The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-02-12
A NEW SCHOOL BUILDING.
Committee of the school Board Recon-
mend the Erection of One.

mend the Erection OF One.
The Building and Repairs and Finance
Committees of the School Board held a joint
session last night to consider the question as
to whether another school building should
be erected.
Superintendent Whitaker was present and
made a very exhaustive report and address
upon the present condition of the schools as
bearing upon the capacity and attendance
and the outlook for the future. He showed
that by careful computation the increased
attendance under the compulsory education
law will be from 600 to 700. As the schools
are now crowded more room will certainly be
required during the ensuing year. Several
members also spoke and it was eventually
resolved that report be submitted to tho
School Board recommending that building
be erected on the White street property
recently purchased from Charles L. Titman
No recommendation was decided upon as to
the size or design of the building, nor as to
the cost
In talking upon the subject to-day with a
HERALD reporter, Mr.. T. r. Edwards, who
is a member Of both committees, said: 81
think it is absolutely essential that ourSchoOl
Board should erect another school building
which will accommodate at least 300 children.
The Compulsory Education bill, which
should he enforced for the good of the child,
as well rs the nation, will certainly increase
our attendance and at present care crowded
and paying rent for one building, There is not
another town in the county which has such a
foreign population as we have, and many Of
them cling to their own customs and cannot
speak the English language. l do not think
the problem of educating these children has
been fully solved. The Poles and Lithuan-
ians are becoming an important factor in our
schools In fact, nearly one-fifth are of the
Slavonic race, and a large majority are
bright and intelligent, but many come to
school unable to speak one word of English.
At present they are crowded into room
with so or go others, and it is utterly inn
possible for teacher to give them the time
and attention which they should have
consequently they are in the lower grades
too long and hinder the progress of other
pupils"
Such children" continued Mr.. Edwards
irrespective of creed, caste or color should
have all the advantages our public school
system affords; and if it becomes necessary
to erect building to accommodate them, OF
employ teachers who have mastered the
foreign languages, l will certainly give it my
earnest support"
Mr.. Edwards seemed to warm up on the
subject as he asked; why not give such
children who may never have the privilege
of entering a High school teacher who can
understand their native language, and thus
assist them, as well as give the children Of
more fortunate circumstances teacher
thoroughly conversant in Latin2 Who
would think of asking our High schoo
pupils to learn Latin without teacher
And yet we have, SO far, asked many children
to learn the English language without know
ing how to do it, and without more schOo
buildings and teachers it could not be other
wise, The hope of our town, state an,
country depends upon the education of tn
young of to-day and it is practicable +
mould and make good citizens out of thi
foreign population. Shenandoah can an,
should be willing to do her part, and l thinl
the people will do it,