The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-07-27
THIRD Ward SCH00 Oh
Board Of Education Expected to
Rescind Resolution Pro-
viding For It.

The proposed new school for the Third
ward, which It is understood Mayor Hoos
is advocating, is the source OF much con-
tention among members of the Board Of
Education. The Board. as It will be re-
membered, some few days ago decided
ITO carry out Mayor Hoos' wishes that
the Third ward should a another
school, shaved down Its appropriations
from the other schools and by that econ
omical process set aside a sum of S57,0
for the new school. Now it turns out
that there is a strong public feeling
against any new school. at present, for
the Third ward.
This opposition to the action of the
Board in setting aside the $1,000 is based
Upon a sound principle, simply but plain
~ expressed in his sentence: It Is better
to have three goods schools than a score
of chicken coops. Those who are opposed
to building a school for the Third ward
on S57. 900 say that. it would be ridiculous
out of that sum, when at least $4,000 or
more has to be paid for the ground re-
quired to raise a structure. If the Board
had plenty of money at its control the
ward might have a preferred claim, but
the contrary is the case.
Even in the schools already built the
directors governing these schools nave
been obliged to pare down their absolute
bare needs. Classrooms have been di-
minished in number to a v teachers
salaries. Johnstown's new school is an
example. This, it is claimed, Is all wrong.
These new schools ought to be reinforced
as much as possible. The Third ward
can easily wait. AS a result of this 1t
is said on good authority, that at the
special meeting of the Board called for
July 80, the Board will rescind the reso-
luton providing for the Third ward
school,.
Director Henry w. Dewitt was the only
member of the Board who could be seen
today. The director, it is well known, is
opposed to any c~heeseparing economy
when it reaches a point where the needs
of the children and their comfort are in
volved. He of course was very diplomatic
in talking about he school. He merely
said what was his Individual opinion.
What the Board would do he said he
could not say and would not if he could,
until the proper time. But as to the gen
eral aspect of the question he was more
communicative.
Il am personally he said, "of opinion
thai the Third ward Is not in pressing
need for another school 1t were better
to divide that sum, laid aside for the
proposed school,, among the present
schools in alterations, additional class
rooms and providing for teachers salar-
les. 1t must be borne in mind that IN
consideration of this matter I am not ex-
pressing any views for or against indi-
vidual aims. / am look at it purely from
a practical and economic side, and ! be-
lieva that way best suited for the care
and education of the children. To me it
resolves itself into a problem. Can more
good b. lone by spreading that sum
ing them efficient, than by building what
must be at least only a temporary frame
building, leaving absolutely no sum to
IN it? AS say. / incline to the view that
we should perfect the present schools and
when we have more money then build a
school for the Third ward