community is operating on about one-third that of the State average and is presently in serious financial difficulties. If we are to continue to provide education for our growing population, which is largely migratory in nature, we shall need help not only in financing school housing but teachers' salaries as well. Yours hopefully, THOMAS E. DALTON, President. FORT WAYNE TEACHERS COUNCIL, LOCAL No. 700, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, March 6, 1959. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BAILEY: I am writing to you concerning the MurrayMetcalf Federal aid bill. Indiana needs this bill to keep pace with our large increase in population. In Fort Wayne the population increase is at such a rate that new buildings are filled beyond capacity before the buildings are opened for the first students. Our school funds come from two sources, property taxes and State funds. The buildings are built entirely from local taxes. As a result of the terrific building program our local tax rate is about to the limit of endurance and, therefore, we have insufficient funds for equipment, supplies, and most important, teachers' salaries for these new buildings and salaries for the teachers of other buildings. Each year each principal receives a letter just after school opens in September stating that no new equipment or supplies may be ordered during the school year because the funds are not available. So, Representative Bailey, what good are the quately paid teachers, equipment, and supplies? the Murray-Metcalf Federal aid bill. Yours truly, new buildings without adeWe need the aid offered by DAVE CRAMER, President. CEDAR RAPIDS FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, LOCAL No. 716, Hon. CLEVELAND BAILEY, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. BAILEY: In behalf of the Cedar Rapids Federation of Teachers, I urge you to press for passage of the Murray-Metcalf bill, H.R. 22. This bill is urgently needed to meet the educational crisis which now prevails throughout the length and breadth of this country. Education today is the entire Nation's responsibility; no longer can this Nation afford the dubious distinction of letting some 50,000 separate school districts decide for themselves what they will or will not do with America's greatest natural resource-the youth of America. In many ways, Cedar Rapids might be considered one of the so-called wealthy areas, and to some people would not, on the surface at least, be in need of financial assistance. The facts of the case, however, are quite to the contrary. The influx of people into this community has demanded educational facilities beyond our legal school bonding, borrowing, and taxing limits. Teachers' salaries have been proportionately low, resulting in a 20- to 30-percent turnover each year for the past 4 or 5 years. The overall effect of these problems has and cannot help but result in lowering the morale of teachers, in discouraging young people from entering the teaching profession, in jeopardizing the education of our children, and in weakening the security and defense of this Nation. Again, may I urge your favorable consideration of this bill. Sincerely, WM. K. WAGNER, President. COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA, No. 738, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: There is much evidence in our community to show why Federal aid for school housing is becoming a necessity. Council Bluffs citizens voted February 16, 1959, on a bond issue in the amount of $1,800,000. The issue will mean an average taxpayer will pay $5.75 more property taxes. Two additional bond issues will already be known to be needed to finish the program to be begun this years. Based upon present conditions a $400,000 issue will be presented in 1962 and a $350,000 issue in 1966. Citizens of Council Bluffs in 1959 will pay a mill levy of 105 mills with 58.1 mills going to the Independent School District of Council Bluffs. The amount of assessed property behind each school child is extremely small, $4,319 per child. The figure is the lowest in the county and one of the lowest in the entire State of Iowa. The per pupil cost in Council Bluffs is the lowest of the largest cities of Iowa. The teachers' salaries also the lowest of the largest cities. The present starting salary for a teacher with a B.A. degree is $3,850. That of the State Capital, Des Moines, 150 miles away has just been raised to about $4,500. This situation draws many local teachers to communities with better salaries and will make it increasing difficult for the local school board to attract good new teachers at such low starting salaries with relatively little salary advancement in coming years. I believe that these facts will support the fact the taxpayers of this city cannot be expected to continue paying the high rate of propery tax to build new schools and support the public schools. The 223 members of Council Bluffs Local 738 have worked for many years to better the local community teaching salaries. We are going to continue for better salaries for our teachers but know that the local community cannot continue to take