Evening star., 1950-12-19

a Virginia official described as
well above the average.
No one can say for sure how
much Arlington might have saved
by following more frugal pol
icy, without impairing the edu-
cational opportunity, the health
and safety of pupils.
S6.5 Million in Bonds.
Since taking Office, the board
has handled about SOS million in
school construction bonds. The
architect who designed Stratford
Junior High School-a SIS mil
lion plant-estimated that per-
haps $4,000 could have been
Topped off there without harm. If
he is correct. and the ratio were
applied to the whole building
program, the saving would be
upwards of $125, 900.
This is not a large percentage,
as School Board supporters point
ed out. Nevertheless it is tax
payers money. Critics declare
the savings could be much greater.
In 1947, under an economy
order from Congress. the District
saved 100000 on an $18 million
school building program. The
municipal architect said this was
enough to put up a 16-classroom
school. The saving was achieved
by cutting down on trim" This
resulted in some increase in the
maintenance cost but it also solved
a problem requiring immediate
solution.
Suggestions Offered.
To save money in Arlington va
rious persons OF groups have sug-
gested less trim. fewer complete
buildings for the present, smaller
classrooms, less bilateral lighting
no more radiant heating systems
reduction in the use of glass block
for exterior walls, etc.
Critics believe showers are un-
necessary in elementary schools.
They say kitchenettes are not
needed in teacher lounges They
contend the county has bought too
expensive equipment for cafeteria
kitchens.
There is no convincing proof
that glass block construction costs
more than other types. There are
honest differences of opinion
about radiant heat. Some COM
plants on kitchen equipment are
subject to question. The School
Board appears on solid ground in
it's claim that it will reduce main
tenance costs in the future.
Items Defended.
School Superintendent William
A. Early and the board believe
the Arlington economy can and
should provide better-t than aver
age buildings, well equipped and
functional.
E. j. Braun. an assistant super
intendent. expressed belief that
the only consequential savings
possible would be in smaller class
rooms, narrower corridors and less
bi-laterial lighting. He objects to
such a change, however, on edu-
cational grounds and for reasons
of safety and health.
ANY one who takes the trouble
to visit schools in several COM
munities will find that good build
ings, of functional design, can be
provided without buying, only the
best equipment.
Examples Cited.
For example, Prince Georges
and Montgomery save money by
using asphalt tile flooring that is
1s of an inch thick. Arlington
uses 3/16, which is more expen-
sive.
Thomas S. Gwynn. director of
school planning in Prince Georges,
said his county has saved from
14,UOU W 0A,UUo PC1 HOANAIlS AL
this way. He said walking patterns
in any building are such that only
a part of the asphalt tile ever re-
quires replacement. When the time
comes to replace it, he figures the
thin variety still will be cheaper
than the thick.
The kitchenettes for teachers
cost Arlington about $500 each.
They are in seven schools. A
teacher said the one att Glen
carlyn has never been used. The
District has some but there are
none in Montgomery, Prince Geor-
ges, Alexandria or Fairfax.
Most Showers Unused.
Arlington also Is an exception
when it comes to placing showers
in elementary schools. Many of
them have not been used. The
School Board says they were in
stalled in conjunction with recre-