Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-10


Of pupils. Outbreaks Of diphtheria and
scarlet fever have appeared in the
schools but on account of the efficient
work Of the Board of Health they have
not reached the epidemic stage. The
presence of these diseases, however,
has had an effect upon the attendance
Our teaching force is constantly
changing, for we are large contribu-
tors to the tide of teachers that year.
" move from Maine to Massachusetts,,
answering the call of larger salaries.
Thirteen changes have taken place
in onr teaching force since the ap-
pearance of my last report.
High School
"A change in the organization Of our
High school from a 5-period session
to a 6-period sessoin-a change which
has been in operation since September
has worked out satisfactorily. It
has reduced the number of teachers in
our teaching force by one. thus effect
ing a saving in dollars and cents with
out Gripping the work Of the school.
Our High school, I believe, is en-
titled to a place among the foremost
High schools in New England, yet the
course should he broadened and en-
riched by the introduction of indus
trial and vocational subjects. If we
are to maintain our high standard and
our position among other New England
High schools the introduction Of these
courses must receive our attention in
the immediate future.
Il respectfully call the attention of
the Board of Education to the fact
that the annual per capita cost of
education in the High school for the
year 1914-15 has been 1852, and that
our yearly tuition charge has been
but $50. l therefore recommend that
the tuition charge be raised to a fig
ure at least sufficient to cover the
cost Of instruction, books and sup
plies"
This decrease in number Of pupils
nom promoted means a distinct saw
ing of time to the pupils and money
to the system.
Evening Schools
1.-THE same organization OF our eve
ming schools has been maintained this
year as in the past. Both the mems
and the women's schools show an in
crease in attendance. This increase
comes largely from adult members of
the community. Great opportunities
for doing good are open to the school
system through the work in our eve
ming schools. The general expenses
connected with these schools can be
somewhat reduced if in the Judgment
of the board it seems wise to house all
of our evening schools in one building.
School Attendance and Growth
"The table on school attendance and
growth is complete showing the en-
rollment, average attendance and per-
centage of attendance for each year
since the organization of our present
school system. For the year 1914 the
total enrolment shows a falling off of
IS pupils, and an increase in the per-
centage of attendance Of per cent.
This decrease in total enrolment is
accounted for by the opening Of the
new Parochial school on State street.
School Savings Banks
The total deposits in school savings
banks for the year ending March q
1913, has been Sl16965 The Lincoln
school leads III the total deposit which
has been $50 Is. 1t is evident from these
hSures that the school savings bank is
a growing institution in our school sys-
TEN. lis success depends very largely
upon the attitude of the teacher toward
the system. Teachers are particularly
urged to give all possible announcement
to pupils along this line
Smith School
THE most pressing need of the school
system is that Of providing an adequate
and suitable school building at the
smith school The present building was
constructed in 1869 when schoolhouses
were built without regard to proper
lighting or ventilating. The heating plant
which must be replaced by an entirely
new system has been in constant service
there for "A years. During the last few
years no repairs of any consequence
nave been made because a general re-
modelling of the building has been con-
templated by the Board Of Education.
The chief features which condemn
this building as one suitable for school
purposes, are: the very inadequate and
unhealthful lighting arrangement, there
being much less. light than are the pres
emf requirements of the State Boa~d of
Health and the state Department OF
Education: it's WORKOUT heating appar-
atus and poor ventilating system; and
the fact that the third floor is used for
classroom purposes which makes 1t nee
essary for children to climb two very
long and very difficult flights Of stairs
several times day.
I'm addition to the above, which may
he considered the essentials from the
standpoint Of health OF the pupils, It's |
general interior appearance is unattrac-
tive and gloomy and must be Oppressive |
to both teachers and pupils. and there. |
fore not conducive to good school work |
If it is the desire of the citizens of |
Augusta TO provide equal and uniform |
school privileges for every boy and girl |
in this city the remodeling of the Smith |
school should not be postponed longer. |
Finances
THE total expenditures connected !
with the maintenance of day schools for |
the past year have been $62.5a206; an av-
erage cost per pupil of s29.51 in the |
High school the cost per pupil based on |
total enrolment has been s4a23; in ele-,