Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1900-07-07
Music ia schools Dropped.

AAI StfSN4stt ttASCtttS t4cA0 AA1tAGetN tsNuSk -
the action Of the board this newly added
benefit Of education TO the public school
system was dropped, as was also the 70.
sgion Of teacher of languages at The
High school. The board was not unani-
mous for the dropping Of these two teach
ers, the majority, however, ruling.
The meeting was called 10 order al
clock with President kilmeT in the
chair and all the commissioners present.
Attorney 7 w Woods was then recog-
nized, WHO presented a petition signed by
81 patrons of the scEools residing ID the
5h ward. The petition was addressed to
Com. Whetzel, Of the sth ward and read
as follows:
I'VE the undersigned tax payers and
patrons Of this ward realizing the prog
ress our children have SO far made from
the teaching Of music in our schools do
most earnestly petition YOU to do all in
your power to continue il branch to be
taught in said schools
In presenting the petition Mr.. Woods
stated that only four or I'VE Of the resi-
dents Of the ward in which it was circu-
lated had declined to sign it. He said
the petition was the prevailing sentiment
Of the patrons Of the schools OF Martins
burg and that majority Of them were
protesting against is,seeming backward
step which the board was contemplating
taking. Mr.. Woods concluded his re
marks. Music is a branch that has gem
orally been taught privately by teachers
and their compensation makes music be-
ycnd the reach Of many families, TO ap-
preciate the position 10 winch the board
is placed, yet the sentiment OF toe pa
irons is to be considered They pay tax
IS and their children should be given all
the advantages in the future in music as
well as in other things, that their older
brothers and sisters have been given in
the past two years,
Mr.. Bert thought That the levy
for the ensuing year should be fixed
before any other matters were considered.
Messrs. MeKown and Kilmer were of the
opinion that an estimate Of the expenses
for the year should be made and the levy
made accordingly. Mrssrs. Bentz and
Wellinger voted for the fixing OF the levy:
Mr.. McKown agains;; Mr. Wnetzel did
not vote at all.
The levy was then fixed at 81 IL cents
on every SIoo, 7I-3 cents below the
school levy OF last year. Is cents was al
lotted to the building fund and 81 IL
cents to the teachers fund.
Messrs. Bentz and Weinger stated that
they were not in favor OF having special
music teacher but were in favor OF having
the other teachers teach music. This
brought form some lively discussion.
Mr.. Mckown moved that Prof. Lus-
comb be re-employed as music teacher
for the ensuing year. There was no
second to the motion and it was lost
Tlis settled the question of having music
taught in The public schools, that is unless
tile Board reconsders It's actions on the
subject.
The question OF employing a Language
teacher was then up. In reply to ques-
ton from the Prest. as TO whether the
teachers could do without the services o.
this one teacher. Sup't Cole replied M
sir. Not and do oar duty to the pupils.
He then gave lengthy reasons.
Mr.. Bentz stated that wnen Prot. Co,
was superintendent they got along with
teachers.
Pres't. kilmer said, in part; 1--WE nov
have a better organized school system
than we have ever hao. and il the Boart
al this iuncture compels the Prof. 10 breal
the sys EN- and deprive d number OF pupil
of instruction in languages, you will b.
doing an injustice to TIE pupils, and
warn you, you will hear from them.
may be growing eloquent, but am advo
eating nothing more than what. the pat
| rons demand.
A motion was then called for, but non
was made and this branch in the system
was thus dropped
A number of repairs, recommended I,
be made by the commissioners in thei
respective wards in their reports, wer
ordered TO be made during the vacation
Upon the suggestion OF p of. Cole tn
question OF extending an lnWtatIon TO tn
state Teachers Association 10 hold it
next annual session in Marrnsburg wa
brought up. After discussing the ques
| ton the Board decided thar the holdin,
OF the convention here would be Of grea
benefit to the educational interest of tn
city and Prof. Cole va, instructed 10 ex
| tend the invitation. The association is il
session in Parker. burg this week.
The report Of the Financial Committee
! showing the ba anceS tue he district fo
the year ending Jane 81, 900 was reae
| The teache-s'S fund baance amounts L
$500 o5; building fund balance, S2o4 6o.
Ga motion of Commissioner Mckow
Miss Nette Chambers was appointed [
the position of second primary teacher ];
the Third Ward School.
Mr., George Helferstay was reappointe'
janiIor OF the Third Ward School.
Miss Sallie Z. Sheets and Mrs. Mar
Wharton were appointed mattresses Q
the Fourth Waid School building, theyt
share the salary equally.
Miss Mary Reed was appointed asistan
teacher at the colored school.
Upon the motion OF Commissioner Nc
Kown the salary of the principal of III
coored school was reduced from $50 L
S45 per month, the salary of the assistan
re main the same, $50.
| The Board then adjourned 10 NEE
next Monday night