USA > Vermont > Windham County > Newfane > Annual report of the auditors of the Town of Newfane, Vermont for the year ending 1918 > Part 2
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8 68
C. K. Stedman, painting, No. 6,
13 55
L. H. Whitney,
1 75
W. A. Morse,
9 40
Clarence Struthers, painting, No. 6,
4 50
Irving Williams, painting No. 6,
2 25
Merton Stone, painting, No. 6,
2 25
Porter C. Thayer, labor, No. 6,
6 90
C. L. Hescock, labor, No. 4,
1 00
$ 134 16
27
MATERIALS FOR REPAIRS
Lovell & Brown, blackboard paint,
$ 1 25
A. N. Sherman, paint,
4 37
W. P. Eames, paint,
12 50
N. M. Batchelder,
79
W. P. Eames,
19 61
H. A. Williams,
13 65
Holden & Martin,
5 86
Robbins & Cowles, seat springs,
2 00
H. A. Williams, paint and supplies,
20 15
. A. F. Perry, lock and fittings, No. 4,
65
$ 80 83
JANITOR SERVICES
Delmer Rowe, janitor, No. 2,
$ 14 50
Olive Mundell, janitor, No. 1,
9 00
Bertha Wilson, janitor, No. 4,
8 40
Rena Morse, janitor, No. 6,
2 00
Russell Smart, janitor, No. 6,
5 00
Mattie Wade, cleaning, No. 8,
1 85
Allen Ryder, janitor, No. 2,
8 50
Grace Woodard, janitor, No. 6,
80
Lawrence Snow, janitor, No. 6,
9 00
Ernest Brown, janitor, No. 6,
3,00
Mrs. E. A. Chase, cleaning, No. 4,
2 50
Gladys Birch, janitor, No. 6,
3 60
Noble Pratt, cleaning, No. 2,
4 50
Irving Williams, cleaning, No. 6,
6 75
Hermon Powers, cleaning, No. 1,
2 00
Allie Mundell, cleaning closet, No. 1,
1 50
C. E. Brown, cleaning, No. 8,
1,50
Allie Mundell, labor, No. 1,
1 50
Paul Bishop, janitor, No. 8,
1 25
Hubert Cherrie, janitor, No. 4,
6 00
28
Clarence Freyenhagen, janitor, No. 6, 1 10
Anna Vanderbilt, janitor, No. 6, 6 00
Porter C. Thayer, cleaning closet, No. 2, 1 00
C. L. Hescock, cleaning stove pipe, No. 4, Porter C. Thayer, cleaning closet, No. 6,
50
1.00
C. L. Hescock, cleaning closet, No. 4,
1 50
Raymond Stone, janitor, No. 8, Noble Pratt, cleaning, No. 2,
2 00
$ 108 50
TEXT BOOKS
Silver, Burdett & Co.,
$ 2 51
Silver, Burdett & Co.,
2 51
E. E. Babb & Co.,
2 31
E. E. Babb & Co.,
4 00
$ 11 33
DIRECTORS' ORDERS
C. L. Hescock,
$ 23 38
P. C. Thayer,
31 10
Mrs. G. E. Davidson,
5 00
$ 59 48
MISCELLANEOUS
Frank Fisher, sawing wood, No. 6, $ 11 38 G. B. Whitney, postage and phone, 5 35
Irving Williams, storing wood, No. 6, 4 50
A. R. Underwood, resetting flagpole, etc.,
2 00
Gerald Turner, storing wood, No. 6, 1 85
Ira Ingram, storing wood, No. 8,
2 00
Irving Williams, storing wood, No. 6,
2 36
Hazel Warren, express on library,
72
2 25
29
Porter C. Thayer, taking school census, 6 08
O. R. Wright, sawing wood, No. 2, , 2 48
William Brooks, drawing wood, 3 50
F. DeWitt, storing wood, No. 2,
50
Geo. B. Whitney, supplies, freight, postage, etc., P. C. Thayer, hauling wood,
10 69
1 50
C. L. Hescock, postage and phone,
5 72
A. H. Farnum, top on transportation sleigh,
5 00
W. J. & O. R. Wright, sawing wood, No. 2, B. J. Simonds, fire extinguishers,
11 50
Porter C. Thayer, postage and phone, Gilbert Pike, sawing wood, No. 2,
1 20
S. H. Jones, hauling wood,
2 50
Hazel Warren, express on library,
1 64
V. W. Ranney, sawing wood, No. 2,
1 15
$ 86 80
SUPPLIES AND APPLIANCES
E. W. A. Rowles, inkwells,
$ * 1 15
Milton Bradley Co., 5 75
Rena G. Morse,
1 65
J. S. Hammett & Co.,
6 00
E. E. Babb & Co.,
35 96
$ 50 51
INSURANCE
L. H. Higgins,
$ 27 95
FURNITURE
Rena Morse, tables and chairs, .
