Milford chronicle., 1932-05-13
VOTE ON CONSOLIDATION
AT FISHERS SCHOOL

wood, as to consolidation of that
school with Greenwood. 1t was not
expected that there would be a unan-
imOus support of the proposition, be-
cause many persons are not familiar
with the truth as to the statement
that there is no tax paid by real
estate for the support of public
schools in Kent or Sussex by any
district. Those who do not know
proclaim an objection because OF
taxation, when they pay no tax for
schools only; for county govern
ment and support of dirt roads.
AS to improvement of the One-rOOm
schools. objection has always come
from those ignorant of the facts as
to how they are supported in pres
ent days. All progress has met OPP
position and it can be dated from
the beginning of the Christian era,
when Jesus, the most progressive
man who ever lived, came to teach
the people. He spake as never man
spoke before; but he was opposed,
prosecuted and crucified, leaving
only a few followers to carry on the
great work; through these, Christ
is now the Saviour of the world.
There has been a class of people
who oppose all reforms and all pro-
gress in world affairs. Just a few
years ago when compulsory educa-
ton of all children was advocated,
it was opposed by this same class
of people, but now we see the fine
effects which that law, has had upon
the people of all Delaware especially.
When the beginning of concrete
road building started, the same class
of people proclaimed opposition on
the ground that taxes would destroy
all the ordinary people of the state,
but today the state can not build
concrete roads fast enough for this
same class of people, because the new
sources of revenue which came with
the roads supplied all the money
needed to create beautiful highways
and save money for all the people
in conduct of business of farms, and
business generally.
Then the new school code came
into effect a few years ago, and
though opposed by the folks who did
not understand how schools were to
be managed and supported; the laws
have been proven to be blessings
for children now growing into citi-
zens, as well as helping home life
conditions.
Now comes consolidation of one
room schools with well known ad-
vantage for better education of the
children. Where this has been done,
it has proved a splendid advantage
for the children, and there is no ad-
ditional tax to support the schools
levied on real estate in any form.
Now the same class of people who
opposed the consolidation, say it is
a fine thing and would not go back
to the One-rOom school under any
conditions.
Yet with. these truths available,
we i'm districts not consolidated find
this same opposition, fighting against
getting better advantages for all
children.
One condition notable in Fishers
School District, is the fact that most
of those who oppose consolidation,
have no children, or at least have
no children to attend the schools.
Their children are through their
school life, and so these have no
worry or care for others. In some
cases the opposition is selfish and a
bitter desire to have their own way
Those of us who have children to
educate have learned facts and are
willing to present them to their
neighbors, but they refuse to listen
to reason and proclaim taxes as
their only basis for Objecting.
Let it be stated as plain as it is
possible, that the only. possible in
crease in taxes, will be in the capi-
tation, now rs cents, and it will be
$15O, just rs cents more, and that
is the only tax possible for a land
owner for public school purposes.
1t may be possible to meet extra
expenses that the tax rate may be
made four cents OH the hundred dol
lars; yet these opponents continue
to state, that taxes will be very
much higher. 1t is plain that the
few cents increase temporarily will
make little difference IN the county
nOne-as the county
has reduced the rate ten cents on
the hundred Now if those who hol-
Ter about taxes will investigate for
themselves, and find out how little
goes to the schools, they will be sur
prised.
AS to advantages and disadvantag-
es involved; by consolidation the
first grades is most important. We
all know that a teacher can teach
one grade better than six, | think
any one will agree to that; but the
child that has gone through the six
grades in a one-roOm school, prob
ably received marks sufficient to pass
it, so it is taken by the state to the
town or consolidated school, enter
ing the seventh grade. 1t soon is
plain that that child is behind, and
chances are it will not pass the sew
enth grade with the class. 1t be-
comes discouraged so that in many
cases the child will not continue on
or graduate from school. Here is
the advantage the consolidated
school has over the One-room sys-
tenn.
If all were alike in thought and
home conditions, or even finance,
there would be no chance for differ
ences; but no such condition exists
anywhere. If no children were i'll
The families of Fishers or any other
school district, there would not be
any schools necessary, and no tax
es or other welfare conditions to
consider and it is easy to see the ul-