The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1897-09-03


again to be obtained. In spite of this
overflow, however. there was an
average of Sc pupils to each teacher in
each of the rooms below the high
school, more pupils than one teacher
can efficiently handle. 1t appears,
therefore, that even on the basis of
last years population there is need
for additional rooms. But we cannot
figure on that basis. June 80, 1896
the total school population of the dis
trict was 627. The town grew so
rapidly. however. that before the
school year ended there had been 66S
pupils actually enrolled more
than the total school population at
the beginning of the year. June 80
of this year the census shows 927
persons of school age. Suppose that
the school population should increase
during the next ten months in the same
proportion as last year-and who will
deny that the prospect Ofsuch increase
is not even greater than it was at this
time last year?-and we may look for
ward to an actual enrolment before the
school year closes of 972 pupils. Grant
that 172 of these attend the high
chool, and that is a liberal estimate,
that leaves 800 pupils to be provided
for. On basis of so pupils to the
teacher, Is rooms would be required.
At the most the present building can
furnish but nine rooms, Gt ought not
by rights to furnish but seven below
the high school, leaving additional
rooms absolutely necessary, provided
last years ratio of increase is main
tanned.
Second, as to the wisdom of build
ing an eight room building now rath-
er than four room building at this
time and second four room building
later.
In the first place eight additional
rooms will almost certainly be needed
this year, as has already been shown.
Second, two four room buildings
would cost about One-third more than
one eight room building, to say moth
ing of the cost of the additional site.
Third, there are now eight grades be-
low the high school. One teacher
cannot successfully handle two grades
in one room. Eight rooms are neces-
sary therefore in order that pupils
in all grades below the high school
may be accommodated.
Third, as to the desirability of the
location:
OF the IA new houses built during |
the past Is months, Sc are north of
the middle of the square and 81 south |
of it. The location of the smelters
makes it reasonably certain that the
north and west part of the city will
continue to gain the most in popu-
lation.
Fourth, as to increased taxation:
The present assessed valuation of
the city is, in round numbers, $685.
300. II is surely conservative to esti-
mate next years. at 100000. The
interest on $1,000 at per cent. is $3.50
which would be raised by a tax of
\ trif1e over one mill, or one dollar
IN each one thousand dollars of vaIu-
alton. The last of the bonds issued
% erect the present building will be
paid next year, so that the net result
will be lighter levy for school build
ings than we have had for Is years
past.
The Professor closed his address
~ showing plans of the proposed
lew building and pointing out its
many admirable features.
The foregoing is, of course, but the
oTiefest summary of an hours talk,
)ut ii presents the man points of the
argument. 1t is hard for US to realize,
however, that any argument is need
ID. The people of lola are so proud
f their schools and have been so
generous always in proving for and
them that it would seem s
TRANCE if they should now turn their {
'acks on them. We need new school
ooms; that is not denied. Then
THAT ia there for rs tn do hut DrOvida