The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1918-05-23

School has assumed high plane in
the past few years, winning much
favorable comment from critics and
patrons. High School plays have been
drawing good sized houses, due no
doubt, to the high standard of excel
lence that has been set in production.
On February %, We gave our fifth
annual operetta, when "a Dream of
Fairyland," was given under the di-
rection of Miss Matte Mitchell. This
annual affair is eagerly looked for
ward to by the children. An improve
ment on the part of the children has
been noted which leads to the opin-
ion that these annual affairs have had
their educational values.
The present senior class, sixteen in
number, put on Green Stockings" as
their class play at the opera house,
the evening of May End. A capacity
house greeted the players. Much
faithful work under the direction of
Miss Reimers had been put upon the
play with the result that an excellent
performance was given. After de-
Quoting all expenses, the class had
about $40 left to devote to class
memorial. The class made, it seems
to me, very patriotic decision. The
money will be invested in War Saw
ing Stamps and presented to you, the
Board of Education, as trustees, with
the stipulation that upon maturity,
January 1, 1923, the accumulated sum
is to be spent by you in the purchase
of flag pole, which will represent the
class memorial for the Glass of 1918.
l am sure that the Board will be only
too glad to accept this responsibility
in the same patriotic spirit in which
it is given. commend the action of
the class.
This past year we have been oper-
ating for the first time on the budget
plan of expenditures. can assure
you, gentlemen, that it has been a
vast improvement over the old unsys-
tematic method. l have been able to
spend the funds as they were required
and to refrain from certain purchases
because the money in the various
funds would not so allow. 1t is to be
earnestly hoped that you will continue
on this plan. desire to make a sug-
gestion, however, in its more effective
use. Experience is the best teacher.
The secretary's books, well kept ac.
cording to the old plan, does not meet
the needs of the new. Both the secre.
tary and I are agreed upon this. The
books of the secretary should be pre-
pared to correspond with the divisions
and funds as indicated in the budget
SO that as expenditures are made
they may be so indicated in the secre.
tary's ledger. This will make it pos.
sible to tell at a moments notice Just
how much money has been spent in
the various departments and out of
the various funds. Frequently we are
called upon to furnish the cost of GER
tain departments. Under our present
system, this entails great amount of
work, whereas it should be ascer-
tainable almost at glance A record
ruled in accordance without budget
outline, will greatly simplify and i'm
prove the effectiveness of the budget.
In this connection, might l suggest
that it would be wise for you to elect
your superintendent, hereafter, to a
term corresponding to your fiscal year
which is from July 1st to July LIST.
This would give the superintendent
more time to close up the years bust.
ness and affairs and not bring every.
thing for final settlement into the
closing days of school. Since you op.
crate your schools, financially, on the
fiscal year basis of July 1st to July
LIST, it would seem to me that you
would want to employ your superin.
tendent, the administrative officer of
your schools, on the same basis. The
school systems are now carrying out
tlis principle.
Ito be continued)