LAWRENCE, KANSAS, THURSDAY, FEB. 3,
TEACHERS NEED MORE INFORMATION

A letter signed by three teachers in the Pinckney
schools and sent to a number of individuals and organizations
shows a lack of authentic information regarding procedure
on the part of the teachers. Their statement that the use
‘of provisional or emporary teachers in the schools through-
| out the state, and especially in Lawrence, is not for the best
linterests of the children is undoubedly correct. That some- ’
|thing should be done about it is also correct. The insinua- |
|tion that the state legislature could have done something
about it, or that it failed or shirked a part of its duty, is en-|
tirely erroneous and shows that the school teachers should
get a bit more information. |
Here is the trouble in the school system in Lawrence.
‘Teachers have been going to better jobs. Temporary teach-
ers have been hired. The school is prevented from paying
more salaries because the 14 mill levy is the top limit as
provided by law. However, the local school board can go
before the state tax commission and ask Tor” peri On to |
raise the levy tost aCe necessary to provide Teeded |
fimds. That can be done withoutégislative action. If the
Yocal bofird decided to add another mill and levy 15 mills
instead of 14, which is now the limit, it would pet-about
$76,000 more money which would be adequate for salary in-
creases. fee
—There is a crisis in the schools. Not only in Lawrence.
but in the entire state. It can and probably will be taken
care of as outlined above. The teachers can help by spread-
ing factual information. Taking a pot-shot at everybody
within range will only add to the confusion. The public |
can help by insisting that salary schedules be increased. The
board of eduéation is perfectly willing to act and has th«
necessary power to solve the problem. They would appre
ciate having the reaction of those who pay the bills.

 

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