Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1922-03-16
SCHOOL BOARD
MEETS PROBLEMS
PAPER BY w. w. ALBERS is
READ BEFORE STATE
ASSOCIATION


AT the annual meeting of the Wis
consin Association OF High and Grad
ed School Board members, held at
Madison last week, an address by w.
w. Albers, its president, was read by
Supt. S.. B. Tobey OF this city. Mr..
Albers was unable to attend the ses-
sions and was represented by Supt.
Tobey.
Wausau board of education and OF
the state organization, wrote most
interesting paper dealing with prob
lens that have confronted schoolmen
everywhere. Because we believe mat
ters ri school administration are OF
ultimate interest to every community.
The Pilot is glad to publish Mr.. Al
bers' talk.
"An organization Of the character
Of this, gathered from all parts of
the state, representing all classes
and occupations, each member devot-
ed to the service Of the community
in which he lives, should be ablt to
accomplish great things.
1T is probably safe to say that
never in the history Of the nation
have school administrative labors
been attended with greater difficult
ties than during the war and since.
The economic disturbances and gov
ernmental interferences which enter
ed the field of commerce and indus
try also manifested themselves In the
field of school administration.
Schools Cost More
THE cost OF schoolhouse construc-
tion and repairs increased all the way
from 60 TO 80 per cent, while the SAL
aries OF the teaching forces had to be
materially advanced.
Coupled with these outstanding
facts came the problem OF over
crowded schoolhouses and the short
age OF teachers. The construction la
bors of the nation we're centered on
the preparation of war matheials and
upon the industries deemed necessary
to the feeding, clothing and housing
of the nation. New schoolhouses were
i'll many instances classified among
the unnecessary building projects.
Besides, the high cost OF construc-
tion discouraged many contemplated
schoolhouse projects. But, where the
crowding was most severe the prob
lem to provide the most needed hous-.
ling became most imperative Of solu-
ltion and had to be met
'The professional ranks we're I'm
paired through the fact that teachers
sought more lucrative occupations IN
other lines with the result that an
acute shortage had to be met. 1t not
only meant a higher compensation
but also the recruiting into the sery-
ice of the half baked, as well as the
superannuated teacher.
No Relaxation
BE is said to the credit OF school
boards throughout che nation that
the problems involved here were met
In most loyal spirit Those serving
on school boards realized the sacred
trust imposed upon them. They saw
that the youth OF the land must be
kept at school, unless a crop OF idlers
and Ioafers were to be raised. In a
self governing republic there could be
no relaxation of the educational ef-
forts that make for citizenship and
for that intelligence and stability
that makes the perpetuity Of our form
OF government.
School boards everywhere braved
the situation. The cost of maintain
ing the schools rose everywhere. and
here and there criticism followed.
But, there was calm but firm adher-
ence to duty and the integrity OF the
schools was maintained.
Another factor, which entered the
schools in many sections, was the
spirit OF unrest. Just az this spirit
had entered the industrial ranks OF
the nation, and has also manifested
itself in the social life OF the people.
so its crept into the schools. Teach
ers as well as pupils were affected by
the tendencies OF the time. Respect
for authority, and obedience TO the es-
tablished order Of things, became dis
turbed.
Here, too. ! may say by way OF
comment, the school administrators
met the situation with patience and
with skill. Pupils were made to see
that they must obey their teachers.
Teachers were made to realize thar
they must recognize the authority OF
the superintendent and the school
board.
Protect New Generation
War or no war, it was the business
Df the pupil to remain in tle schools.
and the duty OF the teachers to hold
20 their tasks, just as it wac the duty
,f the school boards to maintain dis
,ipline and order and thus protect
he interests OF the rising generation.
Happily, calm and normal condi-
ions have once more been restored.
rhe schools are once more striving
rot only for efficient service but also
or excellence and higher standards.
The problems which have attend
ID school boards in dealing with all
Projects, involving the element OF f.
lance, are by no means solved. The
,ressure, from financial point OF
'iew, is still severe one, and likely
o remain SO until more adjustments
lave been effected.
"The cost OF schooihouse construc-
ion, for instance, has fallen nearly
fifty pere cent over that prevailing
wo years ago. Yet Il is still some
wenty per cent higher than Il was
,efore the war.
THE salary OF teachers is not like
y 20 be reduced. 1t was generally