USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > Woodbridge > An Educational History Of The School District of Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey 1666 - 1933 > Part 16
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
Teachers' salaries improved by resolution April 1921. Special election held May 18, 1921 and a school at Sewaren authorized at a cost not to exceed $50,000. Mr. Fred Shotwell resigns and is succeeded by Mr. Lee Woodman as principal of Barron Avenue High. Colonia residents begin to agitate for a school. An addition to Avenel school authorized by the voters November 14, 1921 at a cost not to exceed $55,000.
February 14, 1922 the Board authorized to erect a school at Colonia at a cost not to exceed $53,400, and an addition to Hopelawn at a cost of $55,000.
1
296
The first women members of the Board elected February 1922. Mr. H. A. Tappen resigns from the Board Kerch 20, and Mr. Melvin H. Clum succeeds him as President.
The teaching of Thrift in the schools authorized by the Board this year.
The purchase of school lots at Hopelawn, Fords and Port Reading, the ercetion of a new school at Fords, and additions to Barron Avenue school and Port Reading, totalling $455,000, were authorized by the voters February 13, 1924.
Nr. Arthur C. Ferry succeeds Ifr. Lee Woodman as principal of the high school September 1925.
Additional money raised to complete Barron Avenue, Port Reading and Fords schools.
February 9, 1926, the voters authorize the erection of a new school at Iselin at a cost of $110,000 and an addition to Keasbey at a cost not to exceed $115- 000.
A new salary schedule for elementary teachers adopted by the Board this year.
Mr. John Lahey member of the Board died January 17, 1927. Two portable buildings transferred from Iselin to meet increased enrollment at Avenel.
297
March 6, 1928, the voters authorize an addition to Hopelawn at a cost not to exceed $45,000 and a four-room addition to the high school at a cost of $25,000. Salary schedules again improved for teachers.
A bandmaster appointed for the township October 1928. Additional land purchased for school No. 11 February 11, 1950. Wir. Benjamin Walling, member of the Board died, and Mr. Ernest Moffett was appointed to succeed him.
October 28, 1930, the voters authorized the erection of an addition to School No. Il at a cost not to exceed $140,000.
At the annual election February 10, 1931, the tax- payers authorize the purchase of land and the erection of a new school on Strawberry Hill at a cost not to exceed $90,000.
Demands for school retrenchments and economies begin December 1931. Teachers volunteer to relinquish salery increments for the next year.
January 18, 1932, the teachers grant a portion of their salaries to assist in budget reduction. Bi-
Centennial of birth of George Washington celebrated. Budget of 1952 for school year 1932-33 reaches the peak of school appropriations -- $551,459.58.
CHAPTER XVI
OVER THE PEAK
Shortly after the re-opening of schools in September, several delegates from the local Taxpayers' Association presented themselves at a meeting of the school board and urged a reduction in the school budget for the current year. Mr. Ernest Moffett, speaking for the finance committee, outlined the attitude of the school board in the matter and after several expressions of goodwill, the delegates re- tired.
At the same board meeting, a number of citizens from Hagaman Heights appeared and requested transportation from that section to the Port Reading school. Certain grades of school children had been transported previously but it had been discovered that the route did not conform to the legal requirements of the State Department of Education for free transportation thus necessitating a discontinuance of the service. However, the Board agreed to take up the matter again with the proper authorities and see what could be done.
Supervising Principal John H. Love notified the Board that infantile paralysis had appeared in School No. 1 and that the State Health Department had advised him not to close the school as had been suggested. The Board approved this policy.
298
ولسن
٠
299
Owing to lack of employment for many young people, because of the economic depression, several applications for postgraduate work had been received by the high school principal. The high school department being considerably overcrowded, a resolution that graduates of the school be refused admission for the present year was passed unanimous- ly by the Board.
November the 21st, the supervising principal was directed to arrange for bedside instruction to be given James Lukides, a high school student, unable to attend regular classes because of a severe form of personal 111- ness.
Again, a delegation from the Taxpayers' Association appeared before the Board. Budget matters were discussed and the thanks of the association tendered to the Board for the communication lately received from the chairman of the Finance Committee.
