The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-03-10
The School Question Relating to the Dis
tribution Of State aid.

tendent oil public instruction Tor the
year ending June Ist, 1891 we find it
recommended. "If any feel that even
the increase in the appropriation does
not enable them to lengthen the term
and at the same time to improve the
schools in other respects as they de-
sire, they will do we'll to consider the
propriety of securing change IN the
basis of the distribution of the State
appropriation"
Now this is very good advice, as far
as it goes but l suggest that every tax
payer examine the tabular statement
of the various counties, and see for
themselves just how the OLD basis has
operated; and then determine whether
we should not have very radical
change instead of partial one as is
suggested by the State Superintendent.
The plan he suggests is "to ap-
propriate 10 each district laying tax
of at least ten mills for school pur-
poses, fixed sum, one hundred
dollars for instance for each teacher en-
ployed for not less than six months at
not less than twenty five dollars per
month, and distributing the balance
upon the present basis" To illus
trate the working of the basis sug-
gested by him, he cites Cameron and
Allegheny counties.
Cameron county with the increased
appropriation upon the old basis of
distribution, would receive five
thousand three hundred and fifty
dollars, but, upon the basis suggested
would receive seven thousand three
hundred and eighty-four dollars. An
increase OF two thousand and thirty
four dollars by the change Of basis.
Allegheny county upon the old
basis, would receive about two
hundred and ninety thousand dollars,
but upon the basis suggested would re-
ceive three hundred and two thousand
dollars. An increase of twelve
thousand dollars by the change Of
basis.
have taken the above figures from
the State SuperintenIents report for
the above named years. If they are
not correct, it is no fault of mine.
confess that am at loss to see
why Allegheny county with only three
districts representing twenty-three
schools laying ten mill tax should
receive an increase of nearly ten
thousand dollars more than Cameron
county with seven districts represent
ing forty-hve schools, and laying from
ten to thirteen mills tax for school
purposes.
do not mean to insinuate, .ha.
the Superintendents figuring is incorrect
But if it is correct, it looks to me like
increasing the oats to the fat horse.
Now, l propose pointing out what
seems to me the unfairness of the
distribution Of the State appropriation
upon the old basis, and shall try to
show, that the basis suggested by the
State Superintendent falls far short Of
being a remedy for the evil.
shall confine myself principally tc
the two counties above named, moi
because there is more inequality OF
unfairness manifested in them than
elsewhere, but because they have been
already cited. l shall take as basis
for my figuring the report of 1891
Cameron county upon the old basis
of distribution, with less appropria
ton from the State than now, received
hfty-fve dollars and ffty-hve cents
per school on an average. One dis
trict receiving one hundred and
fifteen dollars, and another receiving
the paltry sum OF twenty-six dollar:
per school.
Allegheny county at the same time
received an average of one hundred
and sixty dollars per school, almost
double that of Cameron. One distric
receiving one hundred and seventy
seven dollars, and another receiving
thirty-six dollars per school.
/ quote from DIR. Walters report
when say that the children of those
districts receiving the smaller amount
upon every principle underlying
public instruction, are entitled to a.
good teachers and as long term as
are those in the cities" l would add
that upon every principle of justice
and equality, they are entitled to thi
without paying double rate O
taxation.
Cameron county with an average
rate of nearly eleven mills tax, KEEP
their schools open little over 81,
months.
Allegheny county with an average
rate of about four and one fourth
mills tax, kept their schools open {
little over nine months. Now let j
look at the situation after the change
Of basis suggested by the STATE
Superintendent. Cameron count!
would receive one hundred and sixt,
dollars per school. and Alleghen!
county would raceiva one hundred