The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-06-02

The series of regional discourses planned by Ernest w. Butterfield, state commissioner of education, deserve the earnest consideration of all who believe that no mat ter how necessary 1t may appear to economize in various ways, noth- ing should be done which might have tendency to interfere with the education of the youth of the nation. The commissioner spoke at NNilby auditorium this morn ing and his address made a deep impression on his audience. His statement with reference to Hitter acy in Connecticut and Rhode 1s- land furnishes food for thought on the part of those who might that too much money is being spent in school work in these states. The public of this state will want to inquire as to why this Is so, and suggest remedies.
 In considering the cost of our public schools it might be well to bear in mind that according to sta- tistics one child in every ten is being cared for in the elementary schools, so that ratepayers may see that they are not bearing the full burden of the expense incl dent to education of the children, who are to take the places of those who are charged with seeing that they are given full opportunity to become equipped by a fair knowl- edge of their duty as citizens.
 The commissioner treated his subject as follows:
 At this time the schools are in a very critical situation. When economic disaster came the first att lacks were on the school organiza- ton. The attack now is on the schools themselves. fs In two years the public schools fhave given up much that they held essential. Educational programs have been curtailed. The purchase of books and supplies have been postponed. The teachers load has been increased and her aid in books and supplies has been with drawn. At the same time the num- ber of pupils under her instruction has greatly increased. Our schools have been harmed but they have carried on. Now many are at the breaking point and further reduc- tions will mean but one thing. Schools will not close with us as < they have in some states but the pupils in our schools will so from them with poorer preparation for work and life.
 am very serious as I appeal to the citzens of the state to consider definitely within the next few months the plight of our schools as they face 19S3-19S4.
 Meanwhile our teachers need no pity but high praise. More pu- pills, more classes, less aid, tewer books, reduced wages. pupils who need encouragement as never be- fore, and yet the teachers without flinching, without complaint. with courage and high loyalty go to their schools each day.
 Schools must be maintained and I wish to emphasize five lines Of common defense:
 1. There must be opportunity for free public education from the period when schools must supple anent home care to the period when employment Is available.
 Thirty years ago this meant to the age of fourteen or sixteen. It means now to the age of seventeen or eighteen. There Is not now and there never will be again any large amount of work in shop, store, factory, farm labor, or house work for children fourteen, fifteen. sixteen or seventeen years of age. We have our choice. These children will either be in school or be in home and street idleness.
 It means that no plan which would restrict high school educa- ton to special types of children and to selected classes or any plan which would require of parents tui- ton payments Is now to be brought into a free state.
 9. The educational contact Is not to be abbreviated.
 This means that the school year IS not to be shortened. It means that the qualifications of teachers are not to be lowered. The load 1s heavier and every teacher that is retired should be replaced by an ofen better trained teacher. 3. School control must remain with the Board of Education.
 In many places there are strong efforts to place the schools under political control or the more or less complete direction of official or unofficial boards of finance. This