The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1894-05-08

p.
Economy was the cry Of the new school
hoard when thew met and transacted
business for the first time last night. Inc
cid board first met and reports OF COM
mittees occupied the greater part OF the
time.
The Superintendent reported 1904 en-
rolled pupils and also tie following to
} graduate from the High school thls
spring.
Bert Doff1emyer. George Parkinson,
Emma Bixby, Virginia Hall, Katie Knox,
Ora Pollard, in Latin course; Ralph ln-
gram. Ethel Freeland, Pauline Lewell-
lag. Mamie McNsir, In English course;
Edward Noble, Max Oliver, Alice Payne.
in college preparatory course; Andrew
Norstrom, Robert Wichman. Albertina
Bissantz Inez Creditor, Clara GehrIng,
Mildred Hays in German course; Eva
Bradley, Alma Bradley, Agnes Blskely,
Gala Durley, Nina Hall, Ida kaufman,
Eugene Mccoy, in English course.
When he came to Eugene Mccoy he ex-
pressed his sorrow at his death, stating
I that it was the second death in the class:
The treasurer reported deficit oil
SlI.423. The librarian reported favorably.
The reports were received also from the
officers and committees 1t was decided
chased for the library and that the Craw-
ford opera house should be secured for
commencement. Then the old board ad-
journeG sine die.
Immediately the new members were
sworn in and the election Of officers pro
coded. J. l.. Powell was unanimously
chosen president. He addressed the MEM
bers in the following words:
Gentiemen OF the Board of Education;
sincerely thank you for your confidence
manifested in selecting me as the presiding
ioficer of this body for the ensuing year, and
beg 10 assure you that it will he my highest
! ambition and most earnest effort TO aiu y u
in conducting the administration OF affairs OF
this board for the ensuing year IN al honor
able and economical manner.
We are facing the most trying period in the
: history of this city and country; a period
that demands the wisest and most conserYa-
tive administ ration of municipal affairs, and
the utmost honesty of purpose on the part of
the public servants OF the people VINO are
elected to serve their interests.
In times of prosperity when the burden of
taxation is light and public treasures are
easily filed, it is an easy matter to vote away
the public money and contract system OF
most extrayasant expenditures in the ad-
minisiraton of public affairs. But in times
Of depression when the burden of taxation
falls he willy upon our people, higher order
of ability is demanded, and a higher degree
of unselfish effort and honesty of purpose re-
quired. TO cut down expenses and enforce a
thorough system of economy, and yet pre-
serve the best interests over which We have
control.
The Public Schools OF wichita have gained
wide reputation for the high standard of
educational work, and we all desire to have
this high standard retained; and yet IT is alb
solutely imperative that a large reduction
should be effected in expenditures to meet
the reduced income at our command.
We have IN our city, 81 school buildings in
use with total of los principals and teachers,
including city superintendent, 3 supervis-
prs in drawing. PENN anship and music: a
High School with principal and 8 assist
oil S.tn xUifl inciF ar16
two assistants, 10 grade buildings with l9
principals and II grade teachers, and an an
nual attendance at this time of about 400
pupils. Our secretary, treasurer, librarian,
SUPERB en- dent of buildings and grounds and
board of city examiners constitute the re-
naming salaried officers of ths board. Our
total list of expenditures for The year Just end
ing will aggregate about 0,000; of which. about
e6s, 500 will have been paid officers, teachers
and janitcrs; abont 81 $50 for repairing OF
buildings, 900 for supplies. s2.0cG for fuel.
anG g., 900 for printing, insurance, rent and
miscellaneous items. With board of caps-
bic business men such as we now have, the
work can be So organized as to effect large
saving in all til ese departments,
The problem TO be solved, however, is q
grave one, and will call for our wisest bust
ness efforts with the absolute Punishment OF
personal ambitions and self interest, which
am sure this board is prepared TO do. A care
full and conservative estimate warrants me in
stating that If our work is carefully and con-
scientiously done. with expenditures in all
departments reduced to n basis commen-
weean furnish this city with an as efficient
system of education an our public schools for
the ensuing year as We now enjoy, with a saw
Ing TO our taxpayers Of about ss0,o0.
first-The number of teachers can be re-
duced without impairing the efficiency of the
schools.
Second-Salsres must be reduced in all de.
PAYMENTS on equable basis.
While am always in favor OF paying as
liberal salaries as possloie to the teachers
who are 90 largely responsible for the mould
ing of the character and conduct OF
our children, vet at this time when
salaries are being reduced everywhere,
losses commonly reported In every depart
ment of trade and traffic, feel sure that our
teachers will appreciate the situation and
viii heartily cooperate with us IN our efforts
TO maintain the efficiency OF our schools, al
though We are compelled 10 reduce salaries 10
meet the eXigencieS OF the times. In justice
TO the teachers however. early action Should
be taken by the committee on teachers and
salaries to determine who shall be employed
Tor the coming year. 30 that their status is
definitely determined, and early preparation
begun for the coming school year by those re-
tanned t
Third-The greater part of the amount an.
nually expended on buildings and grounds In
the past can he saved. by combining expendi
lures to absolute requirements, cutting out al
useless and extravaganza repairs and by piac
ing careful and honest janitors In charge o
ali buildings who are capable OF economical
and intelligent use OF Coal and supplies, and
Of making repairs promptly when necessary
which. If properly done under the supervision
IF the committee on buildings and ground.
will enable us possibly TO dispense with tn,
services of a superintendent of buildings and
grounds. and save the salary of $500 paid il
The past
Fourth.-A total reform should be made IL
the matter OF furnishing supplies to pupils
The system in the pas t-has been most eX
.ravacant one, in which the children hay,
been furnished to a greater or less degree witt
all supplies needed in the school room; Thi
Ia. not only proven expensive 70 the board
but has exerted over the pupils the perniciou
influence CT extrava gance, Who learn to valu
things lightly that come easy and III liiera
quantities. III the board would purchase a
wholesale prices such essentials as are abso
lutely needed. and require the pupils TO brinl
their pennies 10 their teacher and pay 70
what they need, the child would learn TIT
value Of articles used and be taught the i'm
portsnt lesson Of economy at an age whel
impressions most benefit them. With tn
cost at Wholesale the burden would be Ugh
on each individual, Yet this plan would effec