Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-02-10
LONG HOLIDAY IN
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Will be Closed All of Week End
Because Of Illness Among the
Students and Teachers.

Clifford j. Scott. superintendent OF
public schools, asked the Board Of Educa-
ton at its meeting last night, for authority
10 close the schools for Friday, Thursday
being Lincoln's birthday, and possibly
Wednesday. If conditions warrant, making
holiday at least from tomorrow until
Monday He stated that his reason for
asking for this power was that large
number OF teachers, and IN some cases
fifty per cent of the pupils OF the schools
were unable to attend because of the cpl
demic of grip. which is now prevailing.
Mr.. Scott said he thought this vacation
would give those who were sick chance
- be in good condition for the beginning
! the new week The permission WAS
Unanimously granted by the board
The names of Is new teachers were
recommended by the committee on
teachers, four of which appointments will
be temporary. One of these teachers
will be sent TO the High school and the
other twelve TO the grammar schools.
In connection with this resolution for the
appointment of these teachers was a reso-
luton that the bylaws of the board, re-
garding certain examinations that teachers
must take 10 qualify for positions, be sus-
pended for the present because of the
shortage of teachers. Professor Scott
spoke for the resolution and urged its
adoption. He said that at this time
there was shortage -of about 10000
teachers in the United States and that
Wilmington is very hard hit, because it
is almost impossible 20 get highly trained
teachers TO work for the present salaries.
He also asked the board to change the
length Of the school day from five hours
to SIN hours, as there are so many pupils
under one teacher In some cases that they
found it impossible 20 do the necessary
amount Of work in the present school
day OF five hours duration. In reference
to remuneration. Mr.. Scott said that the
teachers should receive extra pay for
the extra hour. This resolution of the
teachers committee was adopted by the
board without dissenting vote.
4 letter IN one of the local papers from
George b Miller. president of the State
Board Of Education. which was published
recently, was read by DIR Conwel Banton
In his letter MIR Miller criticized the
present conditions Of the city schools and
urged that professional survey be made
of them by an outside and diSiniterested
party or parties MIR Miller also urged
IN his communication that committee of
five board members be appointed 10 CO.
operate with a committee of the same
number Of members from City Council,
and that these committees late be affiliated
with a citizen committee of about forty or
fifty members for the purpose of carrying
out the contemplated building program.
Shermer II Sgradley. chairman of the
finance committee, presented a resolution
asking that an immediate survey of the
schools be made. The resolution recon-
mends that a survey of the school build
ings. and the administration of the board
he made for the purpose of placing this
important matter before the citizens of
Wilmington 80 that their support can be
upon To assist the board In any
effort To secure authority from the next
Legislature Ia issue bonds for continuing
the proposed building campaign. The
resolution was opposed by Messrs Rom
mel, Banton. kersey, Cooper, Hoffman
and Campbell and was favored by Strad-
ley. Ostro and Moore The resolution
was again presented. but this time without
the clause asking for the survey of the
professional side OF the school system. The
resolution was again defeated by the same
vote
DR. Banton brought before the board
the necessity Of having immediate repairs
made 10 a number of the schools but IL
was found that there could be no action
taken on the subject because Of the short
age Of funds. The matter was filed for
further consideration at a future date
DR.. Banton expressed a wish that the
board extend their thanks 10 the Friend
ship Fire Company for their excellent
services at the recent fire at No. is school
4 resolution for that purpose was passed
by the board. Appointments Of the
following teachers were made:
Foster NJ. Voorhees,, High School,
Febrary /: Anna Z. Staats,
No. IA, beginning February 9: Edna Z.
Kennedy, No. Is, beginning February
l: c. Louise jackson, No. ;, beginning
February j. Helen b. Tilghman No 25, |
beginning February !: Marion +. Devine, /
No. 3, beginning February l. Norma L. /
No. 10. beginning February L
Edna NJ. Strong, No. ~, beginning Febru- |
.ry /: Elizabeth E. McMurray, No. 10, /
beginning February /: Caroline Teite- I
xorth. No. 30. temporary, january s;
Darah j. Shaw, No. 15, temporary, Feb I
ruary /: kims l.. Malcom, No. 25, tenn
porary, February 4; Ella f. Parks, No. 4, /
temporary, February 9.