Evening star., 1940-04-23
.0verton Seeks
100000 for
School Mergers
Hopes Subcommittee
Will Authorize
Purchase of3 Sites
BY J. A. O'LEARY.

The Senate subcommittee con-
sidering the 1941 District supply
bill will be asked by Chairman
Overton to keep alive the program
for replacing and consolidating
antiquated school buildings by add
ing approximately $500 600 to the
measure for that purpose.
For that amount, the Louisiana
Senator pointed out, the District
could acquire sites and prepare plans
for three of the proposed new prof.
ects, even though money to start
construction would have to await the
1912 fiscal year. If the Senator's
recommendation Is carried out, the
three projects at the top of the wait
ing list probably would be consid-
cred. They are:
For a large, modern structure
to replace the Cranch, Tyler and
Van Ness Schools; site, $125,000, and
plans, $10,500.
For a new unit to replace the
Morse and Twining Schools; site,
10000, and plans, $3.50.
For building to replace the Brent.
Dent, Lenox and French Schools;
site, $65,000, and plans, $10,500.
Sponsored Plan Last Year.
Senator Overton took the initi-
ative last year in launching a pro-
gram to replace old, small grade
schools with large new buildings
that would save maintenance costs
in future by reducing the total
number of schools.
A committee of District officials
that studied the problem during the
recess recommended that the pro-
gram start in 1912, with funds to be
allowed at that time for both sites
and construction.
While school officials were testi-
flying yesterday afternoon on the
1941 bill, Senator Overton suggested
it would be more advisable to begin
buying sites and preparing plans
now, so that construction could
move forward more promptly under
the 1912 bill.
The inclusion of these school
building items would further in
crease the deficit already expected
to result from the bill as it passed
the House, but Senator Overton in
dicated he believes the District gov
ernment could tide itself over the
next fiscal year by using the au-
thority in the existing Revenue Act.
good until l942. to obtain advances
from the Federal Treasury, to be
paid back later.
Meets Again Today.
After making rapid progress yes
terday, the subcommittee was to
resume at 2:30 o'clock this after
noon, hearing department heads
asking for restoration of part of the
reductions the House made in
budget estimates.
Under the House bill, totaling
$48,276,717, it was estimated the
city's general fund deficit next year
might reach $500, 900. If the Senate
restores items the Commissioners
are recommending, the deficit would
be about 81, 1873, 900, District officials
testified yesterday. This estimate
does not include the proposed school
building sites and plans suggested
later in the day by Senator Overton.
Abbott Site Brought Up.
Senator Overton also indicated
today he will support a recommen-
dation that the Brentwood Park
site be designated in the bill for
the new Abbott Vocational School,
instead of the Thirteenth and
Upshur street NV. site specified
in the House bill. The Senate sub
committee was told the Brentwood
Park site. near New York avenue
NE, is recommended by the Board
of Education, the National Capital
Park and Planning Commission and
the Commissioners.
The subcommittee heard school
officials yesterday afternoon in sup
port of restoration of small House
cuts in the items for furniture and
equipment, for text books, repairs
to schools and for education Of
crippled children.
Maj. Ernest w. Brown, superin-
tendent of police, also was heard yes
terday on several minor changes
in police estimates.