The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-04

Reply by the Doaru or euuchlloH to questionable sent out by the Junior Chamber of Commerce regarding the expenditure of funds to be derived from the proposed s7.ooo.ooo bond is- sue in reference to school expansion and equipment was sent to D. E. Mc- Lendon. president of the city commits sion. yesterday afternoon by Dr. c. B. Glenn. city superintendent of schools.
 In the statement issued by the board it is stated that teachers are employed with good qualifications at good salaries and that it has not been the policy to employ teachers with minimum qualifications at mini- mum salaries. It was further stated, however, that school expansion and not maintenance would require the major portion of the amount to be secured from the bond issue.
 In answer to the question, Tn what year will the schools be built" the board states that the building program will be put into effect as rapidly as it can be wisely done, and that 1t hopes to complete the pro- gram in two. three or lives years.
 Following are the questions and answers as set forth in the school boards reply by Dr. Glenn;
 Maintenance Charge Q.--Assuming that the interest on the s7o00.0o0 of bonds will amount to s350.00o annually. what does the city estimate will be the annual mainte- nance charges. including depreciation, insurance, etc. on the new schools?
 A.-The budget for the mainte- nance of tho schools for the current year is $1,425, ,000. It Is estimated that the proposed increase in revenue brought In by the F mills additional tax levy will be $220.0o0. making a total of s1.645.000 available for the maintenance of schools the coming year.
 New Teachers
 O.-How many new school teach CTS will be required in these new schools and what amount will be nec- essary as salaries for these?
 A.--If the present ratio of pupils per teacher (43 pupils for each teach er) is permitted to continue, only slightly more than the normal an nual increase of teachers will be re- quired
 The annual average increase in enrollment in the schools is between 1000 and 5000 pupils, requiring an annual increase in the teaching force of from 40 to 50 instructors
 If on the other hand, the ratio of pupils per teacher is reduced. as by all means it should be, to 30 to 35 pupils per teacher, POO or 300 teachers additional will be required. As to the amount of money required to pay these teachers that can only be answered approximately since the board of education does not attach any definite salary to given posi- tion. The salary offered depends upon the qualifications of the appli- cant. If 200 additional elementary and 50 additional high school teach CTS are required. each being paid the minimum salary (s1,00o per annum for elementary and s1.250 for high schooD the additional amount nee essary for teachers. salaries would be s262500 per annum. If the maxi mum were paid these 25D teachers the amount required would be s525. GOO per annum.
 It has not been the policy of the board to employ teachers with the minimum qualifications nor to pay them the minimum salary. but, in so far as funds permit. they have en- deavored to secure those better quail flied and pay them better salaries. according to the salary schedule. Our salary schedule Is published in pamphlet form and will be mailed uopn request to any interested par ties.
 Plan Consultation Q.-Were any architects, real es- tate men. financiers or contractors consulted regarding the plans, cost finan0inO of schools if mt. how are these estimates arrived at? A.-The personnel of the board of education is well known to the public. The board is composed of men and women successful in professional, business and domestic lines. It has never in the past. and shall not in the future, hesitate to ask the advice of other successful men and women, re- garding any specific problem or pro- gram it may have in view. This has been done regarding the present building program. It Is. however, the opinion Of the board of education that the people have placed upon them. and not upon any other indi- vidual, or group of individuals, the responsibility for the management of the schools. Having accepted this responsibility. they endeavor to keep the public informed as to the needs
 
 to them requests for the necessary funds with which to supply these needs.
 A reciprocal confidence between tn public and the board of educa- ton Is of inestimable value to the schools and through them to the youth of the city. In the interest of the children it is hoped that this re-. lation may continue and this confi dence strengthen.
 How Many Schools
 Q.-Has is been determined how many schools are proposed to be built and where are these schools to be To- cated?
 A1The following Is tentative outline of the needed additions and Improvements In the housing of the Birmingham school children:
 l. Completion of three high schools (estimated cost) s1.0o0,000.
 3. One new high school (estimated cost) $S00.o0o.
 8. Two junior high schools (esti- mated cost) s65o,ooo.
 4. Two vocational schools (esti- mated cost) S750. 900.
 5. Ten new elementary schools to replace old buildings (estimated cost) s1,200. 900.
 6. Two new elementary schools in sections now without schools (esti- mated cost) s300.000.
 '. Additions to ten elementary schools (estimated cost) $500, 900.
 Total. s5.000, ,000/
 The following facts may be of in- terest as indicating the basis upon which the estimated cost for con struction and equipment was arrived at:
 Three High Schools
 CD One million dollars for com