Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
The school bonds carried.

The Herald is pleased. But be-
cause the taxpayers voted the bonds
should be no reason for extravaganza.
In this connection we understand
on good authority that the school di-
rectors are desirous OF consulting the
wishes of the people before going
ahead. This is wise conclusion. The
voters have imposed confidence in the
directors, now let the action of the di-
rectors create confidence among the
taxpayers. Because the bond issue
called for Sl75,000 it did not neces-
sarily say that the full amount should
be expended, but so much as may be
necessary to build and equip build
ing suitable for high school purpo scs.
1t is possible there may be good
many frills attached to the proposed
building that can be dispensed with
There are good many who feel that
the proposed swimming pool can be
passed up for the time being, the in
door baseball, and other things are
very nice to talk about, but do not
enhance the education of the pupils.
We older people did not have such
things and in looking over the general
run we find about as well balanced
and educated people as are being
turned out the present day. True,
all modern improvements are very
nice but many of them cost good
deal Of money.
Our way of thinking what is want
ed is place to care for the growing
and increasing school population and
give them all the present day require
ments in the way of an education.
Whether this should include a swim
i
is another question. A good many
feel that one hundred thousand dol
lar building will meet all the re-
years, perhaps longer, and, if not,
our population and taxable wealth
will be greatly increased and the
gone into the question and studied
every phase we must confess that we
are among those who believe that
100000 judiciously expended will
place Durango in the front rank in
way of educational facilities and this
would almost reduce the expense one
half. AS one of the writers indcat-
ed during the controversy, the new
building will mean extras In way Of
equipment and probably teachers. At
any rate these are questions the
school directors should consider and
we are glad to state they are desr-
GUS of consulting the taxpayers and
best interests of the city in this re-
spect.
Again, would it not be possible TO
erect wing at the present time, the
building being so planned that when
the time is ripe an addition can be
added without disfiguring the struc-
ture or disarranging the inside plans.
These thoughts often raised during
the controversy but we considered 1t
bsst to go ahead with the voting an4
then to take up the matter with the
directors who are among ou- most re-
putable business men, those having
the welfare of the city at heart. Hav-
ing favored and voted for the s175,000
bond issue we feel we can offer the
| suggestions herein with good grace
| and that they should receive consid-
Grafton. as%
Mr.. Directors, take the taxpayers
into your plans and let them have a
voice in determining what is best
Don't be guided by those whose sole
| ambition is a handsome and COM
modious building but have no hand in
paying the bill. Every instructor al
ways advocates the very best anc
every modern convenience and i'm
| provement, but not one out of % oi
this class pays any taxes-they simply
get the taxpayers money. This is
right. They earn every cent they gel
in large majority of cases, but
this does not lessen the fact that they
are not always the ones to guide wha
should be done in way of buildings
and equipment.
In conclusion, gentlemen of tn,
school board, we believe $4,000 t,
100000 will provide a building tina
will house and give the best of al
education to every one who comes Il
Durango.