Evening star., 1945-01-30
5-Poiint School
Plan Studied
At Annapolis
o'Conor Asks Pay
Boost for Teachers,
12-Yeur Course
By the Associated Press.

ANNAPOLIS, Jan. 30.-A five-
point educational program calling
for a full IL years of schooling
throughout the State and increased
teacher salaries, among other things,
was IN the hands of Maryland's Cen
eral Assembly today after submis-
sion by Gov. O'Conor.
The Governor placed his plan for
improving the Free States educa-
tional system before the Legislature
last night, declaring that it will
represent the greatest single ad-
vancement in education to be made
In our State.
In addition to a 12-year system
and higher salaries. the States Chief
Executive recommended reduction in
sizes OF classes, encouragement of
students to enter State teacher COL
leges and improvement of public and
school libraries.
Cost Data Not r. ady.
Gov. O'Conor was unable to offer
an estimate on the programs cost
because DR.. Thomas G. Pullen,
State superintendent of education,
still is working on the complex job
of assembling data.
"Amplifcation of the five-point
program to be advocated" the Gov
ernor said in his message to the
House and Senate, calls for addi-
tlonal extensions and undertakings
in the public school system which
will outdistance other States, it is
expected, in the educational field"
Among the recommendations were
courses for returning veterans; re-
training of war workers; further
provisions for physical education
and health programs; vocational
courses in agriculture, home eco
nomics and industrial education;
expansion of adult training pro-
grams and radio education.
The Governor also proposed un-
der the expansion phases, training
courses for the physically and mem
tally handicapped and extension of
vocational rehabilitation services;
study of plan for self-supporting
junior colleges; planning aids to To-
cal governments for school build
ings; and programs for the greater
use of school buildings for civic and
recreational activities.
Four Bills introduced.
-Four bills covering parts of the
program were introduced in both
Houses. One would lower from 40
to IS students the maximum class,
another would promulgate transi-
ton to the 12-year system and the
fourth would provide for appoint
ment of part-time supervisors and
full-time supervisors in Negro
schools.
The chief measure would increase
salaries for teachers and high school
Beginning elementary
school teachers without degrees
would be raised from the present
81 900 annually to 81 300, progressing
to maximum of s2,050. Teachers
with degrees would start at 81 200
and increase to maximum of s., ,250.
High school principals would start
at $1,650 and be increased to $2,750
after 16 years service.
There would be other adjustments |
for supervising teachers and prin-
cipals, dependent upon the size of
their schools.
The nights session was largely de-
voted to routine, except for Gov.
O'Conor's message and the intro
duction of the four education bills.
Several measures were advanced to
passage stage.
Gov. O'Conor in his message said:
"The public school teachers well
deserve the revision of the salary
schedules. In order that proper
standards of living may be met the
teachers, who have entered the pro-
fession after lengthy study and
training, merit a fair wage scale so
that they can continue in their i'm
portant field without financial en-
barassment. Obviously, more teach
ers will be needed to put this gen.
eral program into effect and our
announced policy to eliminate tut
ton fees in the teachers colleges is
designed to attract more students
in future years.
Furthermore, in one of the bills
to be introduced, we seek the correc-
ton of an oversight which occurred
in previous legislation. This will
equalize the salaries of colored SUI
pervisors as was done in regard to
teachers generally. ="
The scale for elementary school
teachers, compared with the pres
ent salary schedule, follows:
Teachers Without Degee.
Present New