The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-06


Seattle schools for an increase Of salary
b one with which we believe that a
large majority OF our people sympathize.
Az a rule. the poorest paid labor in
the United States Is that of teachers in
tho public schools. For less than is
paid to q competent barber. for wages
below those Of domestic service. II the
cost OF living Is taken into the account,
these educators. upon whose labor de-
ponds to great extent the quality
Of our future citizenship, devote them
selves to an occupation than which few
are as exhansting or make as great
demands upon nervous energy.
In comparison also with other
branches OF the public service, the sal
aries Of teachers are too low. We pre-
sent In a local article this morning a
statement OF their case by one of their
number; and In as far as 1t relates to
the inadequacy Of compensation meas
ured by the cost Of living. there can
be no dissent. The public school teacher
must spend some years of preparation
for the work. 1t demands good mind.
we'll drained. special qualification In the
art Of instruction. earnestness Of pur-
pose and conservation OF effort. 1t car
ries with 1t certain social obligations
that must be discharged in the matter
OF dress and living. To meet these de-
nands on $50 or s65 a month. allowing
something for maintenance during the
summer vacation, presents to teachers
= problem more difficult than any which
they set before their pupils.
One more consideration should be add
ed. When. few years ago. hard times
prevailed and the city was in financial
straits. the teachers sacrificed a part
OF their compensation In a general re-
duotion. with the understanding that
their salaries would be restored or adj
vanced whenever financial conditions
should permit In urging their case
at the present time they feel that they
have many equities upon their side. We
lay before the public with pleasure and
with sympathy the plea that they pre-
sent to the school board OF this city.
II there were nothing to be considered
but the propriety OF the request, there
would not be dissenting voice. I'm
happily the problem Is not simple
one. having to be solved In connection
with all the facts OF the financial situ-
alton. These facts, also. M the shape
OF ststemeut by a member of the
board OF education. we present In our
news columns. so that our people may
have clear and accurate comprehen-
sion of all that is involved. and OF the
difficulty OF doing justice at once to
the teacher the taxpayer and the chill
dren whose increasing numbers are
pressing constantly upon the facilities
for their instruction.
Were the funds IN the treasury at
command. or were they obviously
available In the immediate future. an
incvase in teachers salaries would be
voted by unanimous consent. But the
board OF education must not lose sight
OF financial necessities. About 1000
Children ARE added yearly 10 the en-
rolmcnt buildings and teachers to take
care OF these must be provided. The
increase OF population. especially where
II Is widely scattered as here. requires
new accommodations The new high
school building must be paid Tor. and
interest mct upon the bonded debt The
school levy IS now as high as public
opinion win approve. Indeed it has
been complained OF. ana by none more
bitterly than by some OF those who are
now declaring THAI salaries should be
increased. Income is "a factor lnoapa-
bic Of expansion, and expenditure must
BE- adjusted 10 It,
From the statement prepared for the
board. 1t appears that there will be an
actual deficit 10 the school revenues for
che year ending June so of about 81. OOO.
f'o~ the coming year. expenditures on
the present basis are figured AZ sss7. ISL
Allowing for the expected increase IN
assessed valuation. the revenue for the
year would be $685.. S7s presenting a ne;
surplus OF $4,000. But this supposes
that all taxes will be paid The amour;
70 be added TO current revenue by the
payment OF delinquent taxes and the
amount to be subtracted on account OF
new delinauencies can never be more
than Appropriated
II appears from these figures that the
kaard vii have to do close and careful