The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-02-11
New Building Plan.

After an informal discussion on the
erection OF the new school which viii
be known as the Richmond avenue
school, designed as junior high school,
1t was decided that w. c. Edmondson,
OF the building and grounds committee,
make a tour of a number of cities to
view buildings similar to the one con-
templated here. While in Cleveland,
O.. lie will attend sessions Of the Ma
flonal Educational association and gain
ideas there.
A letter from the Teachers associa-
ton asking that the board express 1t.
self on the salary proposition in view
CT action taken by the city commission
to lessen the financial stress. The mat
ter was referred TO the teachers and
by Mrs. Walter Gray that the board
already had informally expressed ap-
proval to the city's plan for relief and
stood ready to raise salaries whenever
the funds are made available.
A number Of teachers and aids were
elected last night and other business
GA routine nature was transacted
Prof. Jones reported that he was
awaiting the orders of the mayor and
Of the health department before re-
opening the schools. He reported that
there were 97e more children in school
at the close Of January than at the
close of the previous month and 1851
more than at this time last year.
The report of Mr. Peres in full fol.
lows:
The teachers of the Memphis city
schools in 1918 went on strike for
higher wagee
THE demand of no increase, no
teaching met with much success
Municipal officials controlling the
purse-strings promptly did what was
presently possible, and the public sud-
denly awoke to the necessity Of devel-
oping a sentiment in favor OF gener-
GUS taxation for school purposes the
schools should be properly and. fully
supported. \
"A board Of education ought not to
be worried about money. 1t should have
ample leisure to turn its attention to
raising the educational value Of the
system.
However, 1t is doubtful IL the edu.
cational value Of any system can be
strengthened If the position of the board
Is a political Job, and the board by
concerted interference or partisan cabal
Interrupts the free action of q super
intendent In an effort to select the
best teachers and to inaugurate the
best methods for the children,
"A board, for instance, should dis
approve the selection of teacher by
a superintendent only for cause. 4
step in this direction would be the
appointment Of a board without sal
airy
THE committee on education of the
next legislature with the advice of ex-
perts in school administration could
work, ovt plan for such appointive
ut, Is recommended that the first
bond issue of $3.50 900 be used fer re-
pairs and additions to present build.
inss and the next bond issue of $780,.
600 to erect junior high school on
the Richmond and orleans street lot
recently bought.
Wants Big Bond Issue.
1T is felt that the board vii
ident Of the board has not taken oc.
casion to make his report a para,
phrased repetition of the welter o.
writing and speaking about the ef.
feet of the war on education, the high
cost of living, 'readjustment and re-
construction and the necessity oil
plenty of money for high class teach.
ers, principals and superintendent
and that these and only these thing,
will lead US out OF the wilderness.
There is hope and encouragement
for the Memphis city schools III spit,
of this flood Of literature from tn,
proceedings of the N. f. A. to veries
pennya-lner and self constituted high
brow.
what we need is the money-s2,50o,
900 bond issue from the next legisla
ture.
"a first class board of education cal
do the rest. Respectfully,
"HARDWlG PERES, Chairman