Evening journal., 1920-03-17
FIRST step in
School SURVEY
Mayor Taylor Appoints Part
of Committee 10 Carry
Out This Plan
LOCAL CONDITIONS
TO BE INSPECTED

First step toward a survey OF the
school buildings and system Of educa-
ton in Wilmington, as distinct from
The rest Of the state. was taken today,
when Mayor Taylor announced his ap-
pointments to a committee, which VIII
have charge OF the work. The Mayors
appointees-ten In number-will serve
In conjunction with a committee OF
1--WE 10 be named by George Rommel,
president OF the Board Of Education, and
Of the same number TO be named by
George T. Lyons, president OF CITY
Council.
Mayor Taylor said today he had en-
deavOred TO make his part OF The com
mittee as representative as was possl-
BILE and to enlist the services OF those
who have shown personal interest and
have taken part in school plans. HIS
appointees follow:
George B. Miller, president Of the
State Board Of Education; Joseph Ban
croft. Mrs. C. T. B. Henning, Mrs.
James n. Glnns, Mrs. Carolyn Golding
Mrs. Arthur L. Bailey, Mrs. William II.
Laird. G. Edgar Deering, Victor ID.
Washburn and Wright C. Dizer.
The first work Of the full committee
when finally named Is expected TO be
a survey OF the school situation, in
cludlng both its plant and teaching
system made probably by the NUM-
cipal Research Bureau. OF New York.
It was this bureau which made the
survey throughout Delaware. outside
OF Wilmington on which the present
School code Is based. Because OF the
knowledge gained by the bureau In
making a survey through the State It
is in position according to those in
lerested. 10 discover and lay bare de-
feeis snd lack Of facilities which It IS
alleged hampers public school educa-
tion in Wilmington.
Shermer II. Slradley, chairman OF the
finance committee OF the Board Of
Education, made a streuOus effort to
have the school survey ordered weeks
ago by the board Itself. His efforts
were blocked however. by the so
called "Old Guard" members OF the
board. who expressed fears during the
discussions lest they be shorn OF their
authority should the city system be
Incorporated with that I'm effect under
that had the board ordered the sur
vey Il would have been well under way
at the present time. If not completed.
and ready 10 lay before the committee,
Of which Mayor Taylor today named
a part.
Following the survey the committee
Is expected 10 prepare plans for a cam
paign at the regular session Of the leg
islaiure in 1921 10 obtain authority for
a bond issue Of 100000. Proceeds Of
this loan would be used to build a new
school plant. Practically every school
building in the city, Il has been ad-
mtted by members OF the school board
including The "Old Guard" should be
replaced by modern structures.
The finances OF the local board. too,
are admittedly low-so low, In fact. that
Mr.. Stradley, chairman Of the finance
recently declared the school
treasury was broke" lie has con-
stantly warned the board to set upon
a newer and more business-llke basis
and the survey Is expected 10 result In
the elimination OF his endeavors.
Whether the schools OF Wilmington
shall be able TO participate in The school
fund given by Pierre S. dupont and
by the Delaware School
Auxiliary Association, Of which DR.. Jo-
seph II. Odell is director, is proble-
matical.
At a meeting OF the High School
alumni. held in the clubroom OF the
Hotel dupont several months ago,
George B. Miller stated. however. In
reply TO a question, that he DOUBTED II
the auxiliary would be able TO deal so
by Wilmington. though II
would do its best to aid in Improving
the school building plant OF the city.