Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-11
URGES TAX AS BASIS
FOR SCHOOL WAGES
Distribution of State Appropria-
tion Discussed at Ses-
sion Here E
FAVOR TEACHERS RISE

An increase in teachers salaries
based on the tax rate Of school dis
tricts was advocated by Harlan
Updcgraff, professor of educational ad
ministration, at today's session of
schoolmen's week at the University of
Pennsylvania.
Professor Updegraff spoke on the dis
tribution Of the state school appropria
tion in Pennsylvania at the county and
city superintendents' session in Houston
q Hall.
1.-THE present crisis regarding
teachers salaries has brought up anew
the question Of state aid for schools.
not only as regards the purpose for
which state aid should be granted, but
also the amount to the district or the
person to whom it should be distributed
and the method of distribution, said
Professor Updegraff. I'VE all agree
that teachers salaries should be in
creased, but we may differ as to the
provisions through which that should
be secured.
Local Taxes Main Support
"Local taxes must be the main sup
port of public schools. The amount
to be spent for each function in the
conduct of schools in each community
should be determined by the local
boards of education. aud the only part
the state should take is in the fixing
in the minimum and maximum amounts,
or in the setting forth of certain prin-
ciples that should guide the local boards
In making their decisions.
Professor Updegraff urged a closer
understanding and cooperation be
tween the local school boards and the
state.
He also advocated five principles to
determine the school appropriation by
the state. They are:
First. The state should insist on the
maintenance of minimum standards by
the local districts before funds shall be
transferred.
Second. The state Should encourage
local districts to undertake new enter
prises by promising support.
Third. The amount of the school ap-
propriation should be measured by the
efforts exerted. :,
Fourth. State aid should equalize
the educational burden among the Varl-
GUS school districts.
Fifth. The state should equalize the
various educational opportunities.
Limited State Aid
estate aid should be limited to those
districts which have the least amount
Of wealth. continued Professor upder-
praff. ''The state aid for schools should
he fixed at any point, depending on the
standard salaries of the teachers and
the tax rate. The amount of the share
Z To he received by each district may be
then apportioned with the amount OF
wealth behind each teacher. and the
number of each teacher in each district.
Henry c. Morrison, member of the
Connecticut State Board of Education,
discussed the distribution of state schoo
funds in New Hampshire. In New
Hampshire, said Mr.. Morrison, the en-
tire state is taxed in inverse proportion
in accordance with the towns ability
to raise funds.
Urgent need for the lowering of col
lege entrance requirements were urged
by DIR. G.. Alvin Shook and Prof. Thomas
III. Briggs, professor of secondary edu
cation, Teachers College, Columbis
University.
Doctor Shook and Professor Brigg
spoke before the section on high schoo
principals this morning. DR.. William
ID. Lewis, principal of the tWillian
Penn High School, was the chairman.
Help for Students
Children who would profit by a sec
ondary and high school education shoul
receive aid, from the state, said Profes
sor Briggs. The abolition of certai
subjects from college entrance exami
nations was also urged.
Doctor Shook deplored the lack o
vocational training in PhiIadelphi
public schools. AS an illustration h
cited the fact that, although Philadel
phia is leading textile center, n
course on this subject is included in th
public schools. He suggested that tn
public school courses be arranged I
meet the needs of the community an
Of the Ichild. College entrance require
ments should be lowered and arrange
to meet the vocational needs of tn
students, said Doctor Shook.
DIR. J. L. Appenzeller, of the Leblanc
High School, termed higher educatio
citizenship. vocation and avocation.