The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-08

that each with fewer pupils might
teach with greater effectiveness
12-The addition of an iron machine
shop and foundry to the manual train
ing department.
13-Night classes for the accommoda-
ton of pupils who are employed during
the daytime.
Manual Instruction.
The high school will not entirely full
fill its mission until it becomes the
agency for opening doors of equal OPP
Such an extension of the scope of the
high school must be slow and gradual.
AS in the past. so in the future the de-
velopment and adaptation of the high
will come through the process of evo-
luton, by experimenting and testing,
and by holding fast to the best.
Personality of Teachers.
1t is, however. the personality of the
teachers that gives character to a
ments and qualifications of it's teachers
Topeka has been fortunate. In the Sc
lection of teachers superior fitness for
the position is the only element which
should be considered. and in the APP
pointment of teachers Topeka has been
remarkably free from the influence of
personal favoritism, which would be
disastrous in it's effects upon the
moderate advance has been made in
teachers salaries. the effect of which
has been to attract and to retain teach
ers of high standing. The time seems
to be at hand when a furtheT advance
in salaries should be made IN Justice
to these men and women who are de-
voting their best energies to teaching
as a profession.
Administration of schools.
The administration of the business
affairs of a city school system as ex-
tensive as Topeka's. requires breadth
of view public spirit, good judgment,
and sound business methods. The value
Of the school plant, including buildings,
sites, and furnishing. is approximately
$500, 900. The amount of bonds out
standing Is $530.661 the annual inter
est on which amounts to about $4,000.
The cost of operating the schools in
19O8-1909 was $207 $500 During the
same year there was paid out from the
building fund S45.S9S.42. July 1, 1908,
outstanding warrants on the general
fund together with warrants issued
July 6, 1908, amounted to 64,206.58; to
offset which there was an available I'M
paid tax of S5S.307.S 81. making a net de-
felt in the general fund of $12, 9S2. So. A
summary of all funds showed bal
ance of $2s, 411.24, counting the unpaid
available tax as an asset.
Financial Record.
The financial record of the past few
years shows a. most satisfactory Inn
ment of the condition of the several
funds on February L for series OF
years.
February l. 19O7-Deficit. ........... SIS, 1854 10
February l, 19OS-Deficit. 8.694- 46
February !, 19O9-Balance. .--........ 9, 26d-0S
February /, 1910-Balance.. $4,000
This gain has been made while dur
ing the same period the amount paid
for teachers salaries mas been increas-
ed more than $4,000 year.
BUILDING FUND.
February l. 19oLDeficit. .$SS SIS. Sc
February !, 1SI-BaIance. .-.....-. a1S- Sc Sc
February /, 19O9-Balance. .......... 1881. go
February l., 1910-Balance. .......... 3416.S4
From this fund the board has paid
for the site and building for the Cen |
trail park school, the site and build |
ing for the Washington school, the |
remodeling of the State street and |
Buchanan schools, and the cost of the |
Mckinley school in excess of the |
bonds voted for the same.
Interest Fund.
Feb. 1, 1910, balance $S,244.39.
This balance remains after the |
payment of all interest due on bonds
January 1, 1910.
Cost of the Schools.
The following table shows that
aside from the advance in salaries the
has not materially increased This is
a remarkable showing in view of the
extra expense involved in the annex
alton of the State street and Quinton
Heights schools within this period.
the growth of the high school, and
the extension of manual training in
the grades. The increase in the cost
of teachers salaries is accounted for
in part by the advance in the salaries
of teachers and in part by the fact
that fewer teachers of limited exper-
fence are employed on the minimum
salary.
Total general expenses Sit. Dbl g
Salaries 1z5,zSS-W
All other expenses, including jan
itors fuel repairs, supplies,
water, insurance. etc.............. 56,3SS g
1906-19T.
Total general expenses SIC. 3S6 g
Salaries 1zS,O4z5z
All other expenses. ..............- 4.274O4
19O-1908.
Total general expenses .$l98, 394 X
Salaries .-.-..----.-..-..--'...- l4o'l5doo
All other expenses ...-........... 52,z3722
19Os-1909.
Total general expenses .$207 800 90
Salaries l50,VlSoo
All other expenses 57.s4S94
During the past year the cost of u