The Duluth rip-saw. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1917-19??, 1919-11-15


those feeling deep responsibility and
keeping closely in view the best inter-
ests Of patrons and pupils, are worried
and alarmed over the condition of the
treasury.
Money seems to run through the
school treasury like sand through a
sieve. Demands Of all kinds are met
End still they never are fully satisfied.
Bonds are issued and taxes are raised
annually. In S914 the school tax levy
was 1903 mills. This year it is 1852
mills. Unless the schools are permitted
to suffer, the levy must run heavily
'ver 20 mills next year
The Independent school district of
Duluth, at this time, has power to is
sue bonds somewhat in excess Of $780,
900. To get through this year and
moderately meet demands for new
buildings, improvements to old ones,
salary increases and other things that
cannot be avoided or postponed, a
heavy bond issue will be necessary. It
is safe to say that such an issue ere
long will be voted by the board and
'e"alized by the people, if they ap-
prove.
Treasurer Colman lifted up his voice
in alarm at the last meeting Of the
board He declared that the commit
tees and the board were going along
blndlv and without due consideration
Of their available resources. He de-
"lared that there would be an over
draft in school funds before the year is
over. The directors are personally re-
sponsible for any overdraft.
"We spent $25O,oOO last month and
our expenditures this month will reach
5000, O0O,' Mr.. Colman exclaimed. "The
way we are going, we will get rid of
100000 in four months. We are
going at terrific rate.'
Mr.. Colman declared that it was all
wrong to 60 along so blindly. He
wanted to see some attention paid to
the budget. The board adopted the
BUDGET system for this year, it will be
remembered. but purchases and dis
bursements have not been made in har-
mony with such system. The differ
ent committees should know each
month Just how funds stand and they
should handle their committee work
in harmony with that. To date, ex-
penditures have been made without
much THOUGHT or under the assumption
that the treasury was full and running
over.
Director Proved, although branded
bv editor Mitchell. of the News Trih-
une, as unfit to be a school director,
always has watched the small leaks,
not believing in waste Of any kind,
and realizing that many little wastes
are equivalent to one or more big ones.
In the discussion over the alarming
condition Of the treasury and lack of
resources, Mr.. Firoved thought that
much money was being spent needless
". He thought that many of the night
school and social activities might be
cut off. He said that he believed in
them, but not at the expense Of short
age in funds. He then mentioned, as
mere examine. bill of $48 for a
picture and picture frames.
"When in pressing need Of money"
remarked the Little Commoner, "we
should plug every little leak that we
can. The employees are entitled to
proper wages and Injuries and things
dispensable should be avoided"
When it was stated that teachers, as
well as janitors, were underpaid, Mr.:
Proved said:
"I always have stood for better
wages for teachers"
Autocracy is greatly to blame for
these conditions. When three directors
automatically ran the school board, the
remaining six became Indifferent, care.
less or dependent on the autocratic
three. The effect has been more OF
less lasting.
The present board seems strongly in
rlined to break away from autocracy.
Tn fact, some of the new members are
not at all inclined towards autocratic
methods. The worst autocrats have
been banished from the board.
Director Crassweller saw danger that
the Duluth board would be in as des.
perate a state as the Minneapolis
board, which was saved from personal
responsibility, if not worse, only by
legislative action.
The expressions Of worry and alarm
on the part Of some Of the directors
were aroused by demand from the
janitors and engineers for an increase
of Is per cent in their salaries. That
increase would mean an additional
drain Of at least $40, 500 a year on the
treasury. Nothing but magic or a mir
acle can make such an increase posi-
BILE, but the proper committee viii
wrestle with the problem and repor
in due course.
Director Knight brought up the mat
ter of lettering all the automobiles be
longing to the board with the legend
"Duluth Board Of Education" am
moved that such lettering be DONE. Di
rector Proved supported the motion.