel expense.
What is the net cost?
$1,629.50-The state pays the balance of $1,160.00.
A tabulated collection of information will be found following in this report showing comparative costs of education in towns of this size and in the towns in this vicinity. The table will repay careful study.
School Accommodations
Are school accommodations adequate?
We can house the present enrollment and carry on work under present conditions until June 30, 1932. In September 1932 we can no longer seat all of the children at one time, even if there be no increase in numbers from outside of the town.
Is such increase probable ?
Yes. The average increase has been between 6% and 7% per year.
How will you meet the situation ?
By some plan of part-timing or platoooning for the seventh grades.
Will they lose anything by this?
Most assuredly they will. One hour will be cut from their normal school day, which is none too long at best.
85
For a full statement of probable conditions in the high school, including grades seven and eight, read the report of the High School Principal on pages which follow.
Are these conditions avoidable?
Not without additional high school accommodations.
Resignations and Elections
From the High School Miss Marjorie Leland resigned to take a position in Danvers, Mass. From the Center School Miss Ruth Childs resigned for a better position in Lexington. Miss Alice Webster, formerly of the Walker School, has taken a position in Middletown, Conn. Stoneham has secured the services of Miss Genevieve Roberts who caught in the Whitefield School until Sum- mer vacation. The services of Miss Patrice Harrington were bid in by the City of Worcester, Miss Harrington's place of residence. Mrs. Genie F. Kimball, who for many years acted as Supervisor of Music, was unable to meet our need of more of her time and resigned that we might secure somebody who was not as fully engaged.
The vacancy left in grade VIII by Miss Leland's resignation was filled by the election of Miss Doris Wright, a normal graduate with several years of successful experience. The vacancy in the Center School was filled by electing Miss Helen Blanchard to that position. She is a normal school graduate without previous experience. Miss Webster's place in the Walker School was filled by transfer of Miss Cannon from the North School. In the school thus left with- out a teacher, Mrs. Mary Meadows has been serving as temporary teacher with substitute rating. Miss Ruth Maynard was trans- ferred to Miss Roberts' place in the Whitefield School. The vacancy thus created was filled by the election of Miss Althea Baldwin, graduate of one of the kindergarten training schools. Miss Helen Cazneau, a local resident, was selected to serve as Supervisor of Music. Greatly increased enrollment in the High School made necessary the addition of Miss Stephanie Bean and Miss Ruth Wisotsky to the staff. Miss Bean is from Colby College, Miss Wisotsky from Boston University.
General Observations
Doubtless there are many other questions which an interested citizen might ask. The writer has tried to present and answer those which are most commonly put to school officials.
It is to be hoped that a greater number than usual of the voters will read this report. It contains information which should be of special interest and importance in these times when expenditures are so carefully scrutinized. It is the writer's opinion that the expenditures of the school department will bear any examination with credit to the School Committee. They are ever watchful of payments and balances, and they know at each monthly meeting the exact financial standing of the department.
86
On pages which follow will be found tables showing the number and distribution in the grades of the elementary school children of the town.
Conclusion
Another year marked by harmonious functioning of the various elements of the school system has passed. The schools have pro- gressed satisfactorily as a result of this harmony. The Superin- tendent hereby expresses his sincere appreciation to all who have been associated with him in securing another satisfactory year of progress. Special credit is merited by those teachers who have given their best even though deprived of the full salary increases they had expected. They took their cut in salary before that pro- cedure became the popular municipal procedure.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN G. BEAN, SUPT. OF SCHOOLS.
TABLE I
Popu- lation
Average No.
Total Cost for Support of
Valu- ation Per Pupil
Cosit per $1,000 Valu-
Per Pupil Cost from Local Taxa-
Per Pupil Cost from All
ation Sources
Medfield
4,066
$2,814.737
387
Schools $31,306.07
$7,607
$9.90
$75.31
$88.55
Lee
4,061
4,966,556
822
62,654.15
6,484
10.52
68.18
80.76
Wilmington
4,013
4,282,475
1,041
64,627.05
4,424
11.89
52.61
67.27
Oxford
3,943
3,108,790
801
62,158.24
3,906
17.16
67.01
80.93
Swansea
3,941
4,413,415
829
62,824.01
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