Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-09-15
Necessity for school buildings.

NPENING Of the public schools OF the city
" again ards crowded conditions. even
more emphasized than formerly. The situa-
ton in regard TO John Marshall is really acute
and the school authorities are At their wits
end to find room for the overflow which the
enrolment OF the first two days indicates
will be OF proportions even i'll excess Of that
of former years. In all the schools tho
matricua ton is such as to clearly show that
the growth OF Richmond has altogether out
stripped its school facilities, and the fact
Starcs us in the face that we must do some
thing to remedy the situation.
Tho splendid buildings which ornament
many sections OF the city show that Ricl-
mond in the years gone by has not been mig
sardy in providing accommodations for the
education OF its children but the development
OF the city and the consequent influx OF
people and increase OF educablc children has
been 50 rapid that what nj one time was
thought to be fairly permanent provision
has turned out TO be but stepping-stonc
10 greater effort.
Richmond takes great pride in its schools.
the interest of its people undoubtedly being
greater i'll respect 10 their educational sys
tom than as TO any other department OF
municipal activity. The time has long passed
when public schools and their benefits were
considered only in connection with their in
nuence on the welfare OF the child 1t is now
real beneficiary OF a system which. develop
ing the natural faculties of the young results
in tho disciplined and enlightened manhood
and womanhood which constitutes a citys
real greatness. Having put their hands to
the plo~ in this matter Of education. the peo-
pie Of Richmond will never be willing to turn
back, but will insist that neither pains nor
money shall be spared 10 make the schools OF
this city the equal of any in the nation.
First among the essentials of good school
is room, plenty of it, for the pupils and
teaching force. Neither mind nor body can
serve where space is limited. No matter how
perfect system OF ventilation may be used
health Will soon leave any schoolroom where
crowded conditions exist Although attraC-
tive TO the eye, the uniforms OF the John
Marshall cadets are hot, heavy tight and
otherwise uncom Portable, and if in addition.
these boys are not to have sufficient space in
which to pursue their studies, they arc likely
10 sho" a decline both mentally and ply
sicallv.
superintendent Hill declares that ST.
ooo.OOO is needed for school buildings in
Richmond. Former Superintendent Chandler
concurs in this view. Some years ago this
would nave been considered large sum
even an enormous one but in the light of
other expenditures OF recent times il seems
not an cStravagant estimate Whether This
amount must be expended in order 10 nIaco
itchmond in the front rank OF the cities that
Htano Tor the best in public education is a
mater mat is yet to he determined but il is
certain that progress in school building must
be made. The citizens will not be content
that this matter shall he ignored to the OK
tent it was in the last city budget. although
'hey appreciate the citys financial dficultic,
al 'hat time and the effect which tho war
'"' hau on all classes OF construction