community. Any reduction in funds can only result in impairing the quality of education in our schools. It is sincerely requested of you to actively support the supplementary appropriation approximating $41 million. Other facts are herein presented to show that (1) Bremerton continues to be an important military and defense center. Over one-half of the school population has direct military connections. One year ago the Kitty Hawk, a large carrier, brought with it 286 pupils and 28miscellaneous shops added 157 more pupils for grades kindergarten through 12. The Constellation, another carrier of the Kitty Hawk class, docked unexpectedly several months later and added to our school problems. (2) A close relationship exists between school enrollment and Federal activity and has continued since 1950. The following tables illustrate the continuing impact since the first report was filed in 1950: (3) The growth in Bremerton School District has been phenomenal. In October of 1940 there were 3,160 pupils on board, 6,353 in 1950, and October 1 of this year 9,180. These statistics do not include the community or junior college enrollment of 3,615. (4) Bremerton, currently not being eligible for Public Law 815 funds, bonded itself to capacity in a special election held September 14, 1966 (see exhibit No. 5). It provides for a new elementary school, addition to four elementary and two senior high schools, and additional building to the community college of which one will be a technical-vocational building. The overwhelming vote to add housing and program needs may have had some bearing on the defeat of the current levy referred to above. (5) The Congress is to be commended for the passage of Public Laws 874 and 815, the extension and improvement of them, and for the appropriations made that have funded them. (6) The financial assistance of the Federal Government has recognized the direct relationship to the burden imposed upon a community by Federal activities. The burden imposed upon local school districts by Federal activities has, since the inception of Public Laws 874 and 815, recognized and defined the problem as a continuing and growing one. It follows that a burden so constituted should be relieved by Federal support of the federally connected child. (7) Since its inception in 1950, it has been recognized that impacted districts are usually low in per pupil valuations and usually competing with higher wages paid the federally employed. (8) Public Laws 874 and 815 reflect a practical, positive and effective solution to a complex problem. They recognize the right of local communities to control and direct their programs. They pay for the actual number of federally connected children served. They recognize when a child is half a Federal responsibility and half a community responsibility. They recognize the burden of educating children flowing into a district such as Bremerton, unsupported by an inadequate tax base. (9) To limit the Federal support of the unending stream of new Fedral pupils who are annually "welcomed aboard” in the Bremerton public schools seriously limits the educational program, prohibits improvement of the educational program, and singles out a district centered in the midst of a number of very important national defense installations. (10) Of some importance, is the evident fact that the existance of large Federal establishments and its highly selective employment policies creates an unusual educational problem. It denies the youth of the community nor mal employment opportunity on one hand and on the other hand requires ar educational program of significant depth and breadth to train for highly specialized jobs in Government establishments. It is sincerely requested that the twin measures; namely, Public Laws 574 and 815 be permanently enacted. They are simple to administer and their respective entitlements are clear cut and based upon a sound principle. Their permanent enactment will permit better budgetary practices and consistently better educational programs. The Bremerton district needs to know well ir advance if the Federal Government will pay for services rendered. Long-term planning is essential to a good educational program. The community of Bremerton and especially those in charge of the schools are grateful of the services rendered by you and the excellent educational progratis provided by the companion laws; namely, Public Laws 874 and 815. Mr. ARMIN JAHR Superintendent of Schools, EXHIBIT No. 1 28 FEBRUARY, 196 Burwell and Montgomery, Bremerton, Wash. DEAR MR. JAHR: As a person who is active in both military and civic affairs in Bremerton, I note with some concern the approaching date of March 8, 196 when a vote will be taken on providing funds for needed repairs and alterations to certain schools in Bremerton. Being a line officer, having served as cornand ing officer of several ships (one of which I brought into PSNS), I would like to mention a few points which might have some bearing on this important issue. A commanding officer in deciding or making recommendations to his type commander on the location of a ship overhaul usually considers two items paramount, as to the desirability of that location. These are: (1) the availability of housing, recreation, and shore leave facilities for his crew, and (2) the living costs and availability of housing, recreation facilities, and schools for the families of the officers and crew. In regard to the second point, the availability of good schools both in academie instruction and facilities, is a very important consideration to the commanding officer and should be a very important item in influencing Bremerton voters to vote "yes" for the much needed repairs in the oncoming election. This sh seriously concern both the employee who works directly in the shipyard and associated facilities and the great many others performing services who indrectly depend on government payrolls for their livelihood. For without incoming ships and satisfied departing personnel, the prosperity of Bremerton will be greatly affected. It is unfortunate that the property owner, particularly retired and limited income personnel, must once again bear the tax load. However, as a property owner in Bremerton, I personally will share in the load and will feel privileged to do so, although hoping sincerely a more equitable sharing of the taxing load will soon be devised. Sincerely, GORDON B. WILLIAMS, Group Commander, Bremerton Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet. EXHIBIT NO. 4 STATEMENT OF CANVASS STATE OF WASHINGTON, County of Kitsap, 88: MARCH 8, 1966. I, Margaret McPherson, auditor of Kitsap County, Wash., do solemnly swear that the returns purporting to be the election returns of the election held on the 8th day of March 1966 for the purpose of excess levy for maintenance and operation in the amount of $356,145 or approximately 9.33 mills have in nowise been altered by additions or erasures, that they are the same as when I received them, so help me God. MARGARET MCPHERSON, Subscribed and sworn to before me this 21st day of March 1966. R. G. LLOYD, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners. CANVASS OF RETURNS This is to certify that at an election held on the 8th day of March 1966 for the purpose of excess levy for maintenance and operation in the amount of $356,145 or approximately 9.35 mills the results were as follows: We further certify that the proposition failed for lack of necessary 60 percent "yes" votes. Witness our hands and official seal this 21st day of March 1966. R. G. LLOYD, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners, County Auditor and Clerk of the Board, Prosecuting Attorney, Constituting the Election Board of Kitsap County, Wash. I, Margaret McPherson, auditor of Kitsap County, Wash., do solemnly swear that the returns purporting to be the election returns of the election held on the 14th day of September 1965 for the purpose of school improvement bonds in the amount of $2 million, have in nowise been altered by additions or erasures, that they are the same as when I received them, so help me God. MARGARET MCPHERSON, Kitsap County Auditor. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22d day of September 1965. R. G. LLOYD, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners. |