The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1922-10-11
NEW SHORTRIDGE
BOOSTERS DEMAND
SCHOOL BOARD ACT
Large Delegation Tells Body
They Want Building Program
Started Immediately.


ridge battle cry. was the sentiment
of the delegation from the Short
ridge. Parent-Teacher Association
which appeared before the board of
school commissioners last night.
More than sixty men and women
composed the delegation. They made
1t clear that they want a new Short
ridge on the site at Thirty-Fourth
and Pennsylvania SITS, and that they
intend TO get it. Tired of unfulhlled
promises of the past they made use
of direct methods. They did not ask,
beg or request. They demanded.
They promised to aid in fights be-
fore the State tax board not only for
bond issues for Shortridge, but for
schools in other parts of the city
as well. They served notice on the
sboard, which during the nine months
' it has been in office has taken no
definite steps toward inaugurating a
building program. that they were in
the fight until something is done to
improve housing conditions in the
public schools.
Tired of Talk
James VI. Ogden, city attorney,
acted as spokesman for the delega-
ton. He did not mince words. He
made no effort TO save the feelings
Of board members. He frankly stated
that the association was fed up"
or talk and wanted action.
Where there is a will there is
way" ne said. we have the will
and we intend to find the way. This
is the modest and meek spirit in
which we approach this situation"
Ogden then read an editorial from
the Indianapolis Times demanding an
extension Of school facilities. When
the reading ended a wave Of applause
swept over the room.
What paper is that from?" ". D.
Allison. a board member. asked.
1T is from the indianapolis Times.
which frequently has some Of the
best editorials in the city" Ogden an
swered.
Money Can Be Raised
I'VE are told that the school city
has no money with which 10 erect
lowest estimate there can be issued
S2,6S2 ESQ forth of building bonds, ard
1 personally believe the amount to be
100000 higher
I'VE ara not asking the expenditure
OF $1,000, 600 Immediately, although
. new high school eventually will cost
3that much. What we ask is the cree
tion of a first unit at a cost Of $3.50. 900.
The school can be built unit by unit.
Every one Of us is willing to go 10
the State tax board and fight for ap-
proval Of the bond issue. We have
been promised plans, specifications and
an architect IN the past but nothing
has been done"
West Side Need Shown
At this point Commissioner DR..
Marie Haslep interrupted and quoted
from articles appearing in the Indian
apolis Times to show that other high
schools also were crowded and that
there was great need for a high school
on the west side Of White River.
I'VE will help you get it. We will
90 to the tax board and fight for that
school too" Ogden answered.
well if you do that then 1 am
for your plan" DR.. Haslep said.
Il don't have to tell you about con-
ditions in the schools" Ogden said.
and we must make start some
where to remedy them. Twenty
years ago our schools were the pride
of the country, and 1 believe they can
he restored to their old place. Our
public schools are the very basis of
our merican life and they must be
maintained at high standard.
There is only one up-to-date high
school in this city. Arsenal Technical,
and we only have three. Other cities
Of the same size often have six or
seven. Think of it, seventy-three
grade schools in Indianapolis and
Nifty movies; three high schools and
Ssix theaters.
Don't tell us it is impossible to
build schools. Nothing is impossible
for this board II it buckles down and
taxes advantage of its opportunities 4"
Speakers Demand Program
Opinions were asked from members
Of the board by President Charles l..
Barry. but DIR. Haslep. Adolph En-
hardt. chairman of the buildings and
grounds committee, and Bert S. Gadd
sat silent.
Commissioners Allison and Barry
expressed themselves as favoring i'm
mediate action.
'I believe that with limited means
grade schools should be cared for
first, but this does not mean high
schools should be neglected" Presi-
dent Barry said. I am convinced of
the necessity Of immediate action at
Shortridge. We all know that it is
impossible for Shortridge to do under
present conditions what Shortridge
has done in the past"
Committee Meets Tonight
A meeting of the buildings and
grounds committee will be held to-
night. This practically will be the
same as a board meeting. as four
members OF the board are members
of the committee and the fifth, Bert
S. Gadd, has been asked to attend.
Whether a building program will
be inaugurated IS problematical. 1t is
well known that Commissioners Bar
~ and Allison are in favor of taking
immediate action. However. Adolph
Emhardt, chairman of the committee.
'asaid last night that he believed mat
PIERS Of policy regarding the employ
( ment OF engineers and other matters
iot this kind should be discussed at
the meeting. Tt is believed DR. Haslep
will introduce a motion favoring the
purchase of west side high school