USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1956-1960 > Part 13
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VOCATIONAL TUITION : (total, $10,857.75) City of Springfield, $10,820.25; Town of East Longmeadow, $37.50.
MISCELLANEOUS AUXILIARY: (total, $2,579.89) A. Boilard Sons, Incorpo- rated, risers for graduation, $48.00; Associated Typographers, programs for graduation, $32.00; Richard John Curry, lettering diplomas and awards, $38.20; Jeremiah Donohue, police for graduation, $4.50; J. L. Hammett Company, diplomas, certificates, $118.23; Wesley Holdridge, police for graduation, $4.50; Lloyd M. Hoover, insurance, $2,251.45;
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Howard Lumber Company, lumber for risers, $28.21; Sinico Press, tickets and programs for graduation, $54.80.
NEW EQUIPMENT: (total, $1,590.62) Carlisle Hardware Company, fan, $39.95; Cascade School Supplies, tables, $380.00; Chalero Music Com- pany, cymbals and holders, $22.00; G. Fox & Company, curtains, Stony Hill School, $353.00; Roger T. Hintze, files, desks, $83.00; Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, desk, $5.00; Montgomery Ward, radio, battery, $60.55; Movocco Film, tape recorder and lamp, $181.60; New England Blue Print Paper, letterguide templates, $41.17; Rand McNally, maps, $104.45; Shipping Room Suppliers, projector, $24.99; Soundco Electronic Supply, Webcor phonographs, $59.91; Springfield Office Supply, mimeograph, $235.00.
BUDGET ESTIMATE, 1958
General Expenses
Expense of School Committee
$150.00
Superintendent's Salary
8,000.00
Expense of Superintendence (to include out-of-state travel)
8,866.00
Expense of Instruction
Supervisors' Salaries
23,127.00
Principal's Salary
6,250.00
Expense of Principalship
5,369.00
Teachers' Salaries
208,450.00
Textbooks
5,890.00
Supplies
10,483.00
Expense of Operation
Custodians' Salaries
22,454.00
Fuel
11,650.00
Miscellaneous
11,689.00
Maintenance
Repairs and Replacements
4,800.00
Auxiliary Agencies
Health
5,150.00
Transportation
60,390.00
Tuition
119,521.00
Miscellaneous Auxiliary
5,000.00
Outlay
New Equipment
910.00
$518,149.00
Community Program
$5,280.00
1958 ESTIMATES ON ACCOUNT OF EDUCATION
Chapter 71, Section 7A, Transportation
$36,000.00
Chapter 643
64,000.00
Vocational
4,000.00
State Wards
1,000.00
Special Class
2,000.00
$107,000.00
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COMPARISON FIGURES ON 1957, 1956, 1955 AND 1954 CENSUS
Year to Enter School October 1, 1957 October 1, 1956 October 1, 1955 October 1, 1954
1957
133*
137
136
128
1958
151
133
114
104
1959
152
150
134
117
1960
155
149
139
91a
1961
128
104
63a
1962
134
92a
1963
90a
# 133 entered public school in grade 1, 1957.
The balance has been accounted for in private schools or moved from town.
a. 9/12 of year recorded.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
(By vote of the Wilbraham School Committee, the report of the Superintendent of Schools has been adopted as part of the Wilbraham School Committee's report.)
To the School Committee of the Town of Wilbraham:
As Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Wilbraham, I submit my sixth annual report.
Persons employed in the public schools are: (See chart on pages 29, 30, 31).
