Evening journal., 1921-10-31
SEES need OF
MORE SCHOOLS
Expert Warns Board of
Overcrowding of High
And Howard Buildings
TEACHING STAFFS
FOUND EFFICIENT

Warning against overcrowding in
both the Wilmington and the How
ard High School is contained In
second instalment Of the report on
the survey made OF the citys educa-
tional system made by the United
states Bureau Of Education, Wash
ington.
This instalment OF the survey re-
port compliments that made public
several months ago. which consld-
cred the city's school buildings and
recommended an expenditure OF S4,-
600, 900 to provide adequate faciii-
ties. Part second OF the report just
received, says:
Maintenance OF the present 10 per
cent. average rate Of increase In the
Wilmington High School Will In TWO
years overcrowd that school TO the
breaking point and will also carry
the enrolment beyond 1900. This Is
in excess OF the number favorable
to the greatest efficiency. even il the
present building would properly ae-
commodate them all. which Is GER
tainly not possible.
''The Howard School, moreover, is
already overcrowded and is an UNFIT
building for school OF any sort, not
to mention a modern high school.
These facts contribute a danger
signal which the city of Wilmington
should heed. Immediate action is
necessary"
Regarding the High School pupils
the survey states:
THE pupils in the Wilmington
High School strike the observer as
an exceptionally fine body OF boys
and girls.
During two weeks OF continu Gus
class visitation not a single incident
occurred that should occasion any
general adverse criticism OF the con-
duct OF the pupils"
The teaching stan is described
as being with, a few exceptions.
alive and growing professionally"
The administration OF the high
school is pronounced very good.
and the suggestion offered that the
administrative and sur ervisory Off
GERS should be relieved OF some OF
their teaching duties In order that
they may give their attention ex-
clusively to executive responsible
ties.
Salaries paid the teachers are
said to be fairly liberal, although
more liberal provision In the future
is considered necessary.
"A scale with the lowest salary
between $500 and $500 and the
highest at $4,000 should" Il Is said.
enable Wilmington to compete sue
cessfnlly with other cities for the
best teachers"
Members OF the Board OF Tduca-
tion, at a special meeting on Satur.
day afternoon. discussed plans for a
new survey Of the present school
building and conditions with an idea
OF outlining a program for the re-
Placement OF such structures under
a plan outlined by David A. ward.
superintendent OF schools. Verus n.
Ritter, OF the firm Of Ritter and
Shea. school building experts. Of
Philadelphia. was present and told
or survey his firm had made here
In 1918 for the school board.
Mr. Ritter declared that the data
collected at that time. together with
the results Of the school chlldren's
census made recently by superinten-
dent Ward. combined with some
further material, would enable his
hrm to provide a complete plan for
replacing the present antiquated
buildings. This plan could be ready
in three weeks. he added.
Owing 10 tho absence OF a num-
Der or the school board members.
no definite action was taken, but
Mr. Ritter's plan will be discussed
at the regular meeting Of the board
next Monday night. Mr.. Ritter in.
formed the board that his Arm had
made a survey Of conditions in the
Union Gardens and Wawaset section
OF the city in 1918 at the request OF
George b Miller then president O,
the board. No contract was entere,
into and the city has never paid FOL
this survey, the cost OF which wa,
S140O.
The expert said his firm woui,
initiate the program for a retainini
rec OF $4,000. which, with tho worl
already done in 1918. would brinl
the total advance payments up 4
$4,000. should the board decide Il
utilize its services. the firm woul,
do the work for 6 per cenE. OF tn
gross costs. exclusive OF buiidin
sites and real estate. and in thi
case. the retaining fee would b
credited to the G per cent. aske
/ for.
The board also awarded IN
Mundy-Kane Furniture Company
, contract TO furnish desks and chair
for No. 22 school and the IL
School at $3.50 each. Il was de
cided to place $4,000 insurance o
each OF the portable schools. Bid
will be asked for metal ceilings 4
two Of the rooms at No. IA Schoo
Ere Chief Lutz sent a letter rela
tive to fire hazards in the schools
but the board instructed its secre
tary to request him to explain ii
more detail in what schools sucl
risks existed.