Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-11-17

and the low salary schedule in effect in the districts would be in most cases the proper answer but not Tn all. The general feeling of uncer- tainty among the district teachers as to their tenure as well as the low salary, has made them feel loatk to remain any longer than was abso- lutely necessary It has happened in large number of instances that the change in the office of commit- teeman has resulted in partial and in some cases a complete change in the corps of teachers, even though their work as observed by the super visory force has been perfectly sat- isfactory, and in some instances the best that has been observed in that district for some years. No teacher even though well paid can do her best work, when she feels that at any moment she is likely to be dis missed or not re-engaged for req sons that would not meet with the approval of the general public. I have known teachers in the districts who were being paid as good salar- ies, as is paid in the city, to resign and go elsewhere because they felt that the uncertainty in regard to their positions was undurable. teacher who performs her work in a satisfactory manner to the board of education ought to feel secure III her place, but this is not true in many of the district schools, and where such conditions exist teachers leave as soon as opportunity affords. Of the forty-seven teachers at the present engaged in the district schools, only five were teaching in the districts in 1901 at which time there were 2S rooms.
 Under existing conditions about as much has been done for the district schools as can be done. No general uplift Is possible except under standard of higher qualifications, better salaries, and greater security of position for the teachers. l be- lieve that these schools can keep pace with the city schools only un- der the following conditions: 1st, by engaging as teachers to fill future vacancies, only those who are gradu- ates of a high of similar school and of a state normal school, ie. the same standard as the city has had for ten years, (this would not effect any teachers engaged at present); 2nd, by the payment of salaries equal to those paid in the city for similar services, and in the case of a few schools remote from the troll lev. a salary somewhat greater than that paid in the city; 3rd, by making these properly qualified and proper ly paid teachers feel that they can hold their positions as long as their work is satisfactory.
 This report was not only accepted and filed but on motion by Commis- sioner Monagan this vote was pass ed:
 That the committee on teachers bring in rule for adoption by this board defining the qualifications of teachers in the district schools. And on top of that Commissioner Chapman moved the following: Voted, that Commissioners Kelley and Monagan prepare such remedial legislation as is. or may be neces- sary to bring all the schools of the city of Waterbury to an uniform de- gree of scholarship and have the same ready for presentation to the coming session of the general as- sembly of the state of Connecticut" This motion was unanimously pass ed
 The resignation of Miss Margaret F. Stevens and the appointment of Miss Margaret l.. Corr were an- nouneed. The bills and payrolls we're then approved and the board adjourned. Commissioner Mcdonald presided and there were. present Commissioners Kelley, Monagan and Chapman.