Changes in school personnel not shown in the chart on pages 29, 30, 31 are:
Mrs. Myra D. Stetson, teacher, resigned, July 22, 1957
Mrs. Doris Crespi, teacher, resigned, July 19, 1957
Mrs. Margaret Bresnahan Lamay, teacher, resigned, April 26, 1957
Miss Ruth Lesser, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1957
Mr. Richard Van Loan, teacher, military leave of absence, June 30, 1957
Mr. William E. Tupper, custodian, deceased, July 1, 1957 Mr. Clinton Hanscom, teacher, resigned, August 5, 1957 Mrs. Audrey L. Church, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1957 Miss Carol Costigan, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1957 Mrs. Merilis M. Scott, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1957 (leave of absence, January June, 1957)
Mrs. Emily LaMontagne, cook, resigned, January 1, 1957 Mrs. Katherine Nelson, cook, resigned, January 1, 1957 Mrs. Rose Morin, cook, resigned, February 23, 1957 Mr. Richard P. Spencer, supervisor, military leave of absence, June 30, 1956
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ENROLLMENT
The enrollment of pupils by grade as of October 1, 1957 is shown below.
Grade 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Spec. Total
Spfld. St. 27 22
30
79
Pines 30 24
22
27
25
152
Stony Hill 45 28
27
47
69
24 34
250
Memorial 30
48
47
56
54
54 105 91 100 13 598
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
The school lunch program operates with two preparation kitchens, one at Memorial School and the other at Stony Hill School. In addition, meals are served at The Pines School and Springfield Street School by transporting the food in thermos containers from Stony Hill School. A comparison of the figures below shows the continued growth of this program.
1955
1956
1957
Class A, Hot Lunches
full meal, milk, dessert
117,452-
98,575* 124,650
113,431
Additional servings of milk
111,045
129,579
Claims received, U.S.D.A.
$13,713.35
$12,823.21*
$15,972.57
Cash received for lunches
24,616.49
23,813.72
28,512.43
Salaries to Lunchroom Personnel
8,890.50
9,525.00
12,266.00
Payments for Food and Supplies
25,589.98
29,075.52
29,833.89
* No lunches were served at the Stony Hill and The Pines Schools during September and October, 1956 because of the double session program.
HEALTH
The following is a summary of the report submitted by the school nurse.
December 1, 1956 to December 1, 1957
Physical Examinations
242
Parents Present
6
Notices Sent for Physical Defects Noted
2
Dental Examinations
692
Dental Notices Sent
289
Dental Repair
31
Height and Weight
351
Vaccination Scars Checked
158
Notices Sent for No Vaccination
0
Hearing Tests
1457
Hearing Notices Sent
28
Massachusetts Vision Test
1543
Notices Sent for Visual Defects
94
Examined by a Family Eye Specialist
71
Fitted with Glasses
55
Pre-School Vaccinations
20
22
Head Examinations
1014
Notices Sent
12
Children Sent to Camp Frederick Edwards
4
Home Calls and Children Taken Home
159
Contagious Diseases Polio Vaccinations
93
233
Flu Shots to Town Employees
78
The committee has maintained its annual repair schedule, com- pleting all major projects as planned in the 1957 budget. By using the custodial staff, the work was done during the summer months at considerable savings to the town.
At The Pines School, two classrooms, the health room, and all purpose room were painted. Plastic tile was installed around the serving area of the all purpose room. The exterior trim was painted. Asphalt flooring was installed throughout the original building. All rooms were cleaned and ready for the opening of school. Plastic tile was installed around the serving area of the all purpose room at the Stony Hill School. The regular summer cleaning program was completed. No major repair projects were proposed for the Springfield Street School because it is planned to close it in September 1958 when the Stony Hill Addition is opened. Four classrooms, the special class room, and all lava- tories were painted at Memorial School. The exterior trim on the west side was painted and the lawn was regraded and fenced. Bulletin boards and audio-visual equipment were installed in the cafeteria to better adapt this room for instructional purposes.
As a result of an article sponsored by the School Committee at the March, 1957 Town Meeting, a sidewalk has been con- structed along Stony Hill Road from The Pines School to River Road. This sidewalk has helped to insure the safety of the children going to and from school.
