New-York tribune., 1873-06-21
ELISE RRnGALLrY

II is proposed in the Board of Education 70
remodel tho salary schedule Of tie public
schools with q view 10 the most MID
economy Thus, after Jan. I, 1874, under tho
new system, the allowance for the total
amount Of salaries in the male grammar
schools will be at tho rate OF S4j for each
pupil, which is below tho present smallest
cost; in the female grammar schools it viii be
S35 for each pupil, and in the primary schools
it will be $50 each. BY this prudent manage
ment as it is called. S2S,25S viii be annually
saved in the salary account of the male gram
mar schools, $500 in tho female schools, and
$7,017 80 in the primary schools. The net
annual saving will be, therefore, si3s0 80.
An examination into the salary schedule Of
the school department has brought out the
fact that there ere marked inequalities
in the rates paid 10 teachers Of ths
Board of Education, whose report and recon-
mendations are now penlng in the Board,
note these discrepancies of rate, though they
think that the highest rates are about right
The present system gives the Ward Trustees
considerable latitude in determining individual
salaries; but the general average il previously
determined by the Board. Thus it happens
that teacher in one Ward will receive 900
OF $500 more per year than another teacher oi
the same grade, experience and requirement.
in an adjoining Ward. This comes of
having no harmony Of system and no
conference Of opinion on the subject II is
easy 10 see, indeed, how such inequalities, un-
just and unfair though they may be, are in-
evitable under the circumstances But 70 il
odd that the existence Of such an evil should
result in a sweeping measure designed 10
level all Of the lcsJe salaries downward 90 .
starvation point. The proposed reorganization
would put all the assistant teachers below
first assistants) on salaries of which the
maximum is $500 per year. without re-
gard 20 their relative rank or eK-
perieacc. Beginners in teaching may re-
c.iye $3.50 pc. year while on their SIX months
probation; and, If subsequently, licens d,
may eventually work mp 10 tho 500 max
imum, at an annual rate 0f $50 increase Il
not this little meant Can we expect to re-
enforce the corps OF competent ms.ra tors
from desirable material when such smsl
pittance as this u oIeredi 10 does not seem
possible that desirable teachers can be brought
in from the Normal aud other preparatory
schools il no more moving inducements th,r
these are offered.
This is only one Of the many Objectionable
features which the contemplated reorganization
of teachers salaries presents Others VII he
clearly apparent TO any one who scans the iaets
which we have grouped together on another
page of TuE TRIBUNE. That thou is need Tor
strict economy In the administration OF muni-
cipal affairs, nobody can gainsay. But We are
persuaded that this sort Of frleali;y Is no.
only mistaken one. but is desired by neither
taxpayers nor teachers. This reorganization
does not commend itself by any consideration
whatever; it was not suggested BY any intel
ligent perception OF the educational require
ments Of the city; it lacksl the elements oi
genuine economy, and il wil find no hicnds
outside Of the Board Of Education.