Evening journal., 1923-02-01

schools in Wilmington. opposed the
McManus bill for numerous reasons.
He said he could not agree with the
idea TO give the Council the right to
fix the expenditures OF the School
Board and the reduction in this
years budget has seriously handi-
capped the running OF the schools
this year. lie thought the board
should be Independent. because the
question OF educating the children Is
much broader one than any ques-
tion relating to any other city de-
partment. DR.. Ward told the COM
mittee the question OF a city school
Board being financially dependent
upon any other body was a new ex-
perlence 20 him. He said the extra
tax levy would entail no addition
overhead FOR collection. He claimed
the School Board is elected by the
people. who also elect Council, and
therefore the board should share the
same responsibility to the people as
the Council.
Mr. McManus said not fifty peo-
pie In Wilmington knew the board
had the authority 10 levy this extra
tax until his bill was introduced in
the Legislature and many have told
him his bill should be passed.
DR.. Ward contended the money
expended by Wilmington for IT'S
schools Is not adequate 20 properly
maintain them and there are 1900
students on part time now. and there
would be $500 on part time II cor
ridors were not used for class rooms
and other rooms were not over
crowded. Tho city's schools are
short al least sixty rooms. he said.
Howard NJ. Ward. president OF
City Council. declared the people OF
Wilmington will resent thla pro-
posed increase In their taxes. lie
favored the McManus bill lie said
80 would not work any injury TO the
present board or any future boards. !
superintendent Ward claimed it |
does not duplicate the tax-levying |
powers In the city but simply divides |
the responsibility. and the School I
Board would not impose on the tax
payers. he felt sure.
Mr. Little asked how n referen- /
dunn would settle the question. and 1
Mr. McMnnus said the School Board /
could call for a referendum but they /
will not do q.
DR. Washburn opposed the Nc
Manus bin because In years past the
Council has not been familiar with
no school needs and the present
Council Is not familiar with them.
ie declared Mayor Harvey this
minute Is not familiar with the con-
iitions IN the city schools" Or.
Nashburn claimed the reduction the
Council made this year I'm tho
'oard's budget has stopped the
'oard from giving the proper ser
ice IN the schools. He contended
'ouncll has always held its ear 20
he ground for political rumblings.
nd the party in power has been
fraid 20 increase the taxes lest It be
oted out al the next election.
Mr.. McManus said two years ago
he Council then In power increased
he tax rate 40 cents and no de
handed 20 know ~ this looked Ike
ear OF the voters.
Dr. Washburn said n the power
o fiX the school tax Is placed in the
lands OF "A body which Is not IA
niliar with the needs OF the boys
md girls 81 would put II IN the hands
" a body which Is interested chief
y IN keeping taxes down. I'VE
nave gone along on the appropria- /
ion set up IN city Councils budget .
because we have never had author 1
ty to collect thu tax established by
law, because City Council had al /
ready fixed is tax rate when the I
school budget was submitted" said .
DR.. Washburn. As a result not only
ire our schools physically I'm bad
hape but we are unable TO secure
he PROPER personnel and supplies
o carry the schools on properly.
he power 20 levy this tax FOR
chools ought 10 rest. not In the
ands OF City Council. but IN the |
ands Of those people who are elect
q 10 carry on and administer the
'hool system and are held respon-
BILE for IT,"
DR.. Washburn said tho question
iould be looked upon as an affair
the State and not purely as
affair. He pointed out
Ie increased expenses OF carrying
/ the Wilmington schools in order
lat boys and girls from these
hools may compete successfully
ith the pupils OF schools OF neigh
,rlng States.
Wilmington. he said. has not the
,st schools nor has Il the worst.