Throughout the year, a continuous program of teacher pro- curement and training has been developed. With the co-opera- tion of the colleges in the area, excellent practice teachers have been assigned to do their training in our schools. Several of these student teachers, becoming familiar with the school program and its methods, have applied and received contracts for full- time teaching positions. Outstanding teachers in other systems have been observed and interviewed for teaching positions. After a careful study of references and records, the Wilbraham School System has been fortunate in obtaining excellent, experienced teachers to fill existing vacancies.
Each fall, an orientation program begins before the pupils
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return to class. This program, under the direction of Mrs. Therese A. Bailey, Elementary Supervisor, familiarizes the be- ginning teachers with this system's policies; and for returning teachers, serves as a refresher program. Beginning teachers meet regularly each month during the fall for courses in all the basic subjects.
Our improved salary schedule and the excellent building facilities, textbooks, and supplies, have made Wilbraham a desir- able place to teach. It is imperative that the town continue to develop its school program to meet the increasing demand for well prepared pupils. The staff recruitment program will be truly successful when Wilbraham is the first choice for teaching candidates.
The instructional program has been strengthened by adding to the length of the school day and requiring systematic sched- uling of homework for all pupils. The faculty is requiring care- ful preparation of all daily work, with quizzes once a week and a longer review once a month. With intensive day by day teach- ing and this program of written reviews, every effort is being made by the teachers to have the pupils attain mastery of the basic subjects.
The program of instruction is designed to recognize outstand- ing pupils in specialized academic fields and encourage them to work to the full capacity. The students through the Student Council, under the direction of the faculty, govern the social life. The academic program is not one of free choice, but is based on the stoic requirements of mental discipline and scholastic accomplishment necessary for success in an adult world. Too many of the children have yet to learn to do the necessary mental drudgery for academic success. This can be corrected only through parental help in making certain that the pupils are doing their work. The teachers will meet with the parents by appointment to discuss a pupil's progress. With a clear under- standing of the requirements of the daily program, and making certain that the homework is being done, a parent will know that his child is taking full advantage of his educational oppor- tunity. A child should come to class alert to face an educational experience, determined to do his best work, respectful of his teacher and the work his teacher is doing, and ready to do the tedious hours of mental discipline necessary for productive achievement.
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1
Return to HISTORY Wilbraham, Mass.
The continued improvement of the Wilbraham schools is the result of the wholehearted co-operation and hard work of the school staff. The teachers, supervisors, principals, custodians, school lunch personnel, nurse, doctor, and office staff, have taken great pride in their work and earned the appreciation and respect of this community. Through the efforts of these people over a period of years, our school system continues to improve. Each member is constantly looking for ways to better educate our children.
I have greatly enjoyed my work with you, the School Com- mittee, and wish to thank you for your efforts and understanding.
IRVING H. AGARD, Superintendent of Schools
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1957-1958
First Term: Wednesday, September 4 through Friday, Dec. 20 Second Term: Thursday, January 2 through Friday, February 21 Third Term: Monday, March 3 through Friday, April 25 Fourth Term: Monday, May 5 through Friday, June 20
School will close on all legal holidays; Friday, October 25, Hampden County Teachers' Convention; and Friday, April 4, Good Friday. Schools will close at noon on November 27 for Thanksgiving.
The Wilbraham School Committee schedules regular meetings on the second Thursday of each month. Occasionally the mem- bers are unable to meet at that time. However, the School Com- mittee will be pleased to meet with anyone by appointment.
