Morning journal and courier., 1888-12-08
RoAuDoF EDUCATION.
The Question of Proper Lighting i'm the Schools Discussed - Monthly Ffnancfal Statement.

The Question of Proper Lighting I'm
 the Schools Discussed - Monthly
 Financial Statement.
 The board of education held regular meeting last evening. The appointments recommended at the last meeting were made by the board. The resignation of Miss B. J. Cargill of Weleh school to take place on De- cember 21, 1888, was read and laid over ac- cording to rule.
 Major Strong, as the committee on schools, reported that the several schools had been visited and proper lighting accommodations remedied as far as possible. He said that the cost of short windows above the blackboards in Skinner school would be $50 each.
 Dr. Carmalt in reporting upon the same subject said that the amount of light admit ted by window space in four buildings or dered investigated at last meeting was only one-haH what ought to be. The window space area was only one-sixth of the floor area. He said that the building committee had done what they could do without an or der of the board. Changes had been made for improvement, but they had been so slight in comparison to what should have been done that even now the eyesight of scholars was jeopardized as much as formerly. The win-
 
 costly, but were what the occasion called for most strongly. It was suggested to Dr. Carmalt that if the board didn't want to spend this large amount small windows could be cut over the blackboard. These would average two to a room and would cost $50 each, as stated above. "This, {" said the doctor, Hwould make things better than before, but not what they ought to be-. think we should make these rooms as light and nearly perfect as possible" He said he is being consulted every day by scholars parents as to the injury to the children s eyes. He recommended the board to go to the Washington school any dark day and the difference. ''Even the children" said he, '1ook better there." As to filling the already small window space with flowers, he said the board should pass rule, if neces- sarY, to prevent the practice. He said that the flowers, moreover, made the whole place look slovenly and filtered up. He strongly favored forming rule to do away with the things entirely.
 Superintendent Dutton said he thought there would be no objection to some kinds of flowers.
 "Ihe' best fowers," said Senator Plunkett, "are the bright, sparkling looking children. " Dr. Carmalt fully agreed with him. Mir. Zunder made motion that plants in windows of school rooms obstructed the light and that the superintendent be instructed to order them removed. It was passed. MT. Leigh brought up the question of High school graduation exercises. He said that it was great burden for some to pay for the elaborate wardrobe which the occasion called for. After little discussion the matter was dropped and the question of proper lighting taken up.
 "The important point," said Dr. Carmalt emphatically, ''is that the little children be- tween five and ten years are the greatest suf- ferers, and the beginning of poor eyesight thus early made. It was voted to direct Architect Robinson to prepare plans for doubling the window lighting at the next meeting.
 Major Strong requested that the committee on schools be directed to investi- gate as to the advisability of requiring per centage of 60 in the entrance examinations to High school.
 The secretary then read the financial state- ment for the month. The total expenses were $26, ,15o.67. Of this $22, ,727 35 was for teachers salaries. The board then adjourned,