$ 5 00
TRUANT OFFICER
Porter C. Thayer, $ 4 50
75
2 43
30
RECAPITULATION
Teachers' wages,
$2,878 24
Truant officer,
4 50
Directors' orders,
59 48
Furniture,
5 00
Text books,
11 33
Supplies and appliances,
50 51
Insurance,
27 95
Tuition,
446 00
Fuel,
145 18
Repairs,
134 16
Material for repairs,
80 83
Transportation and board,
1,346 35
Janitor services,
108 50
Miscellaneous,
86 80
$5,384 83
RESOURCES
Balance from 1917,
$2,402 52
70 per cent of Grand List, 3,275 80
Amount received from state based on account of current expenses,
174 11
From state on account of transportation,
600 88
From state on account of trained teachers,
463 00
From state on account of advanced instruction,
206 67
From state on account of repairs,
15 93
Rent of school land,
1 50
Rent of schoolhouse hall,
50 00
$7,190 41
Balance on hand February 1, 1918,
$1,805 58
31
Report of Superintendent of Schools
School Board and Citizens:
My annual report to the school boards and citizens of the eight towns of this district is submitted for your considera- tion.
Teachers. Of the twenty-eight teachers employed in the district the fall term 1917, seven are residents of the district, also residents of the town in which they are teaching. Of the total twenty-eight, nine were still teaching last fall who were teaching the fall of 1915. Of those teaching the fall of 1916, eighteen were still teaching the fall of 1917. This shows that the towns of the district provide only 25 per cent of their teachers ; and a change of approximately 33 per cent each year. This is some improvement over former times. The training class at Townshend could not secure the required number to maintain the class, making it neces- sary to draw teachers from the State Normal schools or training classes of this or neighboring states. Commercially regarded, no blame can follow a teacher for accepting $2 or $3 per day at office or shop work for every working day in the year where she will have the comforts of life, in preference to teaching an isolated rural school for only thirty-four weeks of the year. These are critical times, involving a scarcity of labor, no longer at prices of earlier days. Even girls for housework can demand and receive double the price of formerly. Teachers formerly received from $6 to $10 until the law fixed a minimum wage of $8 plus an added rebate from the state of $2, $3 or $4. The rebate is the teacher's reward for her preparation and hers alone. It often happens that a teacher's salary is followed, after being increased, by an increase in the price of her board. Instances are not infrequent in this district where teachers have been offered an increase of fifty cents or $1 per week, immediately followed by a like increase in board.
32
Even then, the increase doesn't bring any added comforts, but does bring dissatisfaction to the teacher for having contracted to teach and then being confronted by a raise in board. Such treatment is most likely followed by loss in efficiency or of a valuable teacher. The facts are as fully stated as space permits in order that towns give consideration to increased wages. Also to emphasize the need of uniting to increase the interest and make the teacher's work in the community productive of largest pos- sible results.
Transportation. The abandoned farm and closed school is not the product of transportation. It is due to depleted population, making it unprofitable to maintain a school. My report of one year ago reads as follows: "It is not in- tended to furnish a job for some man and his team, neither should the parents feel themselves entirely free from some effort on their part in getting their children to school." Thirty years ago children even gloried in walking two miles or more to school. To-day, a man living a rod over one and one half miles expects transportation to be furnished his child, even though the child be a husky lad of fourteen or fifteen years, while his neighbor's little girl, just within the mile and a half limit, is refused transportation, it not being warranted by law. There may be some cases where exorbi- tant prices are demanded, but the provisions of the law are adequate to prevent abuses. The average cost of trans- portation in this state in 1894 was eight cents per pupil, in 1916 it was eighteen cents per pupil. There are instances in this district where parents and the children are making much sacrifice in getting to' school, they being paid in part for their sacrifice. There seems to be no ground, however, for paying an exorbitant price in hiring a boy to walk to school or to parents to transport their children, in view of the fact that before 1915 the same children attended school, walking both ways without being paid. The school board can offer board in lieu of transportation where transporta-
33
tion does not appear feasible. We may say that the feasi- bility of the transportation rests with the school board, subject to the approval of the superintendent, but such prices should be paid as may be reasonable to all con- cerned, and without detracting from the comfort of the pupils transported.