SCHOOL STATISTICS Children in School Census and Their Distribution Oct. 1, 1957
5-7 Years
7-16 Years
Total
Boys
162
632
794
Girls
128
525
653
290
1157
1447
Distribution
In public schools
146
997
1143
In vocational schools
27
27
In private schools
29
129
158
Not enrolled in any school
115
4
119
290
1157
1447
Total on October 1, 1956
288
1167
1455
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Number of Pupils in Elementary Schools by Grades Five Year Period 1952-1957 As of October of Each Year
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Spec. Total
1952
118
90
86
67
70
58
36
38
655
1953
136
128
95
92 87
88
78
66
63
38 779
1954
134
131
130
101
87
97
83
70
69
902
1955
131
135
145
116
103
93
100
86
78
987
1956
122
131
129
148
116
102
94
90
80
17
1029
1957
132
122
126
130
148
112
105
91
100 13 1079
Number of Pupils in the Several High Schools and Trade Schools
Five Year Period 1952-1957
Year
Classical High School
High School of Commerce
Technical High School
Ludlow High School
Palmer High School
West Spring- field
Trade High School
Total
1952
16
13
37
3
2
22
93
1953
12
15
42
1
8
2
21
101
1954
17
21
41
10
2
20
111
1955
21
22
58
19
24
144
1956
31
33
79
13
26
182
1957
50
34
94
6
32
216
Community Program ITEMIZED ACCOUNT
Appropriation
$4,800.00
Expenditures (Payrolls)
4,751.77
Unexpended Balance
$48.23
Dental Clinic
Dental Examinations were made and completed in all schools in the Town of Wilbraham.
All Dental Service in clinic was completed during the year 1957.
Appropriation
Expenditures
$1,050.00 $1,014.95
Unexpended Balance $35.05 EXPENDITURES: (total, $1,014.95) Dr. Irving P. Dinneen, $1,000.00; Ryan Dental Supply Co., $14.95.
DR. IRVING P. DINNEEN, School Dentist
School Bonds and Interest Expenditures 1949 - ITEMIZED ACCOUNT
Appropriation
$21,570.00
Expenditures
21,570.00
Unexpended Balance $0.00 EXPENDITURES: (total, $21,570.00) Second Bank State Street Trust Co., $21,570.00.
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1953 - ITEMIZED ACCOUNT
Appropriation Expenditures
$25,605.00 25,605.00
Unexpended Balance $0.00
EXPENDITURES : (total, $25,605.00) Second Bank State Street Trust Co., $25,605.00.
1956 - ITEMIZED ACCOUNT
Appropriation $38,037.50
Expenditures
38,037.50
Unexpended Balance $0.00
EXPENDITURES : (total, $38,037.50) Second Bank State Street Trust Co., $38,037.50.
1957 - ITEMIZED ACCOUNT
Appropriation $5,500.00
Expenditures
5,500.00
Unexpended Balance $0.00 EXPENDITURES : (total, $5,500.00) Second Bank State Street Trust Co., $5,500.00.
New School - Stony Hill Road ITEMIZED ACCOUNT
Brought forward from 1956 $22,893.26 Expenditures 22,754.74
Unexpended Balance $138.52
EXPENDITURES: (total, $22,754.74) Warren H. Ashley, $444.99; F. W. Madigan, contractor, $19,424.31; Valley Cinema, Inc., intercom. system, $1,193.00; G. Fox Co., stage curtains, $1,435.00; Simons, $90.00; Wilco Screw Machine Products Co., installing railing and material, $97.50; Rand.McNally Co., globes, $69.94.
New School Addition - Stony Hill Road ITEMIZED ACCOUNT
Brought forward from 1956 Bond Issue
$55,000.00 400,000.00
$455,000.00
Expenditures
224,182.96
Unexpended Balance $230,817.04
EXPENDITURES: (total, $224,182.96) C. E. Anderson, survey, $60.00; Warren H. Ashley, $19,035.79; Ray S. Snyder Co., $1,074.13; William F. Logan, insurance, $668.20; Philip Keene, investigation of subsurface, $304.00; Albert H. Howes, reimb. for telephone calls, $6.90; F. W. Dodge Corp., advertising, $80.10; Gainey's Construction Newsletter, advertising, $24.90; The Springfield Union, advertising, $36.04; Fred Medard Prod- ucts, Inc., $500.00; Richco Products, Inc., floor machines, $888.30; Cascade School Supplies, Inc., $9,212.85; Edward L. Center, Inc., vacuum cleaners, $609.75; F. W. Madigan Co., contractor, $191,682.00.
