Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1955-09-30

Speed Urged
On Emergency
Teacher Fund
Spencer Told PTA
Fnvors Immediate
Advance Of Money
BY JAMES g. DEANE

John B. Gill.iland, president Of
THE District Congress of Parents
and Teachers. today urged
speedy action by the District on
the Board Of Education's request
for emergency teacher funds.
Mr.. Gillilland, in a letter he
delivered personally to the office
of Commissioner Samuel Spen-
cer, said his organization fayors|
an immediate advance Of funds
to meet the elementary teacher
shortage.
I'VE know that you are we'll
aware OF the great loss inflicted
on many children with every
days delay" Mr.. Gillilland's let
tier stated.
The letter came on the heels
of q statement by Mr.. Spencer
that the granting of emergency
funds might be possible.
TO Consider Request
Mr.. Spencer and Director
Schuyler Lowe of the Depart
lment OF General Administration
both indicated to reporters yes
Iterday that they were willing toI
consider the request for aid.
Neither city official committed
himself to giving q favorable
answer, however.
The school board has not yet
forwarded its REQUEST to the city
heads. This Is because school
officials have not yet come upI
with an estimate Of the funds
needed.
The school board voted to seek
Emergency funds Wednesday
after hearing PTA spokesman
complain about teacher Short
ages at q number Of elementary
schools.
Preparing Estimates
School Supt. Hobart M. Corn
ling had not recommended such
la request. But he told the board
lit was justified and today AMI
aide said an estimate was inI
preparation. It is not expected
to be ready to go to the cityl
heads before some time nextl
week. however.
Mr.. Lowe said yesterday I'll
might be possible to shuttle some
funds within the school budget
Ior to. tap some funds not sched-
luled for use until later In the
year. In order to hire more
teachers now.
Then a supplemental appropri-
alton. which was suggested by the
school board. could be sought
when Congress reconvenes.
And stunning OF funds would
require polling members of the
House and Senate Appropriations
COMMITTEES in order to get in-t
formal agreement. Mr.. Lowe
warned, however. He also point
lea out. that any such course
would be risky.
Could Backfire
II Congress failed to make
Iup the expended funds later, |
1t could mean firing $50 or
300 teachers in order to keep
within the existing appropria- |
lions, he said.
The city officials made 1t clear
they would have to be convinced
Iof serious need before undertake
ing to provide emergency aid.
Mr.. Gillilland, in his letter
today to Mr.. Spencer urging the
provision Of emergency funds,
declared:
ION behalf of the District |
Congress Of Parents and Teach
Iers, we commend you for a posi-
tive approach toward an imme-
diate solution Of today's teacher
crisis in our elementary schools.
"Great Loss" to Children
cit is our most earnest hope
that such funds can be made
available at the earliest possible
moment. We know that you are
well aware Of the great loss in
fiicted on many children with
every days delay.
THE recent testimony before
the Board of Education gives
proof of the support of the men,
bers Of our organization for your
effort in seeking the advance of
funds to meet without delay our
critical teacher shortage.
Your record Of genuine in
terest in the District public
schools gives us every confidence
that we can count on your initia-
tive and fortitude in approach
ing the problem.
Mr.. Gillilland said a number
of PTAs have sent kilograms to
the Commissioners also urging
quick action.
Furnace BIost Blows |
Basement Door Out