USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 43
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
6-3816
Trees
Tree Warden
6-4675
Veterans' Services
Veterans' Agent
525-3305
Visiting Nurse
Visiting Nurse Assoc. Springfield
732-4145
Water Department
Superintendent
6-3816
6-3060
Sundays and Holidays
6-3413
6-3816
WILBRAHAM ANNUAL REPORT 1965
WILBRAHAM ANNUAL REPORT 1965
WILBRAHAM MASSACHUSETTS
"Preparing for the future through conservation" could well be the theme of our 1965 cover and Town Report.
Areas marked on the map indicate properties already acquired by gift or purchase. These areas are now available for develop- ment at our convenience, and will add immeasurably to the beauty of Wilbraham.
6
2
4
1
3
5
1. Bruuer Pond area Main Street ( pur- chased )
2. Lot on Fox Hill Drive (gift of Mr. A. Liquori )
3. 4 1/2 acres on Rattlesnake Peak - Dietz land ( purchased )
4. 8 1/2 acres off Stony Hill Road (Gift of Eliza- beth C. P. Bacon )
5. Approximately 50 acres, James Bennett property, Soule and Stony Hill Roads. Part of a "cluster zoning" plan, this parcel will be conveyed to the Town by Mr. Bennett and transferred to the Conservation Com- mission when building layout is completed.
6. Spec Pond area - Boston Road
Facts About Wilbraham
Settled:
1731
Incorporated:
1763
Location:
Eight miles east of Springfield
Area:
Twenty two square miles
Population:
Approximately 9700
Form of Government:
Town Meeting
Tax Rate:
$25.50
Number of Dwellings: 2,703
Property Valuation:
$57,496,645.00
Town Offices:
North Main Street
Telephone 596-3816
Public Schools:
Pines, Stony Hill, Memorial, Mile Tree,
Minnechaug Regional High
Private Schools:
Wilbraham Academy
Nurseries and Kindergartens:
Rev. Helen D. Thomas, 6-4030
500 Main Street
Mrs. Edward J. Hollis, 6-6568
791 Ridge Road
Mrs. Alexander R. Evans, 6-3371
478 Glendale Road
Mrs. Lawson B. Little, 6-3338
477 Dipping Hole Road Mrs. Henry V. Zanetti, 6-4726
8 Nakomis Road Mrs. Lincoln A. Dexter, 6-4668 4 Meadow View Road
Fire Protection:
Stations at Wilbraham and North Wil- braham. Telephone 596-3111 for fire, ambulance and emergencies; telephone 596-3122 for all other calls.
Police :
Station at Town Office - Telephone 596-3837 Chief John S. Leary 596-3376 State Police 283-5671
Recreational Facilities: Three playgrounds, swimming beach
2
Town Highways: Public Library:
Approximately 67 miles Boston Road, North Wilbraham - Telephone 596-6141 Library hours:
Weekdays, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Tues. and Thurs. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Saturdays during July and Au- gust
Churches :
Six - Wilbraham United Church, Grace Union Church (Congregational - No. Wilbraham), Glendale Methodist, Church of the Epiphany (Episcopal), St. Cecilia's (Roman Catholic), Christ the King (Lutheran)
Highest Altitude: 937 feet - Mount Chapin
Volunteers start the annual attack on poison ivy.
-
3
Selectmen's Report
Growth continued to be the major characteristic of Wilbraham during the past year. The increased number of homes necessitated expansion of the existing services and planning of future capital expenditures. The town meetings approved a new junior high school, water main extensions, increased police protection, road improvements, and numerous other items. The major areas that have been of concern to the Selectmen are outlined in the follow- ing report.
Highways, Drainage and Sewers
For the third year, the available Chapter 90 reconstruction money was expended to finish the Dipping Hole Road project. Reconstruction of portions of Soule Road to eliminate several curves was not completed due to delays caused by the unavail- ability of an engineering firm to lay out the road and lack of heavy construction equipment. On recommendation of the Town Engineer, drainage and surfacing on Tinkham Road has been held up to see if the voters will approve complete rebuilding of this heavily traveled highway.
The program of street lighting was continued with emphasis on the heavily traveled streets and intersections. The lighting on Stony Hill Road from Boston Road to the city line was updated and improved. Springfield Street from Stony Hill Road to the city line also was improved. Main Street from Burt Lane to Faculty Street was upgraded to provide a higher light level. Un- lighted areas of North Main Street were corrected. Boston Road from the fire station to the underpass was upgraded to provide a high level of illumination in this area.