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**
.
--
*
O
1957 GRADUATING CLASS, WILBRAHAM JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Back Row, left to right: Joseph Reardon, Ed- ward Fife, David Bennett, Mitchell Workum, Kenneth Baker, William Thurlow, Byron Mussel- man, Robert Moffatt, Robert Daniele, Donald Finlayson.
Fourth Row: Sarah Sampson, Caro- lyn Dickey, Doreen Dougherty, Marjorie Jameson, Janiee Bowker, Cristel Noe, Kathleen Engel, Jo- anne Allen, Elaine Rose, Judith Rice, Stephanie Bellinger, Judith Wheeler, Dorothy Arabik, Caro- lyn Duncan, Barbara Reddish, Anita Jones. Third
Row: David Morse, James Panek, Gary Small, Raymond Yamer, John Anderson, Nancy Wheeler, Stacia Szczebak, Jean Greendale, Margaret Brown, Lynn Lovejoy, Janice Dulski, Patricia Putnam, Bruce McAllister, Hugh Mobley, Richard Robi- taile, Lawrence Gosciminski, Carl Pease, Timothy Connelly. Second Row : Patricia Palozie, Agnes Gore, Shirley Poulin, Ida Bernardes, Geraldine O'Brien, Sandra Lopata, Gail Narreau, Nancy Scott, Penelope Chase, Judith Agard, Jean Ander-
son, Anne Normoyle, Thelma Wells, Carol Pease, Elaine Leroux, Barbara Los. First Row: Gerald Yamer, Jeffrey Finn, Paul Canney, Dennis Mur- phy, James Chechile, George Robinson, Denny Smith, Francis Motyl, Robert Brown, Charles Di- Mascola, Richard Eisold, Carl Dygon, Stephen Swiatek, Jeffrey Howe, James Cieplik, Ronald Gendron. Absent when the picture was taken: Carl J. Alsing, Rockland Genza, Richard Good- rich, Edward Lasky.
PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Position
Name
Office
Irving H. Agard
Superintendent
1950
Christine Clark
Executive Secretary
1950
Joann L. LedDuke
Secretary
1957
Springfield Street School Millicent G. Green
Principal, Grade 3
1938
North Adams
Charlotte E. Prochnow
Grade 2
1957
B.S., Bridgewater State Teachers'
Eugenia F. Fowler
Grade 1
1957
Nicolet, Canada
Henry Hyde
Custodian
1954
The Pines School Li3-1029
Robert D. Bengle
Principal, Grade 6
1953
B.S., Tufts
Helen S. Strauss
Grade 5
1930
B.S., M.S., Columbia, Springfield
Ruth G. Backus
Grade 4
1953
Framingham
Therese M. Dowd
Grade 3
1957
A.B., Our Lady of the Elms College
Marion H. Mckinstry
Grade 2
1956
Massachusetts School of Art
Mary E. Johnston
Grade 1
1950
Westfield State Teachers'
Michael Pyzocha
Custodian
1956
Li 3-4247
Stony Hill School
Richard J. Curry
Principal, Grade 6
1954
B.A., M.A., A. I. C.
Marion H. Castaldini
Secretary, Pincs and Stony Hill
1956
Mary E. Moody
Grade 5
1955
Fitchburg State Teachers'
Irene Walinski
Grade 5
1957
A.B., Our Lady of the Elms College
Alice F. Foley
Grade 4
1955
Westfield State Teachers'
Annamae B. Martin
Grade 4
1954
B.A., College of St. Rose
Janet S. Wagner
Grade 3
1956
B.A., Middlebury
Frances A. Ward
Grade 2
1954
B.S., Worcester State Teachers'
Madeline L. Harrington
Grade 1
1952
B.S., M.S., University of Mass.