high property taxes to do so. We feel the time has come for outside aid in this matter. We feel that a Federal aid program is a necessity for areas such as ours. Sincerely yours, VICTORIA HOLDER, President. EVERETT FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, LOCAL No. 772, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, HONORABLE SIR: We understand that your committee is now holding hearings on the Murray-Metcalf Federal aid bill. We, in the Pacific Northwest, are urgently hoping for a satisfactory report on this bill. In this community with a school population of 13,000 we are bonded to the legal limit of indebtedness for buildings; we have at least 25 (the number continues to grow) frame portables being used as classrooms; and our older buildings, some dating to the 1890's, receive no care for all money must go into new buildings. Ten years ago we were proud of our State's standing in relation to other States in teachers' salaries. Today we have dropped far down the list for when enough money is found for new buildings there is little left to share with teachers. Again let us urge that the Murray-Metcalf bill receive favorable endorsement. Yours truly, Mrs. BERTHA M. COPE, Secretary. KOKOMO, IND., February 26, 1959. Hon. CLEVELAND BAILEY. DEAR SIR: The teachers of this organization believe Federal aid to education is the only means of obtaining sufficient funds for schools because only the Federal Government has the ability to tax everyone. H.R. 22, we believe, does this in as much as it provides money for both construction and salaries. H.R. 4268 fails in that it will cause spending for interest. Besides this, borrowing doesn't get at the heart of the trouble-the inability of States to tax fluid intangible wealth without exempting those engaged in interstate commerce. Yours truly, CLARENCE JACKSON, President of Kokomo Federation of Teachers, Local 811. 87378-59-87 WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, Mr. CARL MEGEL, President, LOCAL NO. 822, AFL-CIO, Perth Amboy, N.J., March 8, 1959. DEAR MR. MEGEL: In reply to your letter of March 5, I cannot assess Woodbridge housing needs but can state the following indications as to Woodbridge need for Federal aid to education: 1. The school population has tripled in the last 7 years-roughly from 5 to 15 thousand students. 2. The township has exceeded its normal allowable bonded indebtedness by undergoing an $8 million school building program. 3. In addition the taxpayers face an increased school budget each year. A $7 million budget was passed last month. This must be met by people who are basically skilled and semiskilled laborers. (Heavy industry area.) 4. The erection of homes in new developments continues to flood the township with more families and hence more children. 5. The new high school which opened on double session the first day (3 years ago) will go on triple session unless permission is granted and funds made available for another high school. Cost will add to the present excessive debt. 6. Present birth trends indicate a pupil population of 22,000 by 1970. This will call for additional school housing beyond the projected schools under construction to alleviate schools now on double session. With more time, I would be able to submit statistical data and other evidence. Yours truly, (Mrs. Gilbert P. Augustine), FLORENCE H. AUGUSTINE, President. LOCAL No. 828, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: There is nothing more important nor more vital to our survival as a free domocratic Nation than education. In spite of this fact, we seem to be very apathetic about necessary buildings and high standards for teachers. Here in Sioux City a bond issue for building expansion was voted three times before it finally passed. Thus, crowded and ineffective teaching conditions were prolonged. Our schools get the largest share of our tax millage and still teachers' salaries are in no way comparable to those of other workers who are required to consume far less time and money for preparation. Therefore, it seems to the members of Local 828, Sioux City, Iowa., that Federal aid is the only answer to higher standards and efficiency if we are to educate our ever increasing school enrollment. Very truly, GLADYS PATTERSON, President. LOCAL NO. 833, WEST NEW YORK FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, DEAR SIR: Our community, West New York, N.J., needs the help that the Murray-Metcalf Federal aid bill could give to teachers' salaries. Our teachers have tried for the past 5 years, without success, to obtain adequate adjustments for long-existing inequities. Constant pressure on the property owner, whose taxes have been going up steadily, has made it increasingly difficult to obtain satisfaction. The Murray-Metcalf bill would provide relief to the community and help solve its teacher-salary problem at the same time. Yours respectfully, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. LOUIS BRENNER, President. UTICA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, DEAR CONGRESSMAN BAILEY: We are unanimously in favor of the Murray-Metcalf Federal aid bill now in the House Labor