Evening star., 1945-01-18
Boards Suggest
Limited Use Of
Schools at Night
Commissioners
Blocked in Stringent
Fuel-Sovine Plan

Stringent measures to reduce use
of heating fuel were suggested to
the Commissioners today by the
Board Of Recreation and the Board
OF Education, but each board re-
fused to comply fully with the city
heads sweeping request Tuesday
that use of schools for anything ex-
cept school activities be discontinued
during the heating season.
The boards decided, meeting sepa-
rately and then jointly, that certain
night activities-"canteens" for teen
ayers, flrst-aid classes, athletics and
orchestra recitals-should Fbe con-
tinued in the evenings because they
contribute to the development Of
the pupils" The Board Of Educa-
ton suggested, however, that prin-
cipals cancel dances, plays and
alumni meetings until spring or hold
them in the afternoon.
Makes Vigorous Protest.
The Recreation Board meeting was
marked by vigorous protest by Milo
F. Christensen, recreation superin-
tendent, that the recreational pro-
grams he controlled in 10 schools
after $3.50 pm. contributed to the
welfare of The community and could,
in the main, be carried on with no
heat and little light. OF the 10
buildings, Is are used without heat
every week, 18 without heat once a
month and 27 with heat.
OF this 81, however, Mr.. Chris
tiansen declared, seven are heated
| for regular evening classes con-
Quoted by the Board of Education.
To work on revisions and changes
necessary to conserve heat in the
20 buildings thus using heat for
recreations only, the two boards
said committees would meet imme-
diately with power to act. Ths
Recreation Board Committee, ap-
pointed at its meeting, is Harry S.
Wender, board chairman; James E.
Schwab, Mrs. George Garrett and
Mr.. Christensen.
The Education Boards committee
will be c. Melvin Sharpe, DR.. Robert
A. Maurer and Mrs. Velma G.
Williams.
Heated Discussion.
! During discussion of their decision
to protect their recreational pro-
gram as much as possible, the rec
reation body heard a heated dis
cussion between Mr.. Christensen
and Walter L. Fowler, representa-
tive of the Commissioners, on
whether the city heads request to
discontinue night activities was an
order" policy statement"
Mr.. Chas1lansen pointed out that
he had cut his fuel consumption 20
lper cent already and that the Com
missioners did not ask him for this
information before issuing their
: request.
Mr.. Fowler replied that the Com
! mlssioners are "level-headed busi-
nessmen' and know there must be
exceptions to every rule If the
two boards could show proof that
cancellation of their programs would
work hardship to the community,
he said, the Commissioners would
no doubt accept the deviation with
out protest.
Many Meet in Homes.
If the Commissioners accept the
accommodation of the two boards.
parent-teacher and citizens associa-
tions will be asked either to meet
in the afternoon or in homes until
the period is over. Most of them
already are doing this, Mr.. Chris
tiansen said, as result of the first
fuel conservation drive more than
a year ago.
Six February graduations sched-
uled for evening probably will be
changed to afternoon. Recreational
activities being held in the 20
buildings heated for that purpose
alone probably will be shifted to
buildings without heat or ones hold
ing evening classes. Certain night
classes with small enrollments may
be consolidated during the second
semester in one or two buildings.