A rather unusual event, was the appearance of the Mayor of the Township, Mr. William Ryan and Township At- torney Mr. Henry St. Lavin at this meeting by the express invitation of the Board. A friendly and enlightening dis- cussion of Woodbridge Township finances, particularly as they related to the School Board was held and at the ter- mination of the discussion the following resolution was
1933
School Transportation.
Sec. 1. N. Side of Campus
244H
-
٠
300 A
1933 School Transportation, Sec. 2. E Side
301
not to exceed twenty per cent (20%) over a period of years, provided that said reduction apply to the whole group and not to anyone individual teacher in any school system. "
The meeting of the School Board January 20, 1933, was memorable because of certain changes brought about, partly under pressure from the Taxpayers' Association, and also undertaken as an economy measure initiated by the Board. At the previous meeting, the Supervising Principal had submitted a new plan of operating the High School for the coming year under which this department would be in continuous session from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. One very important feature of the plan was that, in his opinion, there would be no necessity of further additions to the High School building for many years and that in all proba- bility the recently erected annex at the rear of the school could be closed, thus saving the cost of its operation and maintenance. The preparation of the scheme and its detailed working out was the result of more than a year's co-opera- tive study by the High School principal Mr. Arthur C. Ferry and the Supervising Principal as their contribution to the several economy measures under consideration. On motion, the report was adopted unanimously with a few minor changes as to time of opening and closing.
Another radical step undertaken by the Board, was the reduction of the principals of School Nos. 4, 8, 10, and 12
302
to grade positions but without any reduction of salary or change in title. The positions of Art Supervisor and of Assistant Music Supervisor were also abolished, follow- ing out the new economy policy that had previously thrown out the Kindergarten Department at School No. 1.
A suggestion that the township teachers be requested to submit to a twenty per cent (20%) reduction in salary for the next school year was discussed, the secretary being directed to communicate with the Teachers' Associ- ation in regard to the matter, a report on their action to be presented at a meeting of the Board to be held at 8 p.m. January 26th. When the meeting took place, a let- ter from the Teachers' Association was read in which a counter proposition of a ten per cent reduction was made but which was refused by the Board, further instructions being given to the District Clerk to request a reconsider- ation of the original proposition by the teachers. This was done , resulting in their acceptance of the twenty per cent cut.
When the election for Board members occurred in February, a total of 2783 votes was cast, Mr. James Filer receiving 1404, Mr. E. C. Ensign 1352, and Mr. Mark J. MoClain 1306.
On February 20th, at a session of the Board, a pro- posal to change the time of the Borough, Town and Township
SUCH
WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
FORDS Nº 14
SCHOO
303
school elections from the second Tuesday of February to the time of the general elections in November was opposed. Although a bill with this in view had been passed in the State Legislature, the Woodbridge School Board had not taken advantage of its provisions. Later on, the Act was repealed.
Acting under the direction of the Board, the Finance Committee had been making strenuous efforts to secure funds with which to pay the school teachers and as a step in this direction, the following motion was passed March 8th, 1933:
"Whereas, it has been shown to this Board that the Township Committee will be unable to furnish to this Board the funds re- quired to pay the arrears of salary of its employees, and a committee of township officials has proposed that the Township issue its Tax Revenue Bonds in small deno- minations, payable in June with a low rate of interest but receivable at any time in payment of taxes in amounts sufficient with a portion of cash to cover the arrears to January 1st, be it
Resolved: that the Board will co-operate with the township officials and will offer such bonds to its employees."
At a later meeting of the Board, a delegation of the Township Teachers' Association was present to whom the bond- payment proposition was explained.
On March 29th, the Board of Education organized for the coming year, Mr. Melvin H. Clum being re-elected to the presidency and Mr. Maurice P. Dunigan as Vice-President.
"Bonds, known as "Baby Bonds" were issued in denomina- tions of ten and twenty-five dollars and were all sold in due time by the employees.
-----
304
In April, the community was shocked by the death of Mr. Clun which occurred at his residence in Fords on the 10th instant. A special meeting of the Board was held on the 17th when the following resolution was passed and placed on record:
"Resolved: that the members of the Board desire to record their profound sorrow at the death of Melvin H. Clum, who was elected to this Board March 18, 1907, and who has served continuously ever since.