Committee. We urgently request the committee to give its full support to the passage of this bill. Locally and statewide, we are at the limit of tax sources to provide for adequate buildings. Present salaries of teachers do not provide compensation needed to assure attracting qualified teachers. The teacher turnover in Utica is alarming. Additional work is continually foisted on teachers as our local board of education must keep expenses down. We hope you will do everything in your power to see that this bill is passed. Respectfully yours, GERALD R. FISHER, President. AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, Hon. CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, Chairman, Subcommittee on Education, DEAR SIR: On February 26, 1959, the New Britain, Conn., Board of Education voted to discontinue kindergarten classes for the 1959-60 school year. This was done because the school department budget for the next fiscal year has been cut more than $358,000. Included in that cut was an appropriation of about $75,000 which would have raised the salaries of approximately 400 teachers an average of $185 a year. New Britain, fifth largest city in Connecticut, ranks 40 of 169 towns in salary paid to teachers. Yet, in spite of this cut the city of New Britain will spend 47.4 percent of its income for education in 1959-60. To meet a deficit in the city budget for 1958-59 the common council had to levy a special 2 mill tax. To provide sufficient funds for the coming fiscal year the tax rate had to be raised an additional 31⁄2 mills bringing our tax rate to 44.5 mills. Our city is faced with the problem of a rising tax rate and a deteriorating school system. Not only have the kindergartens been eliminated but other educational functions have been curtailed. Also, classes will be larger, instructional supplies and textbooks will be inadequate and many necessary items of school maintenance will not be possible. The passage of H.R. 22 will give needed help to our community now while H.R. 4268 will not. Floating loans, payable with interest as provided for in H.R. 4268 will add an even greater burden to our already hard-pressed city. H.R. 22 will give us the immediate relief we now need. I urge you and the members of your committee to report favorably on H.R. 22. Yours very truly, SOPHIE JAFFE, Exchange Section, Local No. 871, New Britain Federation of Teachers, TEACHERS FEDERATION 885, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: Many school buildings still in use in Pittsburgh and adjacent communities are 75 years old. Some buildings are only partially used because of fire hazards. Salaries in Pittsburgh, $6,400 for bachelor degree does not begin to compare with 1932 salary of $3,200. Salaries in surrounding communities, especially in the industrial towns and cities are lagging behind what is paid in industry and business. Pittsburgh 10 years ago-Teacher to get position or to be able to take examination for position was required to have 3 years teaching experience. Pittsburgh today--Personnel supervisor is visiting teacher colleges in area to secure June graduates for teaching positions. Sincerely yours, NEWTON W. SIMONS. LOCAL No. 886, KANKAKEE FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, Washintgon, D.C. DEAR MR. BAILEY: Our community is a fast growing one. We are not poor, but our school-building problem is getting ahead of us. We need Federal aid to bridge the gap and give us some time to catch up with the needed building program. In order to keep up with the need our community has been building out of the building fund and shifting as many things as possible from that fund to the educational fund thus shortchanging the teachers; since there isn't enough then for adequate salaries. Federal aid would certainly relieve the situation. Yours truly, LAVERA COLEMAN. LINCOLN PARK FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, LOCAL 910, Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: The school district of Lincoln Park, Mich., needs help in obtaining Federal aid. Local 910 has gone on record in favor of the Murray-Metcalf bill which will bring the funds that are necessary for additional school construction and improved teachers' salaries. Our organization will appreciate your support of this bill. The present program of our system will have to be curtailed if the Federal Government does not render the needed financial assistance. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, ROBERT DEMARS, President. PAWTUCKET TEACHERS' ALLIANCE, LOCAL NO. 930, A. F. OF T., Representative CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, DEAR CHAIRMAN BAILEY: This letter is to inform you of the immediate and urgent need for Federal aid to education for the school department in the city of Pawtucket, R.I. In the past 3 years, five elementary school buildings have been condemned and closed as fire hazards. This has necessitated a building program by the city that it cannot afford. Due to economic conditions several industries have removed from the city with the resultant loss in tax revenue and the ability of the city to finance such school construction. |