The drainage study authorized by a previous town meeting has been completed. An article is included in the 1966 town warrant to provide a five year program contingent on participa- tion of the Federal Government. Several small drainage lines were installed to eliminate local water problems.
The annual meeting request for an interest free loan to permit an engineering study of the Town's sewerage needs was approved by the government. The report will be completed in mid-1966 and the first portion of the program will be ready for voter action at a later date. The Town is on notice to cease dumping raw sewage into the Chicopee River by 1967. A positive action to comply with the notice will be acceptable by the State.
4
Committees and Personnel
A number of new committees authorized by town meeting vote and Selectmen were appointed to complete various pro- grams. Among these were: Housing for the Elderly, Junior High School Building Committee, Community Action Committee on Poverty, Future School Site, Town Building Survey Committee, and Recreation Committee.
A major step in providing guidance on future planning and capital construction was the hiring of a Town Engineer as author- ized at the annual meeting. Mr. Walter F. Markett, Jr. has been evaluating our highway, drainage, and water main extensions since his employment. On his recommendation, several articles concerning engineering and construction have been included in the annual meeting warrant for your consideration.
The police communication system has been corrected on an interim basis by the employment of three dispatchers who receive calls during the off hours when the office is closed. The daylight communications have also been much improved by limiting the availability of two telephone lines for police use only. The police dispatching is now on the same basis as the Fire Department and should be satisfactory until a central radio dispatch system for all town departments is set up.
A number of offices vacated for health or personal reasons were filled by appointments. An exception to this was the resig- nation of Selectman Sidney Low and the decision to hold a special election to fill the vacancy. Mr. William Leonard was elected to the Board.
Starting January 1, 1966, Dr. Ronald G. North will serve as Dog Officer and Inspector of Animals. The need for facilities and personnel to impound stray dogs until their disposal had become an acute one. The Springfield S.P.C.A. was unable to provide the necessary assistance. The destroying of unclaimed dogs by shooting will be replaced by more humane methods. Emergency treatment for injured dogs will also be available.
:
...
Industrial growth has been slow due to the limited industrial land available. During the past year the Friendly Ice Cream Corp. completed a new addition; Wilbraham Manufacturing Company finished their new building; K's Diner was erected; and improvements were made on other business and industrial prop- erties.
5
S
--
General
To prevent indiscriminate cutting of trees, all utility applica- tions for extensions and relocations are now reviewed by the Tree Warden before granting a permit. In line with this, street cutting regulations, prepared by the Town Engineer, have been adopted and will improve a rather exasperating condition.
During the past year, the license fees for various businesses and permits have been reviewed, and adjustments made to upgrade them in respect to services required and value obtained.
The various lawsuits of the East Boston Savings Bank against the Town have been compromised and settled by mutual agree- ment. The Bank has relaid the water mains and will reinstall the improperly laid street drains. They will also put in a proper sub-base and surface on the roadways; guarantee the underground sewage disposal system for one year, and grant a ten foot ease- ment for installation of utilities where homes have less than the required setback. The Town will forego the setback requirement in view of the easement granted and will grant occupancy per- mits. A suit by Mira Inc. against the individual Planning Board members must still be resolved.
A variety of public hearings were held, including "Crossing of the Public Ways by the Western Massachusetts Electric Co." and installation of a community antenna service. The former was an end to the long litigation against W.M.E. Co. construct- ing its high voltage line through the Town and permission was granted because of lack of support by other towns and adverse decisions of the State Department of Public Utilities. A deci- sion on the latter will be withheld to see if a uniform set of rules and regulations will be adopted by either the State or Federal power commissions relative to community antenna systems.
The Special Town Meeting held in the fall of 1965 provided funds to implement the plans of the Junior High School Build- ing Committee. Funds were also approved for the acquisition of land for the town dump, school site, and conservation purposes.
In view of the difficulty in granting payment for injuries occur- ring in public buildings, the Town Office has been incorporated into the insurance coverage to protect those using the building.
The loss on short notice of one of the Town's two doctors has created a problem for many residents. The Massachusetts Medi- cal Society and other agencies have been requested to assist in settling a new doctor in Town.
6
Another of the Town's old landmarks, "Sullivan's Auto Inn," has passed into history. The old inn, famous at one time as a stopping place for the early motorists, had fallen into disrepair in recent years and had to be condemned.