Mr. Clum's wise and helpful counsel, broad sympathies and kindly presence endeared him to all of us and he will be greatly missed.
In his passing away, Woodbridge Township has suffered a distinct loss.
The memory of his faithful, unselfish, service, always cheerfully given, will be an inspiration to us who were privileged to be his associates.
In our sorrow, we recognize the greater grief of his family to whom we offer our deepest sympathy. Also be it
Resolved: that an engrossed copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the family of Mr. Clum. "
Previous plans for reducing salaries of all School-
Board employees for 1933-34 culminated in the following mo- tion which was passed unanimously Ma# 15th:
"Moved and carried the salaries of all school employees of the Board under Tenure of Office be fixed at 80% of their last respective con- tract salaries, pursuant to the provision of Chapter 12 of the Laws of 1933."
044
WOODBRIDGE-TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
SCHOOL Nº7 FORDS
SCHOOL Nº 8 KEASBEY
SCHOOL Nº9 >PORT READ, IG
1
305
-
"Moved and carried that salaries of all employees not under tenure will be 80% of last contract salary, excepting me- dical inspectors and clerk of Schools #7 and #14."
The 20% reduction was applied also to the salaries of the school nurses, the attendance officer, district clerk and custodian of school funds.
A unanimous vote of the Board elected Mr. Maurice P. Dunigan as president to succeed the late Mr. Melvin Clum, and Mr. Roy Anderson as Vice President to succeed Mr. Dun- 1gan.
Seeing no prospect of their delinquent salaries be- ing paid before the close of the schools for the summer, the teachers had engaged the services of Mr. Julius Kass, a 1 young Perth Amboy lawyer, as their counsel and as their On June 19 representative, he appeared before the Board -------
to present a report on an investigation he had made into school and municipal affairs.
Following a discussion of the report, a motion was made and carried:
"That the Township of Woodbridge be requested to pay over to the Custodian of School Money s forthwith the balance of the appropriation for school purposes for the school year end- ing June 30, amounting to $215,175.84, all of which has heretofore been specifically re- quested. "
and a second motion
"That the Township be requested if payment
306
cannot be made in cash, to pay the State and County school taxes remaining unpaid since February first of this year, pur- suant to an act relating to the financ- ing of schools approved May the 10th, 1933, being Chapter 156 of the Laws of this year (excepting the ten per cent of the State School Tax which must be paid in cash) in order that the County Treas- urer may make payment in scrip or other- wise the amounts of the State apportion- ment which is due the district and pay- ment of which has been prevented by the failure of the township heretofore to pay such taxes to the County Treasurer, unless the township authorities can make some other and better adjustment of such liability. "
Mr. Willard Dunham, the member from Fords, reported the death of the janitor of School No. 14, Mr. Philip Fisher. In the passing of Mr. Fisher, the Board lost a faithful employee and the township an excellent citizen.
The next meeting of the Board was held June 30th, at which time Supervising Principal John H. Love tendered his resignation to take effect at once, thus bringing to a close his long period of service in the Woodbridge school system. The action of Mr. Love came somewhat as a shock to most of the members of the Board, but for almost a year he had been considering such a step. Under the provisions of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund of New Jersey, he had been eligible for retirement for a number of years, but being still educationally and physically active, he had deferred his ultimate decision.
T
-
307
The Board accepted the resignation with regret and the Teachers' Committee was instructed to draw up a re- solution to that effect and present it to Mr. Love.
The following is Mr. Love's letter to the Board: "Board of Education,
Woodbridge, N. J.
Gentlemen:
It is with the deepest regret that I tender my resignation as Supervising Principal of the Woodbridge Township schools, to take effect at the close of the present month.
As probably many of you are aware, I have had this matter under consideration for considerable time, but have now definitely de- cided to take this important step.
My object in resigning is to take ad- vantage of the pension for which I have been eligible for a long time and to devote the re- maining active years of my life to literature or to some field of endeavor allied to the one in which I have been directly and happily oc- cupied so long.
When I view the tremendous development of the Woodbridge Township schools since becom- ing connected with them in 1895, I feel that it has been the greatest honor and privilege any man could have had accorded to him to have had a part in the building up of such an organiza- tion for the benefit of the youth of this com- munity.
