Evening star., 1955-02-12
Legislation 10 Allow
$40 Million in Bonds
For Schools Sought

Prince Georges County COM
missioners yesterday authorized
the School Board to seek per-
missive legislation from the
General Assembly, which would
permit a $40 million bond issue
for school construction needs
through 1856.
The request was presented the
board by George H. Robinson.
assistant superintendent Of
schools; who said the county's
present school construction pro-
gram calls for capital expendi-
lures of $13,193,O 900.
This would provide for the
construction Of a senior high
school. two junior-senior high
schools. four junior high schools.
seven elementary schools and
additions to eight present build
ings. Also in the planning stage
is the acquisition of IA new
school sites.
Mr.. Robinson said the con-
struction program would be a
minimum necessary to house ad-
ditional students expected by
1856.
Mr.. Robinson told the board
the county already has permis-
sive legislation from the 1858
session of the General Assembly
to issue SIS million in bonds.
May Not Be Needed.
He said the county would not
necessarily have to issue bonds
for an additional $40 million If
Federal funds are obtained to
assist in the construction pro-
gram.
Permission for the issue is be-
ing sought at this time, however,
because the present session of
the Legislature is the only one
which can grant the authority
before the school enrolment
crisis faces county officials.
The board received a second
refusal from Orme Lewis, As
sistant Secretary of the Interior,
to permit the construction Of
signs at interchanges in the
Federal portion of the Baltimore
Washington Parkway which
would direct motorists to tourist,
restaurant and business estab-
lishments along Route l.
Mr.. Lewis told the board signs
along the parkway are limited
to those deemed essential Ito
proper administration" of 1t.
Board members decided to con-
tact Senators Butler and Beall,
Republicans, of Maryland. and
Fifth District Representative
Democrat, for as
sistance in getting permission to
erect the signs.
Merchants Hard Hit.
II feel this is most unfair to
those fellows" Jesse S. Baggett,
board president, said in reference
to the Route / merchants. He
pointed out that merchants along
Route / have been seriously hit
financially since the opening of
the parkway, which has drawn
the bulk of tourist travellers.
Board members also pondered
problems raised by Arthur w.
Tayman, director of public
works. and outgoing Building In
spector John B. Lauer, which re-
suit in a lack of cooperation
between county officials and the
State Roads Commission.
The officials told the board
that building permits sometimes
are issued on land for construc-
ton desired by the State Roads
Commission for highway pur-
poses.
Long Tie-Ups Opposed.
The discussion brought blast
from Mr.. Baggett, who said the
county is willing to cooperate
with the commission if State Of
ficials are positive of proposed
road locations.
But I don't think it's fair to
tie up a mans property un-
necessarily for a long period of
Tine" Mr.. Baggett said.
He said county officials should
De promptly notified on definite
new road locations.
The board appointed Mrs.
Ruth Kane of Riverdale, prin-
cipal of the Brentwood Ele-
nentary School, to a vacant post
On the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Mrs. Kane previously had served
u 4