Evening journal., 1915-02-10
New Alumni Bill Brings
Criticism of School Board


tions came from the Plumbers Associa-
tion and the Board of Health. The
chief complaint was over unsatisfactory
toilet facilities. he said. and against the
old schools only. He said there had
been more disease in the newest schools
than in those with the oldest plumbing.
DR.. T. o. Cooper. another member Of
the board, said he regarded the present
way Of electing members of the board
las desirable as any other way. Where
the smaller boards have been created,
the cost of education has increased, ne
said. I'M Boston the business manager
Of schools, under the small board sys-
tenn, is in "bad odor," and Pittsburgh,
Scranton and Harrisburg want TO get
away from the small board back TO the
old system.
"The small boards have not bet
tered school conditions" he asserted
DR.. Cooper asked superintendent Of
Schools Scott to state fairly in what
condition the schools of Wilmington
are educationally and professionally
today.
High Grade Schools.
Mr.. Scott said he found the teach
ing of a high order, an excellent
school spirit, a good curriculum, with
special departments in tho arts. 81
am very glad to testify to that side Of
Wilmington schools" he said.
superintendent Scott, in reply to
another question, said the cost Of
education in Wilmington is much
lower than the average in 1925 cities.
The average cost throughout the
country is S5S per pupil and in Will
mington il is SAT-
DR.. Cooper said that without
enough money to run them, the Viii
mington schools. under the present
board, have attained the highest point
OF efficiency Il am opposed to put
ting a water closet in a schoolhouse,
said DR.. Cooper.
Replying to Senator Hickman
DR.. Cooper said the teachers
salaries are too low and the ianitors
pay is too low in Wilmington, and
IL on a proper basis the average cost
OF education per pupil would be
higher.
Supervisor William Croney said
there was not enough money to make
proper repairs to schools.
Secretary Harry j. Guthrie, Of the
Eoard of Education, detailed the
] ha nj fuf "a
said various State auditors had APP
proved the system which had been
installed twenty-five years ago by
John S. Grohe.
Il have simplihed bookkeeping
system that / challenge anyone to re-
place to give better results" said
Mr.. Guthrie.
In response to questions, Superin-
tendent Scott said he preferred q
small board, his experience being
heretofore with seven and nine mem.
Der boards. He did not express an
opinion as to whether the thirteeT
member board was too large.
When asked whether he favored th'
election OF members at large Superin
tendent Scott said the legislators vii
have to decide whether members
chosen by wards or at large Will b'
closest to the people. He said the
best system was that in which the
schools stand closest to and are re
sponsible 10 the people.
In response to questions, DR.. Coop
er said the board did not feel i
necessary TO make the principal re
main at school long after school dis
missed, so they made the engineer o1
janitor the custodian, said DR.
Cooper.
IF the board has been too drastic
{ in this respect. it has erred on tn
side of safety, because we believe tn
. building should be in charge of some
one day and night" said DR.. Cooper
"and we have reasons for that. If W
have erred it has been on the side o
= protecting the children.
Superintendent Scott said he woul
, like the costs per pupil of education
! Wilmington to amount TO $50 in ti
!. High School
The cost should be $40 in elemen
i'll tary schools. the speaker said, to sc
v the highest efficiency. He said ther
u should be more teachers and NOR
4. courses. Physical training and NOR
n money for teachers are necessary
e with facilities we have our teacher
. are doing splendid work." he said
Miss Eckman said the Russell Sag
el Foundation report shows that tn
p cost OF education per pupil I'm WI
r. mington is very low. This was quote
Iel as a condemnation, by the Sag
lel Foundation, she said
!. Mr. Neary asked Mr.. Baynard
re he believed the Board Of Educatio
,e has the confidence Of the people d
Wilmington.
s "The criticism was started by thos
+ who control the newspapers" reptile
r Mr. Baynard" II is absolutely in
o possible to have the actions of tn
It board recorded properly in the news
T. papers"
a sHas the board the confidence of q
: public todayl" Mr.. Neary asked.
"Of reasonable men," Mr. Baynard I
/, piled.
II "Have you the confidence OF the pc
N pie today!"
"lf you want a referendum vote y
N can get it the second Saturday in Jun'
u replied Mr. Baynard He considered t
~ board had the confidence of the Chaml
of Commerce. too.
81 have all the confidence in the woi
L