Norwich bulletin., 1917-03-23
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
 APPROPRIATION. Bill introduced by Representative Fox Asks a20,ooo for Maintehance.


 hearing Wednesday afternoon on the bfil to appropriate $20 1000 for the Vo- cational school of New London. Rep resentative Fox of New London intro duced the speakers. William r. Hop son. Chairman of the board of trustees. explained in detail the school and it's work He said the school was not sufficiently endowed, as the income does not meet over 10 per cent of the cost of maintenance. There are nov of them come from neighboring places, and when they graduate they are com potent to enter into the trade of their seiection,r after four years course. The state appropriates for vocational work, but it does not cover a school like that at New London. Fifty per cent of those who enter the school graduate. Many come to the school not for a trade but~for a broad edu- cation. The graduates, 70 per cent. of them boys, are making good at trades or professions, and the gir.s make good in other lines, and at fair wages. He said the school was on a better, broader basis than the state of the state appropriation for that purpose. He asked that the state board interpretation be broadened out to take in the New London school and receive some of the regular benefit for trade studies. The school asks for s2O, ,000 for two years to tide over ne- cessities. The school is growing and more teachers must be provided and the usefulness of the school extended.
 Former Senator whiton said the bill calls for flat appropriation of $20.- O00 He said this did not take into consideration the appropriation or s125 900 for trade schools to be dis bursed by the state board of educa- tne board. The state board could un- der the original law enter into and cooperate with schools in existence, and later the law was amended. but Vocational school was in effect before this trade school law and it was the intent of the legislature to assist this and like schools. The policy has been liberal in educational work. The state board rules specified the requirements and there was a narrower construction than the state intended. The board took a wider scope and did render aid to the New London school for one year. Then notice was given that aid would be withdrawn unless require ments that were impossible in regard 10 hours were compiled with. The in tention of the state was to be fair towards this particular school. MT. Whiton said this subject should be a broad one and he was not at the hear ing to criticise the state board of edu- cation. He would prefer to have the school benefited through the state 
 come to the legislature and ask aid through special legislation. This state appropriation should apply to all schools which included girls as well as boys in vocational work.
 Mir. Cheney, representing the state board of education, stated that appro- priation was made for trade training. It was made for the purpose of aiding those who sought vocational training alone. The school in New London.
 d great work. and the purpose is of great value, but it was the intent to devote the appropria ton to trade and not to high school education with vocation In addition. He described the rules as laid down by the board under author tty of the statutes. The New London school is doing a part of the work within the scope of the boards defini- tion, but not all. The New London school teaches first a boy in forging. shop, in addition to high school train ing. The scheme of education is the same as in high schools. good edu- cation and beyond criticism. If the state is to aid schools Of this high class an appropriation of $500 GOO would be required instead of $125 900.
 MT Robinson of the state board of education said the board did not op- pose any appropriation for the New London Vocational school, but under the present law the appropriation for trade schools could not be applied in aid of general culture such as taught in high schools, with trade school as an added. feature. He said the board could give credit and aid for the actu- al time devoted to trade teaching and study but not in general culture teaching.
 MT. Whiton said that declaration was new to the trustees of the New London institution. Among the other speakers were Mayor Rogers Judge Alfred Colt, Frederick $. Newcorrsb b and Principal Hitchcock and President Strem1au of the Connecticut Federa- ton of Labor. Many senators and representatives were at the hearing and desired to be recorded as being irl favor of the appropriation