The Hawaiian star., 1910-01-13
PROBLEM OF
SCHOOL FUNDS.

propriated, and it has seemed that not
enough examination has been given
to the actual needs of the work. IL
has been felt for a long time, that the
needs of other departments and other
enterprises, and a lack of sufficient
funds for all have caused the subject
of public education in the territory to
receive secondary consideration. 1t
is believed that this Department of the
governmental work should be judged
on it's own merits, and that funds for
carrying out its purposes should be ap-
propriated and used, Independent of
ether considerations"
ITO insure a full and careful con-
sideration of the growing needs of the
department and to afford a sufficient
and stable income, it is suggested that
a law be enacted providing for an as
sessment of a certain number of mills
on the dollar, the amount to be on a
sliding scale as the needs of the de-
partment may increase, or decrease.
The passage of such law would be
entirely Independent of the actual
amount to be raised and yet would be
a stable law guaranteeing to the de-
partment the funds to meet the actual
necessities as agreed upon by the le-
gislature. Under the low suggested
the actual number of mills would be
duly determined by the Treasurer, on
his being informed by the legislature
of the agreed necessities of the Depart
ment.
"In all references to the Department
of Public Instruction it should ever be
kept in mind that it is now made up
of one Commissioner of Education each
from the counties of Maui and Kauai
and two Commissioners of Education
each from the counties of Hawaii and
|, Honolulu, (Which includes all Oahu
: so that all counties, as such, receive
full and fair representation in all mat
ters pertaining to the public schools.
LAS a basis for ascertaining the
. amounts required to conduct the De-
partment of Education for two years,
it is suggested that the making up OF
estimates continue somewha: as in the
past, with, however, some modihca-
tions
ITO be more specific. First, let the
department each two years make up as
at present a complete itemized list OF
its estimates of the amounts required
for all the items under the headings,
as now appropriated specifically for the
department, with such additions for
new work, Or larger force, as might
be found necessary
Second. AS a second step in the
careful preparation of the budget OF
estimates for school needs, let it pass
after receiving the approval and re-
commendation of the department, into
the hands of a special Board of Esti'
) mates, to be made up of the Secretary
of the Territory hhe Chairman Of the
Board of Supervisors of each of the
3 four counties of Hawaii, and the Su
, perintendent of Public Instruction
5 who, because Of his connection witt
e the department should sit in the capa
= city of an advisory member only. Th'
, Board of Estimates should have pow
e er to revise the list of requirement.
9 presented only to the duties extent o.
!, reducing same and not of adding there
g to except with the approval Of the De
g partment Of Public Instruction. Th'
duties Of this Board Of Estimates
: shall be more particularly those of al
g auditing character.
e Third. A third step in the consider
= alton of the budget of school estimates
n as originally recommended by the de
n partment of Public Instruction, and a
D audited by the Board of Estimates
9 shall be the dues presentation thereo
to the Governor Of the Territory TO
r his approval. In case of his non-ap
= proval, the budget should be referre'