Evening journal., 1918-03-09
newark NEEDS MORE
MONEY FOR schools

Special to THE EVENING JOURNAL.
NEWARK, March To enable the
Board OF Education 40 raise more
money by taxation for school purposes
to meet urgent needs for the next school
year, Tie Legislature. when 10 meets In
special session next week. viii probably
be asked TO either repeal or amend an
act That limits the amount that can be
raised in the Newark district i'm any one
year TO $1,000 Unless this is Gone the
schools, which are now in almost de
plorable condition will even be worse
next year, and 10 would be likely that
many children would be placed on half
time
The matter was brought 90 the atten-
tipn Of the taxpayers Of the district at
a special meeting 0f the parent-Teach-
ers' Association, held in the Hign school
building Thursday night when princi-
pal koehler made an address pointing
out the present conditions In the
schools and telling what woulo ne nee
essary next year for effective work
Several months ago a committee Of the
Parent-Teachers Association made
survey OF the physical condition of the
schools, and much of the discussion
last night was based on the report Of
this committee.
lt was brought out that at the pres
ent time only $4,000 is in sight about
the same as this YEAR 10 run the
schools next year while 10 win require
a least $4,000 90 make much needed
improvements aud operate them for the
year Professor McCue stated that while
The board could get along on $4,000
next year, what was really needed was
about Si2JO00 for new and modern
building 10 house an pupils 70 de-
yeloped That none of the $4,000 bonds
issued ten years ago when the gram
mar school was built have been paid.
off, and another year.a sinking fund will
likely be created 10 take care OF these
bonds. Il was suggested that another
meeting be held and every taxpayer
urged TO attend and get acquainted with
the exact situation as TO the schools.
After Mr.. koehler completed his
statement numerous questions were
asked. Those taking part in this dis
oussion. including George L. Mediu.
George L. Townsend, Frank Collins.
Frank Cooch. Mrs. Frank Cooch, r. L..
/ Richards, Professor McCue and many
others. It was brought out that the
revenue for school purposes from all
sources this year. including the
/ amount from the State. was about SIS
00O and that unless the present law
was changed there is no more in sight
| for next year. This Is only si5 an
| nually per pupil, compared with s3j per
pupils expended several years ago
From figures shown taxes amounting to
about s2200 from total possible amount
from taxation Of sit, 100 are still un-
collected. Many questions we're asked
relative to these uncollectcd taxes. but
senator Harvey HoflecSer secretary u
the board, was not present. and no one
else was able 90 explain why there
should be such an apparent large
amount that is not collected Tho
board pays a collector $500 90 set in
the taxes. The indications are that IL
this amount is not gotten in the hoard
will have 60 borrow 500 before the
end Of the school year for current ex-
penses.
70 was the general opinion Of those
present that neither the amount that
can be raised or the rate should be
fixed by a legislative act. and on mo-
tion of George l.. Medln which motion
was unanimously carried, the associa-
tion will request the board To- have the
law repealed during the special session
The rate 1t was pointed out. could be
fixed by the board or the taxpayers
Of the district The present rate is 30
cents on The Si00
Residents Of the district are generally
aroused over the situation. and cam
paign may be started soon looking to-
wards the raising IN some manner in
another year or so 100000 to si25O0O
for the building Of a modern school
building. The present High school is
/ in the old Newark Academy. The trus-
/ tees Of the academy give this building
practically rent free, and have made
many improvements for The board az
their own expense. but it remains a
fact that the building is entirely made
gu0te for the purpose, and the present
building could not be improved to make
it modern.