Pioneer press. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1882-19??, 1915-01-16
SHAWKEY SEEKS
MORE REVENUES
For Schools of State Than Thew
Have No" to Keep Up Their
Rate of Progress.

vey and Recommendations" State
superintendent Of Schools NJ P.
Shawkey makes plea on behalf Of
the schools Of the state of West Vir-
ginia and asks the Legislature to con-
t1Eue the progress made during the
Last few years by providing additional
revenue and making such amend
ments in the present laws bearing
on education as will bring about what
ne declares to be urgent at this time
IN order that the state may not lose
what little it has gained
'"The public schools are the biggest
institutions in the state" saws the
superintendent in his report which is
now In the hands Of the printer
They employ more people, cost more
money and affect more individuals
than any other branch of the govern
ment. Last year they employed $500
teachers, enrolled 299,135 pupils and
cost the state $5,91O,9S2."
Under the titles Of revenue the sup
ing man ought to be convinced that
West Virginia "has not done as we'll
Tor our schools as we ought to do with
the resources at our command and
the opportunities that are open to
us.
There are things that the schools
want and ought to have which money
alone will procure. For instance,
neither zeal, enthusiasm nor good in.
tentions will build a school house.
The contractor demands the hard
cash for it's equivalent. 1t takes
money likewise to get good books and
good furniture.' Generally, also, it
requires good wages to get good
teachers. From the university to the
smallest district school in the state,
with few fortunate exceptions eY-
cry school is crippled at the present
time for lack Of adequate funds"
Mr.. Shawkey suggests small tax
on the production of oil and gas or a
license tax on other public corpora
tions as a means of raising revenue.
Although the state has not taken ad-
vantage OF the great mineral re-
sources, it Is pointed out that there
are still opportunities that should be
taken advantage Of by which an en-
dowment fund might be created The
development Of the water power of
the Straam nj SUitzor1o poi,+o5
out among the progressive measures
worthy Of emulation. ANY person
who is charged with any important
part OF the administration of a great
state school system will soon be con
vlnced that it needs the reserve fund
for the same season that the larger
commercial institutions need theirs"
Increased financial support Of our
schools is pleaded for. 1t is also
contended that unless there is in
creased support 'it will be suicidal in
many districts to allow the present
levy limits to remain" and it is held
to be absurd and unjust to refuse to
allow the people Of any districts to
provide adequate school advantages
for their Children The reenactment
OF sections II and % of the school
law Is asked in order that it can be
made clearer and more concise.
Pensions for teachers is favored as
is also free text books which passed
the house at the last session. Mr.
Shawkey agrees with the recommen-
dations of the alumni association of
the university that the legislature pro
vide mileage tax system Of support
for the institution at the head Of the
state normal systems.
Vocational education has been
greatly negI- -cted except for frather
limited and incidental provisions.
What has been done, it is pointed out,