Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-01
ARLINGTON SCHOOL
PLANS OUTLINED
But County Superintendent
Does Not Commit Self on
Increased Taxation.
BY LESTER N. INSKEEP,
STAFF Correspondent OF The Star.

CLARENDON, Va, April Appear
ing last night before a meeting of the
special committee of delegates from the
various parent-teacher associations of
the county, Fletcher Kemp, superin-
tendent of schools, outlined the tenta-
tive plans for the enlargement OF the
public school system, but declined TO
affirm statements credited to him that
the program could be carrie dout with
out an increase in taxation.
Kemp stated that the School Board
has held frequent meetings to discuss
q proposed bond issue for the increase
In school facilities, but has not as yet
reached any definite decision as to what
viii be asked These meetings will con-
tinue during the week, he said, and the
board will soon be in position to sub
NIT several complete plans for consid-
Grafton.
Mr.. Kemp's Views.
In discussing the statement attributed
to him that the program could be car
ried out without increased taxation,
Kemp said:
at am not sure whether this can be
carried out without increased taxation,
but I am sure that the rate for schools
cannot remain at 90 cents, although we
law. At the present time we are acting
as O training school for teachers for
the District of Columbia and Maryland
because of the small salaries that We
nav, and we cannot have the efficiency
desired until this situation is over
come"
One Of the most important recon-
nendations made by the school super
tntendent was that q regular scent
rate be imposed to care for future ex-
pansion. The regular imposition of
this tax would do away with further
necessity for bond issues for this pur-
pose, he said.
Kemp was besieged with questions
from the various delegates present at
the meeting, but was unable to give
definite answers to many of them be-
cause Of the incomplete plans of the
board.
Advocate Single School
Walter K. Handy and various other
delegates were emphatic in their advo-
cacy Of single high school for the
entire county. Kemp said that this
was one Of the things that had not
been decided, since many of the resi-
dents of Jefferson district, who lost
their high school through annexation,
feel that there should be high school
in that part of the county.
When asked how long the proposed
building program would adequately
care for the school needs of the coun-
ty, Kemp said that estimated on the
recent growth Of the population an
other increase should not be needed for
six or seven years.
It Is possible, Kemp said, that the
natural increase In assessed valuation of
real estate viii care for the new bond
issue. Since 1925, he declared, the
yearly increase in valuations has been
approximately 81 100000 for the entire
county, or $750, 900 for the part that is
left after annexation.
Last nights meeting was presided
over by Arthur Orr, chairman. In ad-
dition to delegates from the parent
teacher associations, there also were
delegates from the Arlington District
Council, Aurora Heights Civic Associa-
ton. Lyon Park Citizens Association
Thrifton Village Improvement League
Clarendon Citizens Association. Walker
Chapel Citizens Association and Lyon
Village Citizens Association present al
the meeting.