Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-05-13
SPECIAL TAX URGED
FOR D. c. SCHOOLS
Use of Government Buildings
Among Western Highs
recommendations.

Imposition of special and direct
school tax on the citizens OF the Dis
trict and an immediate survey Of spec
flied government buildings with
view to remodeling them for use as
schools are among remedies recon-
mended to Congress for existing con-
ditions in the local schools by spe-
cial committee Of the Western High
Home and School Association.
The recommendations are contained
in a report. compiled after an inves-
tigation by committee appointed
several months ago by the associa-
ton. The report has been forwarded
to the Senate select committee which
recently concluded an investigation
of the local school system. 1t was
unanimously approved at a meeting
of the association last night in the
Western High School.
Compared With Other Cities.
1t was stated by members of the
investigating committee that an ex-
animation of available statistics
showed Washington's school appro-
priation did not rank high among the
appropriations for schools allowed by
other cities of equal population; that
maintain a model school system: that
the present system of appropriating
funds does not allow for the large
amount needed. and that special tax.
found justifiable in other cities, would
not render a hardship Upon citizens
of Washington.
While "a present school plant of
SIS. 100000 Is actually in use. when an
adequate plant OF 322.500.000 is need
ed" the report states. a partial rem
edy for alleviating the overcrowded
schools is suggested in the use of
government buildings, with particu-
lar mention of the munitions building.
Munitions Building Favorable.
1.-The munitions building is adapted
in every particular to high school use.
Not only would the structure supply
all needed building space. well heated.
lighted and ventilated. but it's loca-
ton in close proximity to the bathing
courts, base ball and other open-air
space would solve many of the imme-
date physical training problems. Here
is a plant, comprising both buildings
and grounds, that would go a long
way toward ameliorating. if, indeed, it
will not entirely abate, our present
school congestion"
The committee in it's report sum-
married. the present problem" in the
Washington school system as follows:
An inadequacy of school buildings, an
inadequacy OF teaching force, an in
adequate compensation for teachers
and an inadequacy of the present sys-
tenn itself to cope with present condi-
tions.
Other Recommendations.
Among other recommendations made
as remedies are the following: The
appointment by the President of q d.
rector Of the public schools system
Of the District Of Columbia.
That the teaching force be increased
from 2,183 to 5000.
That the present salaries Of teachers
be increased and maintained on a
basis equal to the highest rate Of COM
pensation. which Is or will be paid by
any city of the country.
That means and authority be pro-
vided for q physical education which
shall be a part of the school curric-
ulum.
In it's report Of conditions found in
the schools at present the committee
states that they are crowded far be-
yond their capacity. almost to a point
Of indecency." The teachers in Wash
ington are receiving salaries below
cause Of the shortage in the teaching
force children are suffering.
Unaninous for Bonus.
The association unanimously ap-
proved a resolution favoring q $500
bonus for teachers to tide them over
the time intervening before the in
creased salaries already granted by
Congress. become effective.