The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-10-03
FOR BETTER SCHOOLS FOR EscAMsIA

FOR BETTER SCHOOLS FOR EScAMBiA
The movement for sub-tax district for Pensa-
cola is well launched and with the strong sentiment
backing it, which demonstrated at meeting
held on the evening of Monday. September 2znd
there is no doubt but that the election viii pc
called. and that Pensacola citizens viii register
their approval increased facilities and educational
advantages for Pensacola and its environs
w H. watson, of the Rotary Club, who spoke
I'm the interest of the special school tax the
meeting of Kiwanians yesterday. brought out
number of points which give force to the move
ment.
Mr. watson who was formerly president of the
Rotary Club heads the committee which is working
for the special school tax district and among the
points which ne stressed We're the fact that the
money to be raised through this sub-tax would De
disbursed through committee, elected by the peo-
pie their for the tax and that the fund
spent the district which votes for the tax
and prorated according the vote
n other words, those who want better schools
enough TO vote the money for them, will get them.
1t brought out at the recent meeting held for
the purpose of launching the movement for special
taxation only the facilities inadequate
this time but that the schools of the county
in such a crowded condition to be detrimental
not only from educational standpoint. but also
to the health of the pupils.
Each term for a number of years. the congestion
in the schools of the county has initiated very
riously against the best interests of education; dur
ing the past few years the population of Pensacola
has greatly increased to than the
schools to capacity and with attendance far beyond
normal. the compulsory school attendance law adds
to the problem
Contracts have already been let for build
ing at Walnut Hill; rent-Gouldng building; and
buildings at Ove-Fig City. Cottage Hill. with adj
ditons at Molino and Gonzalez. Besides these,
contracts have been let for the first section of a
new building at the N. B. Cook school the West
Garden Street primary schools. be built on the
unit system, popular in the west particularly
California.
The buildings additions will reduce the
fund to be derived from the of time warrants
to about $4,000, and such high is needed
In Pensacola will cost not less than s15ooOo. 1t is
very clear that something must be done, and
once. to rank Pensacola with other cities in the
country. in school facilities
The educational opportunities of any town are the
real indication of its worth, to home-seekers. No
one wishes to make home for his children in a
community where these boys and girls may not have
the advantages which offered elsewhere in a
city of like commercial possibilities.
One of the chief factors in the development of St
Petersburg has been its excellent schools
Pensacola has been lax along educational lines in
the past. and many reasons have been put forward
for this laxity But the remains that the BOYS
and girls of Pensacola and Escambia county have
not had a square deal Now the men who head this
committee for special tax district propose to look
out not only for the present but for the future
They believe that the men and women of this couu-
" are just as anxious as those anywhere else in
world TO give the youth of county the right start
ia me- Ana they are going out with strong work
Ing team to prove their faith in their county and
community.
Better school facilities must hand in hand with
all other improvements. We want more ships more
world trade, more railroads more people. cap
ital but most of all want and need good sub
stantial citizens We, cannot hope to induce home
seekers to come here for permanent residence un-
less we give our undivided support to the move
nent Tor more schools. better equipped schools
better educational opportunities in every way
When we have these to offer, along with our MANY
other advantages. shall have the best asset that
any community may offer.