Joanne S. Ewig
Grade 1
1955
B.S., Skidmore
Henry Hyde
Custodian
1956
Year Appointed
Education and Professional Training
B.A., M.Ed., Lafayette, Fitchburg Ac.S., B.S., Bay Path, A. I. C.
29
PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Continued)
Name
Position
Year Appointed
Education and Professional Training
Memorial School Lincoln A. Dexter
Principal
1954
B.S., M.Ed., Rhode Island State Worcester State Teachers'
Florence M. LeVan
Secretary
1956
Marilyn E. Stone
Junior High
1952
B.A., M.A., Smith, Columbia
Helen A. Walinski
Junior High
1953
B.A., College of Our Lady of the Elms
Alan J. Rubin
Junior High
1955
B.A., M.A., A. I. C.
Olindo Dragone
Junior High, Guidance
1956
B.A., M.A., University of N. Carolina
Middlebury, University of Naples
Robert P. Garvey
Junior High
1955
B.A., St. Anselm's
A. Louise Bradley
Junior High
1952
B.A., M.A., A. I. C.
Doris H. Alleman
Junior High
1956
B.S., A. I. C.
Robert J. Kime
Junior High
1956
B.S., State Teachers' of Boston
Julia F. Rosenbeck
Junior High
1954
Framingham
Joan C. Ruggles
Junior High
1956
B.S., Springfield College
James R. Rafferty
Junior High
1957
B.B.A., University of Massachusetts
Gina I. Frangie
Junior High
1954
B.A., M.Ed., A. I. C., Springfield
Jane S. McMahon
Grade 6
1953
B.S., Bridgewater
Carolyn F. Paulides
Grade 6
1957
A.B., Skidmore
William L. Kozlowski
Grade 5
1957
B.S.Ed., Westfield State Teachers'
Amelia S. Riley
Grade 5
1957
B.Sc., Worcester State Teachers'
Elizabeth A. Phillips
Grade 4
1956
B.S., New Platz State Teachers'
Doris Ann Schmidt
Grade 4
1957
B.S.Ed., Westfield State Teachers'
Barbara R. Hanson
Grade 3
1957
B.S.Ed., Westfield State Teachers'
Marguerite G. Brady
Grade 3
1942
Perry Normal
Cynthia Adams
Grade 2
1957
B.S.Ed., Springfield College
Marion L. Holland
Grade 2
1922
Springfield Teachers'
Clara B. Merrill
Grade 1
1944
Farmington State
Dorcas E. Weiner
Special Class
1957
B.S., M.Ed., Springfield College
Esther L. Johnson
Art. Music, all schools
1940
Westfield Still
30
John Polaczak George Morrison Everett Pickens
Custodian
1949
Custodian
1953
Custodian
1957
Supervisors
Helen B. Tower
Art 1921
Massachusetts Normal School of Art
Dwight D. Killam
Music
1955
Therese A. Bailey
Elementary
1950
Donald H. Long
Physical Education
1956
Millicent G. Green
Handwriting
1956
B.S., University of Massachusetts North Adams
Health
Janet M. Horacek
Nurse
1954
R.N., Springfield Hospital
Arthur H. Goodwin
Doctor
1947
M.D., Tufts
Irving P. Dinneen
Dentist
1929
D.M.D., Tufts
Hot Lunch Program
May Jenkins
Manager
1950
Memorial
Winifred Bennett
Head Cook
1953
Emma F. Chamberlin
Cook
1956
Muriel E. Jones
Cook
1957
Mary E. Marco
Cook
1957
Stony Hill
Mildred Cotter
Cook
1950
Ella Lindsay
Cook
1957
Isabella Rollins
Cook
1953
Eva Sideleau
Cook
1956
Pines
Julia Dougal
Cook
1952
Honorata Opalinski
Cook
1953
Transportation
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Samble
1930
Mr. George W. Motyka
1932
B.Mus., M.Mus., Syracuse, Boston Univ. B.A., M.A., Westfield, A. I. C.
