The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-04-13
Better Schools Without
Increased Costs

Better Schools Without
Increased Costs
School of Education Record, Univer-
| sity of North Dakota)
The cost Of public education is a
topic that is receiving the attention
not only of the citizens of North Da-
kota but Of the whole United States.
In the February, 1882, number of
The School of Education Record, Prof.
A. v. Overn presented the results Of
numerous studies that had bearing
on "A Basis for State Wide School
Support in North Dakota" An ar
! ticle in The North Dakota Teacher
for December, 1881, gave abundant ev-
idence to show that gross inequalities
exist in school support in the school
districts Of North Dakota. The state
is pledged by its constitution to try
to give equal educational opportuni-
ties to all its children. That inequali-
ties exist must be admitted as the re-
suit of the evidence Of numerous
studies cited in the above quoted ar
ticles. Studies also reveal the fact
that it is possible to reduce the cost
of education somewhat and still MAIN
tain high standards ~ the schools II
carefully worked out plan In the
schools is devised. These consolida-
tons usually imply different form
of school administration from that
which is now in existence in the
state.
| With these facts before US it is now
time to propose some remedial meas
ures. Any plan calling for the dis
tribution of state funds to needy dis
tricts is usually met with the argu-
ment that it would mean a greater
total cost to the state for the mainte-
nance of its schools. At the present
time assurances must be made to the
citizens of the state that educational
costs will not be increased, but that
better and more uniform opportuni-
ties will be offered.
The question that confrontS the ed
ucational administrators today Is
what can We do that is most practical
for the relief Of some of the diff
culties in which we find ourselves?
Certain principles. probably, should be
observed in attempting legislation
that will remedy our defects:
First: There should be an assur-
ance that at present there would be
no great increase in the total cost
of education for the state.
Second: Some survey organiza-
ton should be established and power
given to the State Department Of Pub
lie Instruction to maintain the pres
ent standards in the schools and at
the same time reduce the COSTS Tho
surveys and research necessary could
be carried on by the Graduate Divi-
sion of the School of Education at the
University
Third: There should be as little dis
turbance of the present units Of adj
ministration as possible. The county
superintendent and local school
boards should be retained and made
responsible for carrying out any plan
whereby the state would enable them
to maintain better schools.
II the above three principles can be
observed, legislation looking toward
a more equitable distribution Of the
state funds can be easily enacted. The
proposals to be presented here are
first, that an estimate Of the total
cost of education in the state be made
in terms of our present expenditures
second. that in the light Of this cost
an estimate be made of the amount
that different types of commun!-
ties should spend in educating the
boys and girls in their respective dis
tricts; third. that every district should
raise an amount of money for the
support of it's schools in proportion tc
the valuations in the respective dis.
tricts, this rate to be established BY
making a careful survey Of the tota
available valuations and the total cost!
for education taking the whole STATE
as a unit; fourth, after district has
raised the funds available through
local taxation. this fund should b.
supplemented from the state fund II
proportion to the needs Of the re-
|spective districts in an effort to equal
ize the opportunities for its pupils
fifth, the funds that are made avail
able to the respective districts SHOULD
be granted conditionally on their be.
ing extended In the most economical
and efficient manner. this to be de-
termined by the State Board Of Pub.
lie Instruction through surveys made
in the respective districts This fea
ture would enable the State Depart
ment to bring about consolidation!
and reorganizations in its district
where the cost of education seems Il
be abnormally high: sixth. any schoo
district wishing to provide more thar
the minimum essentials prescribed b.
the state In the way OF educational op'
poytunities. could tax itself for thes'
opportunities provided 1t would no
need to call on the state to provide
the minimum essentials prescribed b!
the State Department.
The above suggestions form q mer'
skeleton plan, the details OF which
should be worked out through care
full research directed by experts, pref
erably men who have had administra
tive experience in public education
This plan could be put into opera
ton without disturbing the loca
school boards, as administrative units
The present organization In the cos,n
ties with the elected county superin
tendent could also be retained Will
slight adjustments In duties and re
sponsibilities. There Is the POSSIBLE
ity Of making the change necessar.
for this plan gradually, thus avoidin,
any sudden disruption in our preseh
school system. The fundamentals o
this plan have already been tried ant
seem to be working satisfactorily eS