1935-07-22-STM-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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These figures are based on present enrollments and make no_alloW- ance for the future growth of the town. The present building was intended to accommodate approximately 1000 pupils. The estimated enrollment for September, 1936 is 1342. It is the opinion of the School Officials that by that date it will be impossible to accommodate properly that number of pupils. Rooms are now used that do not meet the required standards for light .and size; several rooms are accommodating classes beyond their proper capacity and others are being used for class purposes- that were not so intended. It is possible for a good school to run on its momentum for a short ofwhile, but it is Work when thepsch oleiso maintain vercrowdedrorlplacedtonth of part1high standard time. B. Ways of Relieving This Crowded Condition At the present there appear three feasible plans by.which the con- gestion in the High School Building can be relieved: I. By Eliminating Out-of-Town Pupils. II. By Enlarging the:Present High School Building. III. By Erecting a New Building to Serve for either of the Two High Schools. I. By Eliminating Out-of-Town Pupils On first thought one might believe that by excluding pupils from Bedford and Burlington a material saving would be made. Careful study shows that these pupils, selecting their subjects from the various curricula, are found in all the classes—a few in each. To be sure if they were excluded, there would be fewer pupils in each class; but only in a few subjects, such as English and History, would the number be cut down sa materially as to decrease class divisions. In fact the elimination of all out-of-town pupils would 'reduce the size of classes and the number of divisions sufficiently to save the expensesd of three hes; probably teachers.total saving of approximately $8,000 be,a saving in textbooks and supplies; probably or $9,000. Elimination of these pupils would prolong the use of the present building for a few years; no one knows how long. Once gone in all probabili- ty'they will never return. . The town will receive the coming year approximately $28,000, for tuition and by 1940 $40,000., if the present rates of tuition are maintained. The citizens of Lexington need to decide whether it is better to give up the $28,000. of tuition to save approximately $8,000 or $9,000 in salaries, text- books and supplies, and, thereby, delay the construction of building a few years,'or whether it is better to build now and to keep those pupils whose tuition will help to pay for a new building. Your Committee believes that the present arrangement with Bedford and Burlington is of economic advantage to Lexington and should b€ continued. II. By Enlarging Present High School Building As to the advisability of adding to the present building, severe: objections are seen. a. The building is so constructed and located that it is not- ideal fol further expansion. 4