31
Report of the School Committee for the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 1957
Administrative Budget
Appropriated from Hampden and Wilbraham Expended
$7,482.00
5,600.25
Balance
$1,881.75
Debt Service
Appropriated from Hampden and Wilbraham
$2,200.00
Expended
1,596.51
Balance
$603.49
Planning Notes, Bonds, and Interest
$200,051.07
Expended
192,397.62
Balance
$7,653.45
1958 BUDGET ESTIMATE
Administrative Budget
General Control
$8,960.00
Expense of Instruction
9,484.00
Operation of Plant
2,600.00
$21,044.00
Costs to Hampden and Wilbraham - Maintenance
Hampden
$4,705.44
Wilbraham
16,338.56
To the Citizens of Hampden and Wilbraham:
The active interest and support by both communities make it possible to write in this first annual report that a regional high school will be open in September, 1959.
On October 20, 1956, citizens of both towns voted to form the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District. The com- mittee organized with Marshall E. Roper, Chairman; Mrs. Grace L. Kibbe, Treasurer; Irving H. Agard, Superintendent of Schools and Secretary; and Sergius J. Bernard, Assistant Superintendent. On November 27, 1956, a $100,000 loan was authorized to complete detailed plans for the school.
Shortly after the first of the year, the committee engaged Dr. John E. Marshall as Educational Consultant for the pro- posed high school. Dr. Marshall's assistance in planning the
32
REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Mr. Furnans, Wilbraham; Mrs. Musselman, Wilbraham; Mr. Roper, Chairman, Wilbraham; Mrs. Wiggenhauser, Wilbraham; Mr. Reese, Wilbraham; Mr. Agard, Superintendent of Schools, Wilbraham; Mr. MacMullen, Hampden; Mr. Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Hamp- den. Absent at time of picture, Mr. Holmes, Hampden.
school has made possible an outstanding educational facility as well as an efficient building to operate and maintain.
With the assistance of Mr. E. Ray Pease, a member of the Wilbraham Board of Assessors, the committee located an excel- lent site for the school. A two-year option was obtained on 37 acres of land on Main Street in Wilbraham owned by Mr. Her- man C. Heiden.
In February, Mr. Sergius J. Bernard resigned his position as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the region to accept a position in Easthampton. Mr. Kenneth E. Johnson, Superintend- ent of Schools in Hampden was elected to fill the vacancy.
Following careful interviews, studies of qualifications and buildings of 20 architects, the committee selected the firm of Alderman and MacNeish to design the regional high school. Working from the committee's and Dr. Marshall's Educational Specifications, this firm drew plans for the high school. The committee worked closely with the architect and engineer, ap- proving each phase of the plans. Throughout the planning stages, advice and assistance was obtained from the Massachu- setts School Building Assistance Commission and the Emergency Finance Board.
On May 27th and 28th, public information meetings were held in Hampden and Wilbraham to discuss the preliminary plans and costs of the proposed project. Other meetings were held with the Selectmen of both towns, Finance Board, Advisory Committee and organizational representatives. A brochure was mailed to all residents in the district before the public meetings.
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Throughout the summer, the committee met on a regular schedule as detailed plans and specifications were developed. News releases were prepared on a regular schedule to inform the voters of the progress. After obtaining approval by state boards and officials, final plans and specifications were advertised for bids. Following the November 19 bid opening, the committee was able to establish a building construction budget of $1,890,- 000. Seven general contract and 62 sub-bids were received, indi- cating good competition. Plans for a swimming pool, part of the physical educational facilities, were developed as an alternate. The cost was determined to be $110,000. The final decision on a swimming pool was left to the voters of the district by placing a separate article in the warrants for the town meetings.
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