Medical Inspection. The reports of medical examination of army and navy enlistments confirm other prior Govern- ment reports that the country lad is inferior to his city cousin in physical fitness, due largely to systematic medical inspection for some time carried on in cities. Estimates show even as high as 60 per cent to 75 per cent. of country boys and girls defective in eyes, ears, teeth, nose or throat. Medical and school authorities, as well as citizens every- where, agree that the health of the boy and girl is of prime importance. Any business enterprise that fails to guard zealously its capital invested is like a school system that fails to provide for the physical capital of the boys and girls, or some way to discover and correct defects that sooner or later lead to serious trouble. About two years ago, the trus- tees of the Thompson Trust fund gave financial assistance in some special and urgent cases in this district. 'Upon request, they consented to assist those towns that would vote for medical inspection, such assistance providing some- one to make examination of each child, and if any physical defect of importance be found to confer immediately with the parents in whose hands would then rest the correction of the defect. Six towns in this district voted to leave the matter to the discretion of the school boards, who ratified the appointment of Mrs. Whitney as school nurse, which was also ratified by the state board of health. The work is done in accord with the local health officer and physicians. There has been no expense to any town. Clinics-free ex- amination and treatment-have been held at the Memorial Hospital about every two months. Arrangements have been made for a dental clinic which gives free dental service to
34
the boys and girls of this district every two weeks on Satur- day. Several cases upon advice of physicians have been taken to Boston and Springfield for special treatment. Ap- proximately fifty boys and girls have received direct benefit as a result of the vote in favor of medical inspection last March. Definite action by the school boards was not taken until late 1917, so that the work is not fully under way. It is hoped that the need and value of the work commend itself to the citizens of each town and that its continuation be 1
ratified under the same conditions as at present.
Boys' and Girls' Garden Work. In April, 1917, the super- intendents of the state were called to conference at Mont- pelier to plan for boys' and girls' garden work. As a result, efforts were put forth by the Vermont Committee of Public Safety and over 300 boys and girls of this district enrolled in the Green Mountain Guard, each pledging to do his bit to raise and can foodstuffs. Approximately 800 or 900 bushels of potatoes were raised and 40 bushels of beans. Last October an exhibit of children's work-school, garden and canning-was held in Wardsboro. The result was far beyond the expectation of teachers and superintendent, and shows what the boys and girls can do when once they have the opportunity and encouragement. An invitation has been received and accepted from the Williamsville Grange to hold the exhibit there next fall. There is every reason to believe that every effort will be made the coming year to produce and conserve.
From February 1, 1917, to January 20, 1918, the superin- tendent has made 362 school visits, traveling approximately 3,000 miles in so doing. It is intended to divide the time as equitably as possible among the several towns, depending somewhat upon the number of pupils and the quality of teaching, if possible giving more time to the new teacher needing help. Schools at greatest distance have been given more time at a visit, but less visits, thus making the trip more profitable.
35
· Frequently statements are heard that the schools cost too much, that the cost is increasing. A careful comparison of the highway expenditures of the different towns for the past twenty or thirty years reveals the fact that in some towns the school expenditures have not increased more since 1890 than the highway expenditures since 1900. In one case the highway expenditures since 1900 show a 40 per cent in- crease, while the school expenditures show only a 44 per cent increase since 1890. This shows that the increase in school expenses has not kept pace with the demand for improved roads. There is now, as for good roads, an in- creased demand for the young man and young woman of highest attainment, and it is reasonable to expect that with increased appropriation, state aid, school year increased from 28 weeks to 34 and 36 weeks, supervision, employment of trained teachers, free text-books and supplies, that we can equip, by the age of sixteen years, a normal boy or girl far better for the duties of life than did the school of 40 years ago.
The amount of rebate from the state on account of schools is found in the treasurer's report.
Forced changes were made in the teaching force the past year, but resulting in the same high grade of work.
Complaints have come to the superintendent regarding the common toilet at the South Newfane school. This and the one at the Union school should be replaced with toilets as specified by the State Board of Health this coming summer.
For the year ending June, 1917, Newfane ranked second in school attendance of the eight towns of the district with 94.5 per cent, the average of all towns in the district being 92.7 per cent, Brookline being first with 96.4 per cent.
The boys and girls are your most valuable asset. Every cent used for schools tends to make a better future citizen, and whether that citizen chooses to remain in Newfane or go out into the world at large,-and we are not so selfish
.
36
as to ask him to remain if he finds more opportunities else- where,-his usefulness is increased or impaired, according to the investment you make for him. I not only urge the provision for the above repairs, but more than all else. that every father or mother show interest in the prog- ress of his child by visiting school. You would not leave your horses and cattle to the hired man without daily over- sight. Can you not at least give two visits to your school, encourage the teacher, increase the interest, and gain first- hand-not hearsay-knowledge of the workings of your school for which your money is expended ?
Respectfully yours,
GEORGE B. WHITNEY.
February 1, 1918.
