The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1899-05-03
COOPER REELECTED.
The Result of the Election of Borough
Superintendent Last Night.

A subject which has been discussed for
months past. and caused much speculation on
the part of those taking interest in public
school affairs of the borough. was definitely
disposed of last night by the School Board
electing superintendent of the schools for
term of three years.
1t was generally known that some of the
parties taking an interest in the last two
borough elections were spurred on more by
their personal preference as to who should
secure the superintendency referred to than
almost anything else, and, therefore. it was
quite natural that the interest in the election
should be great.
For over year past but two candidates
were looked upon as likely to present their
names to the Board. They were Prof. J. w,
Cooper, who held the position, and N. p.
Whitaker, one of the teachers. Recently
there was rumor that Mr. L. A. Freeman, a
former superintendent, would enter the field,
but it died almost in its incipiepcy. Accord
ingly there were but two candidates before
the School Board last night. There was
practically no contest, Mr.. Cooper being
elected on the first ballot, with many votes
to spare.
The School Directors in attendance at the
Baugh, Martin, Malick, KEEPER, Dove Hig-
gins, Sullivan, Dewitt, Britt, Connors
Whitaker, Breslin and HolYey full repre-.
sentation.
President Coughlin called the meeting to
order and stated that the object was the
election of superintendent of schools for the
ensuing three years. and also to fix the
salary. Secretary Hanna then read the two
no ufar hria In
the Board proceeded to elect
The result of the ballot was IS for Cooper
and for Whitaker, and the former was
declared elected for the term. Directors M.
j. Whitaker and Breslin voted for the
defeated applicant.
Immediately after the announcement of
the result Director Martin moved that the
salary of the superintendent remain the
same as it was the past three years. Director
Baugh seconded the motion.
Director Whitaker took the floor and
opposed the motion. He said that during the
present term the Board had seen fit, in its
retrenchment, TO reduce salaries Of teachers
to rate Of about IS 2-e per cent, and also
saw fit to curtail the school term by one
month, thereby lessening the salaries about
$3.50, In view Of the financial condition Of
have borne their portion of the burden by
being reduced one month, and the janitors
and mattresses have been reduced one month
each in the present term, he thought 1t
would be only fair to give his suggestion the
best consideration, because the limit to
the tax levy has been reached
IA mills-and there is no likelihood
of the valuation of the borough being in
creased. MF. Whitaker also spoke of the in.
tention to cut down the state appropriations
and said that, should this be done, ii will be
necessary 10 eurtail the school term to a pos
sible minimum of seven months. He con-
cluded his remarks by saying he was in favor
of reducing the superintendent's salary in
the same proportion as tho teachers have
been reduced taking of about the same per-
centage, which would leave the salary at
about 81, 800.
Director Dove replied, saying that he was
on the committee that recommended the
reductions referred to by Director Whitaker
and. while he believed the Board did what
was right and still believed so, he was not in
favor of reducing the superintendent,
salary for that reason. AS far as the reduc
tion of the state appropriation was concerned
he said the Board did not expect to loosC
more than s., 900 by it and, if that reduction
is not made, every member of the BOARD
knew, the Board will be In a position t
increase the salaries Of the teachers to the
former figures, or increase the school term
He did not favor starting TO reduce salaries
again.
Director Whitaker responded briefly tina
he heartily agreed with what his colleague
had expressed, but could not agree with hi
figures. If the resources calculated upoI
were available he would fully agree with
him, but they are not available, and prob
ably will not be available within the mex