New Britain herald., 1926-04-28
OUR EXPANDING SCHOOL SYSTEM

pupils In prospect: and while we are at 1t. the best type of buildings, with tho most modern arrange ments, regardless Of cost - this Is tho policy Of New Drltain's school committee. The plan to purchase three tracts of land and transfer a fourth from the charity depart ment. in preparation for tho con struction of four additional build ings, indicates tho educational trend In this city. Tho question be- fore the house polite; Is all this necessary or is 1t not?
 "In the event the big proposal does not meet with favor" runs q line in the news story; which would suggest some friendly oppo- sitlon is anticipated, Whether such opposition will actually develop so- riously will be learned shortly, That the school committee is con- scientiously endeavoring to meet the full requirements Of the city's future, so that the ovcrcrowded conditions Of the past may not again be experienced, can be &C., cepted for granted.
 Our schools cost money, and plenty of 1t, They are the most costly single item in the civic ex- penditure. The costs for 1926 will be $1,303,574; this out of a total civic expenditure of $2.S03, 305.6S for the year. In other words, 46 1-2 per cent of the city's expendi- ture goes to the upkeep of the schools.
 The increase over 1925 - or the fiscal year of that time was marked. The school budget for that fiscal year flirted with the million dollar mark, while the year before 1t was below 5000, 900. The increase in costs in 1926 apparently Is the largest in the citys school history. This means that the percentage of money being devoted to the con- solidated school district has con siderably advanced over the past few years.
 Increases In the estimated costs of new buildings seem to change constantly Last January the Nathan Hale addition was to cost $2o0, LOGO, but now the estimate is S225, ,000, the increase being due 10 more classrooms in the building than was originally intended; last January the Clinton street school was to cost s20O,00O, but now the estimate is s175,000, with two classrooms less; last January the Vance street school, at Shuttle Meadow avenue, was to cost S325,- 900, but now the intention Is to have it cost only $1S0,000. These figures arc from newspaper reports of the time. They would indicate that the intention of the school committee is to be as economical as possible, the difference between the earlier and the present est- mate in connection with the Vancu street project being espccial" marked. The difference, by the way would yield considerable money fer the purchase of the necessary land.
 From all of this it can be judged that the school intentions are in n constant state of flux, although the main intentions regarding the mum ber of new buildings desired re- main the same. This would suggest that there still remains room for discussion and more fluidity in the plans.
 It would appear from the statis- tics that the school committee is inclined 10 cNpcnd a little less on the buildings and use the savings upon the purchase of land for fu- turc use. We are inclined to think this is a good idea. If the school system is 10 expand still further within the next few years 1t is solf-cvidcnt that more land will be necessary. The consolidated school district operates under a stringent budget, and there is little likeli- hood Of this being changed 10 per llllL Oi suill llll CilttA'o Nl llOppCl . tune times. Irrespective of the plans for more schools and en- largcd buildings. citizens can rest assured that the method Of financ. ing tho projects arc under rigid control. We know the needs, and we know the total Of money avail able. and know all other details ot the necessary financing. No money is being spent in q hapha2ard man nor, but according 10 a definite plan woll thought out. This system, in conformity with the general painstaking financial care cycr- ciscl in inc city. will go a long way 10 roa.sur" taxpayers that nothing that isn't needed will be attempted
 
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