Directors' Report
The Board of Directors approves of the recommendations in the superintendent's report in regard to the repairs needed. at South Newfane and the Union District schools. There are other repairs needed which we have been unable to make on account of the increased expense of material and labor : namely, the painting of the outside of the South Newfane and Brookside schoolhouses and the repairs men- tioned last year to the upper room of the Williamsville school.
It has been an exceptional year in many ways, nearly everything costing more than we had planned last year and only the same amount of money to run our expenses as under normal conditions.
This year we received $258.12 less than the year before from the state, which was caused in part by the shorter school year: which would still leave us $338.81 on this year's account which is unprovided for.
1
37
We would therefore recommend an amount of money equal to 75 per cent of the Grand List, excluding all money for school purposes from other sources.
C. L. HESCOCK, PORTER C. THAYER, MRS. G. E. DAVIDSON, School Directors.
Newfane, Vt., February 8, 1918.
We, the undersigned, certify that we have examined the orders and accounts of the School Directors and find them correct.
L. H. HIGGINS, H. A. WILLIAMS, WM. H. NEWTON, Auditors.
Newfane, Vt., February 1, 1918.
We, the undersigned, certify that we have examined the reports of the several town officers and find that they agree with the figures herewith submitted.
L. H. HIGGINS, H. A. WILLIAMS, WM. H. NEWTON, Auditors.
38
Births, Deaths and Marriages in Newfane, 1917
BIRTHS
Jan.
8. A daughter to Burton C. and Gertrude F. Halla- day.
8. A son to Clarence M. and Ethel G. Moore.
13. A son to Charles W. and Mabel E. Bishop.
Mar. 6. A daughter to Frank and Hazel Arlin.
10. A son to Prentiss H. and Lizzie L. Carr.
30. A son to John L. and Florence E. Carey.
22. A son to Harold W. and Ruth A. Van Wyck.
Apr. 5. A son to Charles C. H. and Annie Styles.
15. A son to Walter H. and Minnie E. Tefft.
June 12. A daughter to Guy E. and Fanny M. Grout.
16. A son to Walter H. and Harriet L. Moore.
Nov. 5., A son to Earl W. and Lillie B. Putnam.
26. A daughter to Wilson M. and Lillie J. Win- chester.
Dec. 9. A daughter to Harry E. and Clara L. Murdock.
39
DEATHS
Yrs.
Mos.
Days
Jan.
7. Viola R. Morse,
72
4
23
Feb. 2. Tracy L. Hazelton,
22
0
16
4. Clara A. Winchester,
18
2
18
6. Ebenezer M. Stratton,
84
0
17
Mar. 31. George C. Cooley,
75
10
17
Apr. 22.
Donald L. Carr,
0
1
12
May 2- Michael Dalton,
52
3
0
13. Marie Williams,
61
1
9
16.
Elizabeth Williams,
91
3
4
23. Pliny A. Gale,
76
5
11
June 13. Eliza M. Wiswell,
75
10
5
22. Edward J. Morse,
57
4
15
28. Hattie J. Lawrence,
75
3
0
Aug. 29.
Charles M. Goodenough,
71
10
2
Sept. 24. Harland E. Sparks,
68
5
2
25. Abbie A. Rice,
55
6
28
Oct. 15.
Josephine O. Whitaker,
81
11
28
Nov. 13. Belle C. Knapp,
72
2
26
29. Isabella K. Perry,
84
1
26
1
MARRIAGES
Feb. 4. Walter J. Wright and Ruth H. Farnum.
Mar. 26. Richard W. Park and Ruth E. Clark.
June 18. Lewis C. Bills and E. Inez Cherrie.
25. Perley S. Felton and Arniel H. Drake.
July 16. Howard A. Thayer and Mildred O. Wilder.
30. Walter H. Rowe and Ver O. Parker.
Aug. 13. Herman L. Eddy and Rosa E. Kennon.
Sept. 26. Earl B. Hamlin and Edna M. Marsh.
Oct. 16. Henry D. Dole and Jennie A. Lawrence.
Dec. 8. Royce B. Severance and Ethel M. Gould.
25. William B. Hazelton and Cora A. Sparks.
40
Moore Free Library Account
Dr.
To Permanent Fund,
$6,766 50
Interest on fund for 1917,
286 06
Donated by Mrs. Grinnell for children's · books, Cash on hand at last report,
10 00
164 33
$7,226 89
Cr.
By new books purchased,
$ 98 99
Book labels,
3 50
Transporting books south part of town,
19 00
Plumbing supplies,
13 50
Insurance,
18 00
Oak filing case,
40 50
Subscriptions to magazines for tables,
30 65
Year book for 1916
4 00
3 tons coal,
36 30
Lettering for library and labor,
13 28
Permanent fund,
6,766 50
Balance cash on hand,
182 67
$7,226 89
The HF Group Indiana Plant 076158 E 24 00
11/10/2006
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