The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-03-29
CUTTING DOWN THE TEACHERS.
THE ACTION OF THE BOARD OF APPoRrIoSMExT
DEFINED by ONE OF ITS MEMBERSHIP
REDUCTION IN THE TEACHERS SALARY FUND,

THE ACTION OF THE BOARD OF APPoRT1oSGExT
DEFINED by ONE OF ITS MEMBERSHIP
REDUCTION IN TIL. TEACHERS SALARY FUND,
AND NO INCLINATION TO CRIPPLE IT.
"rbcrc seems to be little public misunderstanding
about this ma,ter,n replied Alderman Lewis 10 a
HERALD representative yesterday. when piled with
questions relative to provision for the payment OF tho
salaries OF public school teachers.
'sThe 10 clear need be. far the Board
oil Apportionment is concerned, and their action
only necessary, but very liberal. under the
cumstances."
slow the Board OF Appornournont guidcdsn
1T is easily explained" replied tho Alderman.
"what IL termed the General Fund OF the city usually
approxmatcs about s. 600 900 II estimated that
tho fund tor 1877 would not exceed tho amount OF
$25oo.00o or course, this deficiency OF 81 800 600
compelled u reduction OF expenses. Tor It would
not do TO think Of increasing taxation In a
year OF stagna,ion aud discomfort ike the pros
ent In reducing the several appropriations the
Board was especially rrgardful of the needs OF tho
Educational Department., aud declined 10 make any
reduction whatever tho fund salaries OF tcrchcrs
could, and deducted $50, 600 from the fund for
pairs and new buildings, and 900 from that for sites
The Board OF Education asked an increase OF $50 900
in the appropriation Tor salaries Tor the present year
Under The existing condition OF things the Boerd OF
Apporonmcut did not think they could conccdc that
though all were adverse TO any reduction. Tho
5000 taken from the funds for sites and repairs, II
was thought would hardly be needed, and the pre-
vous estimates for those expenditures had boon too
liberal"
rnE PRACTICAL TROUBLE
"Why, then, should there DO any complaints against
the Board OF Apportionmcntf"
~ really cannot say and those who mako such
are certainly In error. No member OF tho Board op
poses liberal appropriations for educational purposes
believe tho teachers OF New York paid compare
lively loss than they are worth. "
"What do you UNDERESTIMATE Mr. Lewis, 10 have been
the necessity the OF the Board OF Education for
reduction OF teachers saaricsf"
II DO not know, unless II was that they had found
II necessary to appoint teachers because OF tho
Increase OF the number OF pupils Tho Board OF Alder
men have no control whatever over tho Board OF Edu-
cation. They have no control the depart
mcnts, and the Board OF Education does
that head II Is separate and distinct institution"
How do you regard yesterdays action Of tho Board
OF Aldermen relative TO these mattcrsy'
''Tne DISCUSSION there arose principally upon Of
tho prcambles 10 resolution which had been referred
10 tho Law Committee, stating that tho Board OF APP.
portonment had reduced the salary appropriation
This was shown TO DO erroneous, Tho bill M Albany
giving The Board Of Education complete control
money appropriated for its department may DO very
good Very few OF the Aldermen had seen tho
bill. and voted against It's Endorsement purely for
that reason"
Sin what way tho difficulties OF tho Board Of
Education be removed?"
''Why," replied tho Alderman, 'N they can save
$50. 600 from Of tho othor funds have doubt
they will be permitted 10 transfer that amount to tho
payment OF salaries ~