The Selectmen complied with the colonial law which requires periodic viewing of the Town bounds with the Selectmen of the adjoining towns. This year the bounds shared with Palmer, Mon- son, Hampden, and East Longmeadow were viewed. One bound- ary marker shared with Palmer was found in need of repair. Summation
During the past few years the town meeting members have approved many planning projects. In 1966, the implementation of a part of these plans is proposed. At the annual meeting, you will also have an opportunity to accelerate our road rebuilding program beyond that provided by the meager Chapter 90 and Chapter 81 highway funds. The articles entered into the warrant relative to changes in town government are in line with steps taken in other communities as they increased in size.
We ask your thoughtful judgement on each article so that Wilbraham will continue to grow as an attractive, progressive community where the full value of each expenditure is obtained.
SIDNEY Low (Resigned) WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR.
EDWARD H. GODFREY, Chairman WILLIAM E. LEONARD
NOTE: The Board regretted very much, that because of business obli- gations Sidney Low was forced to resign as chairman in October. His con- tributions to Wilbraham both as a Selectman and as a Water Commissioner are well recognized throughout our Town and we gratefully acknowledge his efforts.
Wilbraham's new "Mile Tree" was planted in 1965, replacing the old Mile Tree which died of old age and malnutrition.
===
.....
Report of the Wilbraham School Committee
The Wilbraham School Committee annual report attempts to highlight briefly the effectiveness of this elected committee in its policy making functions and management duties in the local pub- lic school system. As defined in Chapter 71 of the General Laws of Massachusetts, the School Committee shall have general charge of all the public schools. In carrying out its responsibilities, the committee develops operating policies, approves textbooks and the program of study, elects personnel, determines class size and districting of pupils to buildings, and establishes the annual oper- ating budget.
Enrollment in 1965 continued to increase as it has annually since 1948. The school statistics section of this report shows 1860 pupils in grades 1-8 on October 1, 1965 as compared to 1764 on the same date a year earlier. The census report and the studies by the School Survey Committee, the School Building Committee, and the Technical Planning Associates indicate sub- stantial annual increases in pupil enrollment for the next ten years.
The need for classrooms in September, 1965 was solved on a temporary basis by renting two rooms in the Minnechaug High School addition from the District Committee. Two sixth grade classes are housed in these facilities, with supervision, lunches, library, music, and physical education being scheduled as a part of the Mile Tree School.
The School Committee is exploring alternatives for handling the projected enrollment increase in September, 1966. Libraries and special services including speech therapy and counselling in the elementary schools may be scheduled on auditorium stages or curtailed, the Springfield Street three room school may be reactivated as a public school facility, and class sizes may be sub- stantially increased above the present desirable figure. Septem- ber, 1967 is a critical year, with temporary compression in the educational program inevitable.
The new Wilbraham Junior High School must be completed and ready for occupancy in September, 1968 if a major disloca- tion of the educational program is to be avoided.
The development of the school budget is a major responsibility of the School Committee. To provide an above average instruc- tional program, the committee must have the funds to employ
8
trained, experienced teachers, purchase textbooks and supplies, and maintain the buildings in a safe and sanitary condition. The financial section of this report shows the 1965 budget and ex- penditures by classification as well as the 1966 budget.
The citizens of Wilbraham and the School Committee mem- bers are vitally concerned with the quality of the educational program and with the cost of operations. It is reasonable to ex- pect a better than average educational opportunity for the pupils when a higher than average per pupil expenditure exists. What are the educational results and operating costs in Wilbraham? Over a 10 year period, Wilbraham pupils have scored substan- tially above the national average on standardized tests, and in above average groupings when compared to selected similar socio- economic communities. For a per pupil cost evaluation, the best index appears to be the published Massachusetts Department of Education Tuition Rates. These rates, in developing per pupil costs, exclude administration, transportation, community services, new equipment, debt service, and programs with other systems, and include school services provided by other community agen- cies. The Wilbraham 1965 tuition rates as established by the state for grades 1-8 is $363.00, placing this community fifth among the eight neighboring communities in per pupil expendi- tures. In the group of eight communities there is a high of $439.75 and a low of $311.75. The 1965 tuition rates are based on the 1963-1964 school year expenditures as reported to the state; state figures are not yet published for the 1964-1965 school year. Since some of the neighbor communities report on grades 1-6, 7-8, and 7-9 basis and others on a 1-8 basis, comparative figures are developed by combining cost figures on a ratio basis.
