New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1921-12-23

rector OF the Taxpayers Association
would ike to lead the public TO be
'irye that the work in the department
can be done with the same help a:
they had in that year. For the pas
two months the present state super
intendent has been obliged to manipu-
late the typewriter because of the
TACT that the contingent was eXhaus-
ted and he could not hire extra help
There is an immediate need for
an additional stenographer in the
State Department of Education, due
to the increased work caused by a
much larger number Of teachers re-
curing certification in the state. In
l9l5 they were about 200 teachers
in New Mexico, while in 1921 there
are over $500 teachers. 1t is pecu-
liar that the ame expert who as
chief clerk of the Department of Edu-
cation in 1915 was bowling for ad-
ditional help and additional funds, is
unable to see the need of this help
and these funds in 1921, when the
work has tripled, but the expert has
become Director of the Taxpayers
Association.
There is a great deal of bookkeep-
ing, not only with the State Depart
ment of Education, but also with the
vocational work which was never be-
fore taken into consideration. A great
deal has been said about loose book
keeping. etc, but the facts are that
il there has ever been any lack OF
system it is probably due to lack of
funds. The present state superintend-
cnt has not only invited, but has in
sisted that these experts, official or
otherwise, come into the office of the
State Department of Education to of
Ter whatever suggestions they may
deem necessary to the proper admin
iStration of the school affairs of this
state.
I'VE need a great deal OF help in
this state in order to straighten out
school matters and to place our school
affairs on a business basis. The last
legislature acted wisely when it pro-
vided for the appointment of a school
auditor and this auditor has already
placed a number of counties upon
the proper running basis. His re-
port before the Taxpayers Associa-
ton two weeks ago, showed that
there are over 10000 worth of out
standing and unpaid school warrants,
What is the reason of this? The
of the matter is that experts
the Taxpayers Association went
the various boards Of corn-
~ commissioners and suggested and
insisted that the tax levies which
had already been decided upon be
reduced and by following the sugges-
tons made by these experts, the
%'ounties were unable to raise the ne
,essary funds with which to pay their
and outstanding expense. If
his is business, it is a poor business.
PERSONAL interviews with some of the
taxpayers in the state,
OF whom were members of thi,
Issociation, brought II the fact that
o say the least, activities of tins
lind are detrimental,
1T is the purpose of the present
State Superintendent of Public In
truction to place the affairs of the
Department OF Education upon
solid business foundation in accord
nee with the mandate of the law
I has asked the various experts, OF
icial and otherwise, to make what
yer suggestions they may deem de
irable and necessary for the better
administration of the office OF the
superintendent of public i%nStruc
ion. The state superintendent leaves
he question up TO the public whe-
her it would not be more helpful