Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-02-14
TEACHERS PENSIONS.
CONTINUED from Page one.)

is, the annual average income OF THESE
teachers is considerably less than 81 a
day or less than wage necessary for act
ual living expenses. 1t is not probable
that the teachers of this State will ever
receive Il salary from which they can lay
up any considerable sum for old age
THE second reason for pensioning
teachers is that they will promote the
efficiency of the teaching force and there
fore, the work Of public education, for
teachers pensions would attract into the
profession and cause to remain more per-
manenty in the profession persons of SUI
perior ability. 1t would also give to the
teachers during their period of active
service n sense of security in regard tn
the future. which will promote the eff
cheney of their work. 1t will enable
school authorities without hardship to
| retire teachers who by virtue of age have
become incapacitated for further efficient
| work in the sehoolroom.
Mr. Marshall Questioned.
In speaking of how the various places
| in the State would be affected by this
pension law, Mr.. Marshall said il would
represent a cost of about II cents and two
mills a scholar. Portland would be af
/ fected to the extent of $500
| Asked how many teachers would now
come under the provisions of the act, Mr.
| Marshall said there were about 80 active
ones and about 40 who had already retired
| but were eligible. The cost for the ac-
| tive ones would be about $4,000 and for
| the retired ones $1,000 lie thought the
| s25 900 asked for would last for the first
| five years. He said he would submit a
list of those eligible for pensions.
| you purpose to take the money from
| the school fund.-" queried senator Walk
err
Mr. Marshall explained that money had
been taken from the school fund to give
| relief in the case of schools and he
Thought it might be for this purpose.
In reply to question by Senator Murphy
the speaker said the salaries of those who
would be affected run from SOD year Il
s1500. They sire mostly in the rural towns
distributed generally over the state.
'Bo YOU believe yourself, in taking tho
pension money from the school fund
lasked Senator Walker.
we prefer to leave it to the committee
as to where the money is coming from.
was the reply. Asked again for his per-
sonal opinion. Mr.. Marshall said he
thought the money would he taken from
the school fund.
rs that an act of iustice?" fired Sena-
tor Walker
'"ro whom" countered Mr.. Marshall.
1.-The school children" amplifed the
senator
Certainly" said Mr.. Marshall. I'll
would mean the towns and cities would
raise more money by taxes to make up
the difference"
In reply to a question by Mr.. Bowler
the chairman of the committee said he
preferred TO leave the question Of "A fiat
rate pension 10 the committee
Would the number of teachers increase
much each year?" was question by Rep
resentative Kicker.
"Not over 10 year for the first q
years" was the reply.
as the school fund for the scholars OF
the teachers, asked Senator Walker.
For the public schools" was the reply
"You misunderstood me, said the sena-
tor what is the chief purpose of the
fund? 1t is the education of the boys and
girls, isn't it,"
yes" was the reply; but the fund is
to be expended as would best benefit the
scholars
superintendent Smith.
Payson Smith. State superintendent of
schools, followed Mr.. Marshall and said;
| 1t is my opinion that the chief consider
| alton before sou involved in this bill Is
| as to whether or not it will increase the
| efficiency of Dur Maine schools. l know
| many teachers long in the employ of the
| State faithful and conscientious in the
| discharge of their duties. whose needs In
/ their Old age would make strong appeal
| to you l do not propose. however, to
| urge these into foremost place in your
attention. l shall ask yon TO consdcg
| whether this bill. If enacted, will be a
good thing for Maine school children.
| Decrease in Exodus.
| 1t is fact very we'll known to every
| member of your committee and to every
citizen of our State that our schools have
lost tremendously in the past because OF
the large number of our trained teachers
/ who have been attracted to other states
There is no community which does not
record its losses of this kind. In view oil
the losses we have had in past years il is
| gratifying to know that this exodus OF
| Maine teachers has been greatly checked
If ii has not entirely stopped. In thu
past few years we have lost practically
| no teachers to other states. There are
| several reasons for this but | shall not
| discuss them further than 10 say thai
| Maine is becoming a teaching field tina
compares IN attractveneSs with those 81
other states. The point which desir,
to impress upon yon is that your decision
ON the bill before you will determine il
a large measure whether this exodu,
shall again take place. beg to cal
your attention to the fact that Vernon
and Rhode Island have already recog
nized the pension principle. that Massa
ehusetts and Connecticut have partia
pension systems and are more than like