Personnel employed by the committee, with a report on the experience and professional training of the educational staff are shown in this report. The Wilbraham school system provides an above average educational opportunity. Special programs of speech therapy, elementary French, remedial reading, and in- struction of the handicapped, as well as building libraries, sup- port the basic curriculum. Subject matter specialists in art, music, physical education, science, and handwriting assist the classroom teachers.
Outstanding results have been realized in two specialized areas of the school program. The elementary school libraries operate as branches of the Memorial School installation. Eleven
9
thousand six hundred eighty five volumes are catalogued and available for the pupils at each of the schools for assigned research projects, for enrichment, and for leisure reading. Each of the schools is serviced by a trained librarian on a regular schedule. The success of the program is evidenced by the monthly circula- tion figures in excess of 4,450 books.
The pupil service section provides special instruction for two classes of handicapped pupils, a trained psychologist for testing, two qualified speech and hearing therapists, two guidance coun- selors and a school adjustment counselor. An on-going program is maintained with the Springfield Child Guidance Clinic, and specialized services are available to assist the school staff.
The program of studies, the instructional materials and services, and the methods of teaching are reviewed on a regularly scheduled basis. Pilot projects are established to test and evaluate new methods when instructional improvement appears promising. It is not educationally sound or financially possible to discard existing practices and embark on a new program until measurable advantages can be predicted and maintained.
One example of improvement of instruction in an academic area is the use of modern mathematics at all grade levels. This new approach to teaching mathematics concentrates on the de- velopment of concepts with the pupil understanding the process rather than memorizing the steps. Fractions and decimals appear in the first grade, and the concept of unknowns is challenging pupils at all levels. Modern mathematics was introduced on a trial basis, tested and evaluated, and then presented to the teach- ing staff through workshops taught at the college level in a full semester of late afternoon and Saturday classes. New textbooks and supplies were provided as the program was installed at all grade levels.
Two reading programs are now being tested and have indicated areas of improvement to be developed. In science, the employ- ment of a coordinator has upgraded the level of instruction and pupil achievement.
Efficiencies realized in the business operation of the school sys- tem reduce the per pupil cost of education without reducing the effectiveness of the instructional program. Over the past two years, greater emphasis has been placed on bulk buying and com- petitive bidding of instructional and maintenance supplies, food, and fuel. The combined needs of the Wilbraham, Hampden,
10
and District school systems have resulted in competitive bids, excellent service, and substantial savings for this community. A proposal to include neighboring school systems in the bidding and handling of supply and maintenance items did not indicate sufficient savings to offset handling and record keeping costs. Transportation costs in 1966 are reduced as a result of utilization of sidewalks, reduced per mile bids on new three year contracts, and efficient scheduling of equipment.
In 1966 the buildings and facilities of the Wilbraham Public Schools will require major repair and replacement expenditures. Over the past 10 years, because most of the facilities are rela- tively new, these costs have been a minor factor in the budget.
The sewage disposal system at Memorial School was rebuilt in 1965, and two boilers must be replated and retubed within the next eight months. The program of scheduled systematic maintenance and painting has been effective and must be con- tinued.
An area of committee concern over the past three years has been the need to develop a plan and course of action that will insure an efficient and effective level of administration manager ment and instructional supervision as the size and complexity of the school system increases. The committee has engaged Dr. Clifford V. Jones and Dr. Michael J. Stolee from the University of Massachusetts to conduct a survey in depth of the immediate and long range administrative and supervisory requirements of the Wilbraham Schools.
A School Committee policy, in effect since 1950, provides for use of the school buildings by citizens of the community. Organized youth groups use the facilities without rental charge for meetings and activities where no admission is collected. The facilities are available without a rental charge for the use of the registrars of voters, for election purposes, for legally called party caucuses, and for the citizens of the town assembled in town meetings. Organizations of the community may engage the school facilities on a rental basis, the fees based on actual out-of-pocket costs for opening the building. For a ten month school year, the four schools are utilized on an average of 18 hours per week per school in the community use program, approximately 90% of the scheduled hours being for youth activities.
The Community Program budget of $6,480.00 provides the
11
funds to operate this program, with all rental fees paid to the Wilbraham Treasurer.
It is the policy of the Wilbraham School Committee to make every reasonable effort to provide all the citizens of Wilbraham with complete, accurate, and timely information concerning the school program and operation. The annual report and news- paper releases concerning meetings, decisions, and policy votes are supplemented by school programs, activities and visiting days. The committee urges every citizen to visit the schools and observe the work being done.
