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Board of Education Adopts Budget System Outlined by Superintendent
F.B. Andreen
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BETTER TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR
SCHOLARS IS URGED
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Committee Appointed To Act With Parochial School Representatives
in the Matter.
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Based upon an exhaustive compilation of data and figures prepared by Superintendent F. B. Andreen, according to the anticipated expenditures that will be necessary to maintain the New Ulm public schools for the 1926-1927 term, the local board of education adopted the budget system in connection with school expenditures. As a result, it was found possible to reduce the current tax levy by $5,000. The amount to be raised by this method for the present0term was fixed at $40,000, as compared with $45,000 for the school year 1925-1926.
Economy With Efficiency.
The board of education, as at present constituted, long since adopted the slogan, "Economy With Efficiency," in the matter of conducting and maintaining the local public schools. While the board has not stinted necessary expenditures, its policy has been to conserve the school district funds as much as possible, so as not to burden the taxpayers beyond reason. The consequences are that New Ulm boasts one of the best and most efficient public school systems in the state, and this is accomplished with the smallest tax rate of any school district in Minnesota. A consistent effort is being made to gradually reduce the tax levy, without impairing the high efficiency of our schools.
Better Traffic Safety.
Realizing the constant danger encountered by children crossing streets on their way to and from school, the board members discussed the matter of greater traffic safety, especially for the little tots. President Alfred W. Mueller and Clerk John Henle were appointed as a committee to act with representatives of the three local parochial schools in a concerted appeal to the city council for better traffic regulations, so as to eliminate this hazard as much as possible.
High School Dances.
Dr. C. A. Hintz, in referring to trouble experienced at high school dances in past years, desired to know his colleagues' attitude toward this diversion during the present term. Although no official action was taken by the board, it was informally accepted as a rule that regular high school dances, such as have been held heretofore, be discontinued. Permission may, however, be granted for dancing at the Junior-Senior reception, and upon other special occasions during the school year, providing it is requested.
Kindergarten Transportation.
If a sufficient number of eligible children residing in the Emerson school area desire to attend kindergarten, this year, transportation to the Washington building will be provided them free of charge. In this case, the kiddies can accompany their older brothers or sisters, or other children of maturer age, to the Emerson school, whence they will be taken to the Washington building by auto. The state appropriates financial aid for this purpose, reimbursing the school district for the expenses incurred for transportation.
Fewer Children Listed.
According to her report, filed with Superintendent Andreen, Miss Jocelyn Zschunke, who was engaged to take the local school census, during the past summer, listed a total of 1,126 children of school age within the school district limits. This is considerably less than were enumerated last year, the latter number being nearly 1,400. The board compensated Miss Zschunke in the sum of $45, or approximately four cents for each name listed.
Boilers Satisfactory.
A report received and presented to the board by Clerk Henle, relative to the inspection of the central heating plant of the high and Emerson school buildings, states that both boilers and the hot water heater were found to be in satisfactory condition. The inspector recommended a maximum pressure of 150 pounds per square inch for each of the two boilers, and a static pressure of 35 pounds to the square inch for the heater.
Consider Fire Escapes.
The representatives of a manufacturer of tubular type fire escapes explained his proposition to the board members. The Emerson building was inspected by a state official, last month, who ordered that suitable fire escapes be provided, as well as panic bars on each door leading to the outside of the building, Dr. Hintz remarked that the building has been standing for many years, but never before have any such orders been made. He was of the opinion that, inasmuch as there is no heating plant located inside the structure, consequently no great fire hazard exists. Dr. Hintz emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the lives of the pupils but objected to needlessness. The panic bars have already been ordered and will be installed as soon as they arrive, but the matter of installing fire escapes was laid over for further investigation.
Adopt School Calendar.
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Andreen, the following official school calendar for the present term was adopted by the board: Opening of school, Tuesday, September 7; Southern Minnesota Educational association meeting at Mankato, October 7 and 8, (grade teachers are advised to attend); Minnesota Educational association meeting at St. Paul, November 4, 5 and 6, (high school teachers are advised to attend); Armistice day, November 11, school sessions in forenoon, and attendance at local programs or community observance of the day is advised in the afternoon; Thanksgiving day, November 25, (it is customary to include Friday in the Thanksgiving recess); Christmas vacation to begin Friday afternoon, December 17, and sessions to resume Monday morning, January 3; Washington's birthday, February 22; Spring vacation, Friday afternoon, April 7, and sessions to resume Monday morning, April 18; Memorial day, Monday, May 30; Commencement day, Friday, June 3.
Miscellaneous Matters.
Treasurer H. F. Raabe reported a balance of $13,214.71 to the credit of the local school district, in the bank, Monday.
The surety bond of Treasurer Raabe in the sum of $40,000 was approved, accepted, and ordered filed with Clerk Henle.
Clerk Henle was authorized to lease one of the school lots on North Broadway to the Ludcke Advertising service of St. Peter for billboard advertising, provided this will not constitute a traffic hazard. The annual rental was fixed at $10.
Brown County Journal
September 17, 1926
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