Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-02-20
building and heating plant. Since that
time no buildings have been erected.
Trustees Expsnd $4,000 Per Annun.

building and heating plant. Since that
time no buildings have been erected.
Trustees Expsnd 1000 Per Annum.
In regard to financial matters, the
first year that I was a member we
handled over $4,000 of the funds raised
by taxation for the schools. In the last
year there has been handled and dis
bursed, about $4,000, somewhat OF an
increase. Taking all the funds that
have been in charge of the board. Of
every kind, 1t will aggregate. during
the years Of my membership, nearly
half a million dollars in round numbers.
I have never heard a charge that a
dime of this money was improperly or
unlawfully spent, or that 1t was not
spent to the best advantage. according
to the judgment Of the board. / have
been longest in service. aside from the
time l served as president. as chairman
Of the committee on teachers and sal
aries. rules and discipline. and It has
been a very agreeable service.
The principal James c. Nelson, is
man of great ability and very earnest
and faithful in his work, and the corps
of teachers are I believe. among the
best. Teachers as a rule are paid too
little. l know of instances, where the
teacher after some years of preparation
for her work and having taught in our
schools, finds very little, if anything on
the right side Of the account after
paving her board and all necessary ex-
penses. Then she has two and half
months with no income. but the ex-
penses keep on, increased perhaps if
she attends schools for special work.
T Z haa-o Is
have recommended paying our teachers
higher wages, but the funds raised by
taxation would not permit it. The
recommendation of the superintendent
as to the employment of teachers has.
after discussion, been almost invar-
iably followed. If he is not fitted for
such duty, he is not At for superintend-
ent.
Keep the cranks Away.
Effort should be made to get the
very best men for school directors
Keep off cranks Keep the board unit
ed and YOU can keep a good superin
tendent, but with fighting board a
first class superintendent would not re-
main. He always has troubles Of his
own outside OF the board meetings.
Friction with the board or with the
superintendent or principal. 1NNarlaD DIV
gets into the schools, lowers efficiency
os teachers and pupils, and is general
disorganiZer.
New School Building Needed.
"A question of Importance that is to
be submitted at the coming election is
as TO whether or not the district will
build new school house in the west
ern part of the city. The wisdom Of
this step should be carefully considered.
There is no question but that at some
time in the future such building will
have to be erected, and that a portion
of our school popula ton is now too far
rem owed. except with conveyance fur
nished a public charge, such as street
car tickets. to be Accommodated. know
of no one who could give better infor-
nation upon this subject than Super
interdent Palmer. He is intimately ac-
quainted with the distribution OF the
school population, the necessity OF a
new building. the vacant space in the
present buildings, and together with
m members of the board could give good
and reliable information as to whether
this building should now be erected or
still further delayed.
There is no question. in my judg-
ment. but that an available site for
such a building should be procured, as
soon as possible