Milford chronicle., 1923-03-30
CUT MILLION FROM
STATE SCHOOL BUDGET
Representative Collins, Democrat,
Introduces School Budget Call
ing For $4,000, 900 Annually.
SCHOOLS MAY Be CRIPPLED
Amount Is So Much Less Than State
Board Estimates 1t Needs That
Activities May Be CurtaiIed.

Two million dollars a year for the
next two years for the conduct of the
schools of the State-a reduction of
81 100000 from the amount asked-is
provided for in the school apprOpria-
tiOn bill introduced in the House Mon
day afternoon by Representative Col
Inns, chairman of the House apprOpri-
ations committee. 1t is explained that
another bill will be introduced carry
ing an appropriation for transpOrta-
ton of pupils and probably some
other items. The bill provides that if
the revenue for schools is not suftici-
ent to meet this appropriation, the diff
ference shall be appropriated from the
general fund.
Under the Collins bill the apprO-
priation is divided as follows: Not
more than five per cent of the total
for general control; for instruction
not less than 1874 per cent; mainte-
nance and upkeep, not more than SIX
per cent; auxiliary activities not more
than one-half of one per cent; fixed
charges, not more than one per cent;
capital outlay not more than five per
cent, and for operation, not more than
nine per cent. 1t specifies that no part
of the total shall be used for debt SER
vice.
The State Board Of Education rec
commended an appropriation of $780,
900 for the year 1923-24, and $2,6OO,-
900 for the year 1924-25, after taking
the budgets as presented from all the
school districts of the State and re-
Soma hU SOM Ofl0-
The Governor, in his tentative bud
get bill recommended $2,2OO,OOO eacn
year. The Collins bill lops S2OO,OOO OH
of this. The amount recommended by
the Governor is the same as that ap-
propriated to the schools during the
past two years, and members OF the
State Board claim they cannot posi-
bly, get along on the same amount dur
ing the next two years and take care
of the increased number of pupils that
have accrued and will laccrue during
the next two school years.
Some members will oppose any
amendments for increases in the ap-
preparation on the ground that Dill
has been passed whereby any DIS
trict in the State, small or large, by
areferendum can raise additional mon
ey by taxation, and they believe Lnat
this is the logical way for dlstrlcts
needing more than their allotment 10
raise the amount.
Mr.. Collins has not explained what
reductions will be made in the school
forces or what courses will be elm
mated by reason of slashing the
amount the State Board asked. This
will be taken care Of in the school
budget. It is Mr.. Collins idea, how
ever, that under the bill referred to
any district could raise more money TO
maintain any course, ETC., that may
have to be cut under the reduced ap-
preparation unless the additional
taxes are raised.
An effort was made at the night ses'
sion on Wednesday, shortly before the
legislature recessed for ten days, 10
increase the amount to be allowed for
the maintenance and operation of the
public schools Of the State. Represen-
tative Little, Republican, offered an
amendment which would change the
$2,OOO,OOO to $2,5OO,OOO. This was vot-
ed down with every Democrat voting
against it and every Republican sup
porting it. Representative Holcomb,
Democrat, then offered an amendment
making the amount $2,200,000. This
was supported by all the Republicans
and Representatives Culver and Hol-
comb, Democrats. The effort failed. 1t
is certain that the $2,OOO,OOO is insult
fcient for the operation of the schools
and the special districts will be COM
PEELED to levy an additional tax upon
the residents of the districts. 1t is
more than probable that the school
boards of these special districts will
be compelled to make all pupils from
outside districts pay for the privilege
of attending the special district |
schools. It is also likely that towns
like Frederick will lose their high |
schools because of the insufficient |
funds appropriated.