The committee appreciates the assistance provided by the elected and appointed officials, and the strong support of the citizens of this community.
ALEXANDER W. MARCO, Chairman HARRY J. DABAGIAN RICHARD R. HARTMAN DAVID L. STONE CLAYTON L. THOMAS, M.D.
Wilbraham Women's Club check is presented for the Minnechaug Scholarship Fund.
SCHOOL STATISTICS Enrollment
The enrollment of pupils by grade as of October 1, 1965 is shown below:
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Spec. Total
Stony Hill
79
77
86
100
97
64
7 510
Mile Tree
75
74
61
54
57
62
383
The Pines
82
81
75
89
77
61
465
Memorial
56
227
213
6
502
236
232
222
243
231
243
227
213
13
1860
Census Report and Comparison October 1, 1965
Year to
Census
Year Born
Enter School
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
1959
1965
244
200
181
162
145
1960
1966
235
222
209
181
152
1961
1967
221
197
159
138
89*
1962
1968
189
162
128
79*
1963
1969
200
167
99*
1964
1970
139
89*
1965
1971
84*
* 9/12 of year recorded
Children in School and Their Distribution October 1, 1965
5-7 Years
7-16 Years
Total
Boys
283
1077
1360
Girls
240
1008
1248
Total
523
2085
2608
Distribution
In Public Schools
296
1900
2196
In Vocational Schools
4
4
In Private Schools
8
174
182
Not enrolled in any school
219
7
226
523
2085
2608
Total as of October 1, 1964
452
1983
2435
Number of Pupils in Elementary Schools by Grades Five Year Period 1960-1965
As of October of each year
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Spec.
Total
1960
186
185
167
151
129
136
148
157 138
23
1282
1961
186
187
184
175
156
149
17
1333
1962
190
193
198
196
178 216 247 231
141 165 195 219 243
146 190 204 227
147 152 193
16
1429
1963
186
212
210
220
19 1600
1964
235
201
232
219
14
1764
1965
236
232
222
243
213
13
1860
13
CREDITS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH 1966 BUDGET ANALYSIS MATERIALS
1965 Estimate
1965 Actual
1966 Estimate
Chapter 71, Section 7A
Transportation
$42,400.00
$40,306.59
$37,000.00
Chapter 70, Section 3
101,800.00
101,881.93
122,400.00
Vocational
5,500.00
6,613.75
5,500.00
State Wards
1,300.00
858.30
800.00
School Adjustment Counselor
3,600.00
3,600.00
3,600.00
Special Class
9,000.00
12,042.84
12,000.00
Chapter 70, Section 3B
Regional Membership
15,270.00
15,282.29
18,360.11
Total
$178,870.00
$180,585.70
$199,660.11
Operating Budget
$876,867.00
$864,836.36
$957,578.00
Less : State Credits
178,870.00
180,585.70
199,660.11
Less: P. L. 874
48,000.00
35,969.54
11,000.00
Net Cost to Wilbraham
$649,997.00
$648,281.12
$746,917.89
1965 BUDGET
1965 Appropriation 1965 P. L. 874
Salaries $662,092.00 24,000.00
Other $166,695.00 24,000.00
Out-of-State Travel $80.00
$828,867.00 48,000.00
1965 Budget
$686,092.00
$190,695.00
$80.00
$876,867.00 $ 6,480.00
1965 EXPENDITURES
1965 Appropriation 1965 P. L. 874
Total Expenditures Community Program
$683,995.05 $ 3,727.86
$180,841.31 $ 2,722.72
$864,836.36 $ 6,450.58
1966 BUDGET
1966 Appropriation 1966 P. L. 874
Salaries $755,731.00 5,000.00
Other $190,767.00 6,000.00
Travel $80.00
Total $946,578.00 11,000.00
1966 Budget
$760,731.00
Community Program
$ 2,980.00
$196,767.00 $ 3,500.00
$80.00 $957,578.00 $ 6,480.00
14
Salaries $655,791.24 28,203,81
Other $172,995.58 7,845.73
Out-of-State Travel
Total
$828,786.82 36,049.54
Community Program
$ 4,500.00
$ 1,980.00
Total
Out-of-State
Account
FINANCIAL REPORT - 1965 SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUDGET ANALYSIS MATERIALS
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.