In order that the Board may not be hurried in choosing my successor, I shall be happy to donate my services for any reasonable period of time that may be necessary to make a careful selection for the important office I am now vacating.
My personal thanks are extended to the Board collectively and individually for the con-
..
308
fidence they have always reposed in me and for the loyal support and co-operation I have re- ceived so unstintingly without which my path would have been difficult indeed.
It is my sincere wish that this same spirit be passed on to my successor whoever he may be. "
( Signed) John H. Love
Dated June 24, 1933.
Beginning as high school teaching principal in the township in September 1895, and a few years later being placed in charge of the entire township system, Mr. Love saw the old type of "country school" disappear, and in its place arise the present group of structures, modern in architecture and appointments.
When the present high school building was opened in September 1911, Mr. Love was its first principal combining that position with his supervisory duties.
As the enrollment in the high school department in- cressed, it soon became evident that the two positions must be separated and from a large number of applicants, Mr. Arthur C. Sides Ph. D. was selected and appointed as prin- cipal of the High School and Mr. Love was released to give his whole time to the supervisory work.
Beginning with a school property valuation of a little more than $30,000, which has increased to a valuation of over $2,250,000, and with a group of less than twenty teachers,
309
reaching two hundred at the time of his retirement, Mr. Love, in his thirty-eight years of service achieved a unique place in his chosen field of work.
The educational upheaval as a result of the great economic depression throughout the country did not leave Woodbridge unscathed. Let us hope that the marks will not be permanent.
With confidence in the ability of those who guide the destiny of our schools, and with faith that the future has even finer things in store for the good and welfare of our children, we believe that a new and greater era in the educational history of Woodbridge has begun.
١
30g H
WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
SCHOOL Nº6 ISELIN
SCHOOL Nº12 SEWAREN
309_B
CHAPTER XVI
Summary
Taxpayers' Association request reduction in school budget. Hagaman Heights citizens request resumption of transportation facilities to Port Reading School.
Infantile paralysis appears.
Graduates of High School refused permission for post-graduate work.
Bedside instruction ordered for sick pupil.
Taxpayers' Association delegates again appear before Board.
Mayor William Ryan and Township Attorney appear at Board meeting to discuss finances.
Board orders resolution printed requesting coopera- tion with them by payment of taxes.
Resolution relating to Tenure of Office Act passed. Superintendent Principal Love submits new plan for operation of High School as an economy measure.
Principals of four schools made "teaching" principals.
Teachers' Association grant the request of the Board for a twenty per cent salary reduction.
Messrs. Filer, Ensign, and McClain re-elected to Board.
.
-
309 C
The Board opposes changing time of Borough, Town, and School elections.
Board resolves to cooperate with Township Committee by accepting "Baby" bonds for school employees.
Mr. Melvin H. Clum again elected president of Board and Mr. M. P. Dunigan Vice President, March 29.
Death of Mr. Clum in April.
Resolutions adopted and recorded on death of Presi- dent M. H. Clum.
Resolution passed reducing salaries of school employees for 1933-34.
Mr. Maurice P. Dunigan succeeds the late Melvin H.
Clum as President and Mr. Roy Anderson elected Vice Presi- dent.
Mr. Julius Kass appears before the Board in behalf of the Township teachers.
Township Committee petitioned by Board for financial assistance.
Mr. Philip Fisher, Janitor of School #14 dies.
Supervising Principal, John H. Love, tenders his resignation to take effect as of June 30, which is accepted with regret.
٠
CHAPTER XVII
WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
Mention has been made of this association in a previous
chapter. Its present forn took shape in 1932 when Mr. Harry a member of the High Sch. faculty Sechrist was elected its first president and Miss Ruth A. 4
Numbers, a teacher in School NO. 15 its first secretary. Much of its earlier activities followed along the lines of previous programs, but as the financial condition of the schools became affected by the general depression, discussions arose within the organization concerning the financial policies of the Board of Education, especially as they affected teachers ' salaries.
