Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1907-01-15
EDUCATION.
Growth Under Statehood Explained
And FIXTURE Needs Set Forth.

Since Utah was admitted to state-
hood, its school property has trebled
in value, and there has been remark
uble increase In the expenditure of
money per capita for children OF
school age enrolled in the common
schools. This per capita Is now over
s21 per wear There are still num-
her of districts. however, where on
account of small income from taxa
ton, pupils are deprived of the edu-
cntional advantages they are justly
entitled to. This deficiency was over
come in part by the last Legislature al
lowing the state to render assistance
to districts with income too small for
efficient support. and few districts
took advantage of the offer of help.
In this connection, II is suggested by
the superintendent that 1t is not well
to allow the primary schools to suffer,
IN account of too liberal support be-
ing given to the higher institutions.
Attention is called by the superin-
fendent to the fact that in some dis
tricts the funds which belong exclu-
yively to teachers salary account are
diverted by the trustees to other chan
nels This practise Is decreasing: but
IN his opinion It prevails enough to
Justify an amendment to the law pro-
Fiding that amounts so diverted shall
ne deducted from the next annual
apportionment of state or county funds
to the offending district
AT the recent election an amend
,nent to the state constitution was
adopted, giving the legislature power
10 pass laws allowing the use of state
eunds for local high schools. This Is,
IN my opinion, a commendable action:
tut the power thus given to you
hould, respectfully suggest, be used
With great discretion and under the
most carefully considered safeguards.
laxl< Il. IL ,t-e.la Ia
so far as they can be fostered without
infringing on the three mill tax, or
lnjuring the institutions dependent
tpon the state for support. they should
be helped. 1t is gratifying that dur
ing the past two years several districts
rave erected high school buildings or
AIKEN other steps to build up this i'm
portant part of the public school
work. In addition to the moral in
iluence these high schools will exert on
The communities where they are es-
tablished, they will have a great value
rs means of training the young peo-
ple In industrial lines, and furnishing
Il profitable outlet for their activities.
In the superintendent's report at
tention is called to the wording of the
amendment referred to. and sugges-
lions are made as to the proper way
FOR your honorable body to carry out
is provisions. These items are re-
TERED to you for consideration.
The law passed by the last legisla..
teachers somewhat higher than they
we're before. has resulted in greater
competency. But It has made 1t diff
icult to secure teachers. especially for
the districts where low salaries are
laid and the school year Is short.
There is no denying the fact that the
teachers' remuneration is low, consid-
cring the responsibility OF their posi-
ton and the requirements made of
them. And yet the revenues OF the
State are such that II is difficult to de-
termine where the line shall be drawn
between the educational demands of
the state and its income. To your wis
dom this important question is refer
red. with the suggestion that the pub
lie schools form one of the most es-
-ential agencies for the Industrial and
moral improvement of the state.
Statistics show that tuberculosis is
m the increase in the United States.
Yet in India. where there are 40o,-
100000 of people. poor and suffering
from scarcity of good food and even
Of good water. the children are sim
guIarly free from this disease. This
Is said to be due to the fact that daily
exercises In deep breathing are re-
CURED of the pupils In the schools.
Not only on account of tuberculosis.
but sfrom the general standpoint OF
hygiene. recommend that the school
law of Utah be SO amended as to re-
quire this daily exercise both of pu-
pills and of teachers.
Suggestions are made by the super
intendent of amendments to the pres
ent law along the lines OF county
teachers institutes. choice and care
Of text books time of taking school
census. the mill tax plan of support
ing educational institutions and 80
forth. These questions are respect
fully submitted to you.