Survey of the Schools of Wilmington, Delaware. Part 1: I. The Educational Background; II. School Organization, Supervision, and Finance; III. A School Building Program for Wilmington. Bulletin, 1921, No. 2
Author: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Education (ED)
Date: 1921-00-00
Type: Historical Materials
Subjects: Educational Finance,School Organization,Teaching Methods,Public Schools,Superintendents,Construction Programs,School Buildings,Parochial Schools,Surveys,State Boards of Education,Administration,Elementary School Teachers,Elementary School Students,Enrollment,Secondary School Students,Secondary School Teachers

During March of 1920, by resolution of the Board of Education of Wilmington, Delaware, a committee of 30 citizens of the city was appointed to make a survey of the public schools and of the system of education of the city. The executive committee was directed to prepare a plan or program to be followed in making the investigation and survey and to report back to the general committee. The Commissioner of Education was asked what the Bureau of Education could do in furnishing experts to assist in this study, and also to suggest what should be the scope of the survey, to state how long it would take to make the investigation, and to make an estimate of its approximate cost. The committee stated that, in its opinion, three important points should be covered: (1) A report on the physical condition of the schoolhouses, with recommendations as to any changes for their improvement or betterment; (2) A report as to the business methods pursued by the board of education, with recommendations for improvement; and (3) Investigation of the methods of instruction in the schools, as to courses, standards, etc., with recommendations for improvements, if any. In reply, the Commissioner of Education stated that the survey should cover: (1) A study of the schoolhouse situation, with recommendations for repairing the old buildings and making them more sanitary, replacing those out of use, and outlining a building program for the next 8 or 10 years; (2) A study of the organization of the board of education and its methods of work, with special relation to the business activities and to the schools through the superintendent and other officers; (3) A study of the organization of the schools and their administration under the direction of the superintendent, with recommendations for improvements; (4) The financing of the schools, the salaries of the teachers and other school officers; (5) A study of the education, professional preparation, and experience of teachers, and the spirit of the teaching body; (6) A study of the courses of study and their adaptation to the needs of the city, with recommendations for their modification and improvement, and a statement of reasons for the same; and (7) A study of methods of instruction, the results and standards, with recommendations. The Bureau of Education agreed to undertake the survey after certain conditions were met, which was accomplished as of August 10, 1920. This bulletin presents Part 1 of this survey, which covers the following topics: (1) The Educational Background; (2) School Organization, Supervision, and Finance; and (3) A School Building Program for Wilmington. Twenty one exhibits are appended: (1) Wilmington Public Schools: General Fund Statement; (2) City of Wilmington--Board of Education; (3) Statement of Wilmington Public School Property (Land, Buildings, and Equipment) as of December 31, 1919; (4) Comparative Statement of the Value of School Property in 45 Cities of Population of 30,000 to 100,000, 1917-18; (5) Statement of Assessed Valuation of Property in City of Wilmington. Tax Rates (City, School, and Total), and of Tax Levies for the Years 1910 to 1920, Inclusive; (6) Comparative Statement of Assessed Property Available for Taxation, Reduced to Common Basis of 100 Per Cent Valuation in 45 Cities of 30,000 to 100,000 Population, 1917-18; (7) Comparative Statement of Tax Rates, Per Thousand, for School Purposes, Reduced to Common Basis of 100 Per Cent Valuations of Property Available for Taxation in 45 Cities of 30,000 to 100,000 Population, 1917-18; (8) General Statement of Expenditures of Wilmington Public Schools for the Fiscal Year 1919-20; (9) Statement of Cost of General Control Service of Wilmington Public Schools, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (10) Statement of Cost of Instructional Service in Wilmington Public Day Schools, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (11) Statement of Cost of Instructional Service in Wilmington Public Night Schools, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (12) Statement of Cost of Instructional Service in Wilmington Public Continuation Schools, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (13) Statement of Cost of Proprietary Service in Wilmington Public Schools, Operation of School Plant, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (14) Statement of Cost of Proprietary Service in Wilmington Public Schools, Upkeep of School Buildings, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (15) Statement of Cost of Auxiliary Agencies and Other Activities of Wilmington Public Schools, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (16) Statement of Fixed Charges of Wilmington Public Schools, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (17) Statement of Cost of Capital Outlays of Wilmington Public Schools, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (18) Statement of Payment of Debt of Wilmington Public Schools, Fiscal Year 1919-20; (19) Enrollment in Private and Parochial Schools of Wilmington, Nov. 1, 1920; (20) Original Capacity of 30 Elementary School Buildings: Net Enrollment for 1910-1920--Per cent of Increase i Enrollment 1910-1920--Excess of Pupils over Seating Capacity--Additional Capacity Needed--Number of Special Facilities Available--Number of Teachers, Principals, and Assistants; and (21) From a Report of the Commerce Club of Toledo, Ohio: The work-study-play plan in some cities. Individual sections and exhibits contain footnotes. [For &quot;Survey of the Schools of Wilmington, Delaware. Part 2: I. The Elementary Courses; II. Secondary Education; III. Special Departments and Subjects. Bulletin, 1921, No. 2,&quot; see ED541465. Best copy available has been provided.]