Previous to this time, all contacts between the Board and the teachers had been made through the supervising principal 1
but now the Board became alive to the importance of the Association and recognizea it by dealing with the teachers directly through their duly elected officials on all matters pertaining to the general welfare of the teaching body. second
On January 12, 1932, a meeting of the organization was held in School No. 11 to consider a proposition of the
·
310
511
Board to donate ten per cent of their yearly salary as one step in the efforts being made to reduce school expenses.
At a previous meeting of the association, the teachers had unanimously agreed to a suspension of their scheduled salary increments for one year, but on the new proposition they disagreed and defeated it by an overwhelming vote of 191 to 1.
As a matter of convenience in handling business, a system of delegates, one from each school, was inaugurated and put into practice.
September 28, 1932, Mr. Frank Seih, an instructor in School No. 7, was elected president and Mr. Henry W. Beecher Vice-President with Miss Ruth Numbers again as secretary.
Disturbing rumors regarding the financial condition of the schools had begun to permeate the teaching staff, creating a highly nervous tension among them. The demon of the depression had begun to show its claws to the teachers.
At a meeting held October 18th, a motion was passed requesting the Board of Education to appoint a committee from among us' members to meet with the Teachers' Execu- tive Committee to discuss certain questions to be formula- ted and presented to the Board prior to the proposed meet- ing. In conformance with this request, the chairman of the Finance Committee of the Board, Mr. Ernest Moffett,
٠
312
together with Mr. Roy Anderson met with the Teachers' Com- mittee and gave them considerable interesting information. November 14th, 1932, at the suggestion of the Super- vising Principal, a committee of three was appointed to attend a meeting of delegates from all County Teachers' Associations to be held at Highland Park for the purpose of organizing a County Association of Teachers. This move on the part of the teachers was taken because of drastic legislation being introduced at Trenton affecting the whole body of teachers in the State.
Largely at the instigation of the local Taxpayers' Association, the Board of Education sent a communication to the Teachers' Association requesting a refund of twenty per cent of their contractual salaries for the ensuing year which resulted in the following letter being sent to the Board by President Seih:
"The teachers of Woodbridge Township have earnestly and thoughtfully considered both the financial condition of the Township and your request that they refund (20) per cent of their contractual salaries for the school. year 1933-34, both of which questions were so clearly presented to them by the chair- man of your finance committee, Mr. Moffett.
While appreciating the seriousness of the situation, members of the Teachers' Associ- ation are unanimously of the opinion that the amount of refund requested is excessive, and in justice to themselves and to the ob- ligations which they themselves are carrying cannot be granted.
السما
313
Desirous of doing what they feel is their full share toward reducing the budget, the members of the Association unanimously offer the Board of Education a refund of ten (10) per cent of their contractual salaries for the ensuing year of 1933-34.
The Association wishes to express its keen appreciation of the fine spirit shown by the Board of Education in all its dealings with the teaching body. " -- 2
A request from the Board to reconsider this action resulted in the following resolution:
"Resolved, that the members of the Associ- ation accept the Board of Education's de- mand and grant a twenty (20) per cent re- fund on individual salaries for the ensuing school year 1933-34. " 3
110 votes were cast for the resolution, and 69 against
it. A motion to make the vote unanimous was defeated.
Upon receipt of a communication from the Association noti- fying them of the action of the teachers, the Board directed the district clerk to send a letter of thanks to them for "their generosity. "
As it turned out, the teachers had done voluntarily what an act of the legislature gave all school boards the right to do later without the consent of the teachers of the State.
The teachers' rights in the Pension and Annuity Fund were protected by making the usual monthly deductions from the contractual salaries instead of from the actual salaries.
2 Minutes of Association.
3. Ibid
313 A
WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
SCHOOL Nº H WOODBRIDGE
SCHOOL H"IO HOPELAWN
SCHOOL Nº2 COLONIA
314
As evidence of the continued financial stringency and its effect on the schools, the following letter was sent by the Association to the Middlesex County Senator and Assembly- men a copy also being sent to the State Teachers' Association at Trenton:
"We respectfully solicit your careful thought and consideration of a situation in Wood- bridge Township, Middlesex County, which we believe warrants remedial measures by the State of New Jersey. As a representative of the State, permit us to present this situ- ation to you and call your attention to the following conditions existing in this school district:
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.