The Sidney herald., 1959-09-09
Many Schools Consolidate
In Effort To Go M bat
Orey. Cr-OecGled Conditions


SO per cent OF the cost of public
elementary and secondary schools
falls on local and state givern-
ments. But people who are aware
OF the rise in school taxes probab-
ly do not realize that a larger
percentage of adj taxes was ear
marked for education. In 1922, 20
per cent of all taxes was earmark-
ed for education. In 1857, the
figure vas only IL per cent.
State and local budgets have
creaked and groaned under ris-
ing education costs. Since 1943
local and state debt has risen 1874
per cent, much of the rise being
accounted for by increasing school
costs. Many communities have
reached-and surpassed-a safe
level of bonded indebtedness.
Solutions Being Sought
Solutions to the problems are
being sought on many levels. For
the sake OF economy, many school
districts have been consolidated.
In 1859, there were 40, 900 school
districts In the United States-less
than hall the 1913 figure. In
1888. there were 10000 one-teach-
er schools in America reduc-
ton of two-thirds since 1948.
Educational TV Is receiving in
creased attention and study as the
classroom problem continues to
grow.
Public discussion over the role
OF the federal government in the
school crisis Is increasing, and the
r occupying more and
more time of the nations legisla-
tors The 85th Congress passed a
number Of laws affecting educa-
ton. Among the most important
is the National Defense Education
Act OF 1858. AS the name of the
Act implies. the legislation puts
The American people and Congress
squarely on record as believing
hat the question of adequate ed
lcation is bound up with the ques-
ion OF national survival. Among
'ther things, the Act provides for:
loans to college students and
'ellowships for college teachers.
- grants to states and loans to
private schools for the improve
of science, mathematics and
'oreign language instruction.
grants to the states for
guidance. testing and
programs in secondary
chools and to colleges and uni
'ersities for guidance personnel in
econdary schools.
- centers and institutes for
raining teachers and other experts
n foreign languages.
- research in educational TV
nd dissemination Of findings.
aid to state departments of
ducation to help them improve
heir statistical and reporting
ervices.
'ederal Government Plays A Role
Congress has appropriated $40
1illion to carry the program
trough its first year of operation.
The role of the federal govern
lent in education is still being
ebated and discussed, particular
= in light. of the serious shortages
nd the heavy debts of state and
zeal governments.
Everyone knows" said Ed
londsou, shat we can solve the
rOblems, and that we must solve
,em. When back-to-school shop
ing begins, / often find myself
llking to people about these
People know there are
roblems, but everyone seem to
.el confident that we can find
lie answers, as our country al
avs does when it comes to big
I'd important issues"
The Penney manager said that
'veral national groups r issu-
& literature on the school prob
. that will interest many par
its. The National Citi1ens Coun-
| for Better Abhoo1fwM send
.erature ON reque1e and publish
a large selection II sockets to
lip parents and coG1nalnities.
he Councils address II 8 East
It'll ST., New York 16, NJ. Y.