Milford chronicle., 1933-03-17

some communities. This is not econ
Omy. II is nnwise to deny the serv-
ices of the schools to young children
during period of depression. II is
precisely al this time that their
/ homes are least able to care for
them and to provide for them the ac-
4 tiyities and social contacts which
are essential for their normal growth
and development
Night schools have been abolished
In many school systems. This is not
economy. When young people and
adults are sufficiently ambitious to
/ spend their time outside of the work
/ ing day in an effort to improve their
status through education, society
! loses in the long run IL il denies this
opportunity to them II is especial
! ly important during the period of
the depression that opportunities for
re-trainins and educational and VO-
cati0nal guidance be provided
! through night schools.
= All services which are available
for adults should be strengthened
during the period of the depression.
More library service is most GER
tainly demanded. Opportunity for
re-training during daylight hours
for those out of work should be pro-
yided. More opportunity for partici-
patton in activities which will build
and maintain the morale OF our peo-
pie is essential.
The length Of the school term
should be maintained and extended.
We now have the shortest school
term OF any civilized people in the
world The cutting of the school
term means the denial of Oppormn-
ity for education To American boys
and girls. Now Is the only time
during which these children can be
educated. II is not economy TO cut
the school term.
Some economies can be effected
without injury to our children. Sig
niicant economies may be made in
operation and maintenance of the
school plant. Good administration
has discovered methods of assigning
work and of training the custOdial
personnel efficiently, methods of
purchasing fuel and other supplies,
and the economical handling of in
surance risks. which have resulted
in substantial economies.
In general. better administration
of schools through more adequate
budgetary practice may be expected
TO result in economy. In every school
system the board of education should
adopt the program of activities TO
be carried on by the public school
system. The unit cost of each activ-
ity should be determined. A sound
estimate of revenue should be made.
The budget should show a balance
between expected revenues and esti-
mated expenditures. Those respdn
sible for the administration OF the
program shuuld accept the control
imposed by the budget. No eXpendi-
lures should he made that has not
been authorized, and in no area
should. the budget estimates be ex-
ceeded. When this form of control
IL instituted, economies which were
planned at the time of the adoption
of the budget may reasonably be
expected to be carried out.
Economy may be effected through |
the more complete utilization of plant |
and equipment already provided. |
and through economy in new con
struction. In many communities,
the lengthening of the !
school day and the reorganization o!
The program, more children can be !
accommodated in the buildings al
ready available. In new structures. ,
expert planning will reduce the
of cubic feet required per
pupil. Economics through the use OF
less expensive materials, through
he elimination of useless and costly
ventilation, and through
he better adaptatiO n0f the building
10 the school program. are clearly
indicated.
Economies have been effected in
many school systems by increasing
he size of classes. Where classes
nave been small, this increase may
be justified. However. in many of
he larger school systems classes
ire already overwhelmingly large
N some cases so large as 10 make
teaching impossible. II is
necessary to note as well that in
'reasing the size of classes reduces
he number of persons employed,
md particularly the number OF
and more vigorous persons
recruited for the teaching
profession.
In increasing class sic, distInc-
ions must be made among the types
If work done A class in group sing
ne may very well include one hun
lred or more children. II IL not un-
Common practice to find a group oil
rom 60 to 100 children at work in
.roups in a large gymnasium under
he direction of competent teacher
# physical education. Education IS
IN individual matter When class
ICES are increased, the preservation
II opportunities for boys and girls
8 dependent upon an increase in
he services of guidance and adjust
nent made available outside the
lassroom.
There is justification for salary
eductions in line with the decreas-
ng cost of living. American teach
rs are members of profession
a service fundamental to
he public welfare. Maintenance OF
his service is in their judgment
aramount, and rather than deprive {
hildren and society OF its benefits
eachers have been willing TO accept
ecreases in their salaries.
Salary cuts should not operate. I
Owever. TO deny advancement to
Ounger teachers. II is particular
? important in the current social
nd economic situation that teach |
RS be sufficiently supported to en- {