The School Board

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These data which are concerned with the development and growth of the and Public Schools is presented for the benefit of those who may be interested in the history of the Midland School District. This writer has had the privilege of serving the Midland School District for over a quarter of century, and in some ways has "grown up" with this comparatively young school district.

The material which has been used in this presentation has been secured from school board minutes, records, and official reports of the district. Every effort has been made to use only material and data which are reliable.

This writer greatly appreciates the suggestions and information given  by many of the long time residents of the community. Special mention is given to Mrs. James L. Porter, Mrs. William A. Hart., and Dr. Frank Benedict.

This book was made possible with the assistance of Miss Bernice Coffin., secretary to the Board of Education and Superintendent; Miss Antonette Cellini,  several girls from the Commercial Department; and Miss Marjorie Lovejoy, who edited the material.

Ralph H. Jewell

March 1954

 

SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOARDS OF EDUCATION AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS

The first recorded meeting of the Neels Independent School District was held at 8:30 pm  on June 11, 1907. This meeting was an organization meeting of the school directors who had been elected the previous May 20th. The, officers and members of this first board of education in Midland were: Robert B. McMasters President John J. Jarrett, Jr. Secretary E. J. Hamm - Treasurer T. A. Lawler E. P. Brennon,  Mr. Buhot, Mr. E. L. Arbuckle who was tax collector for the borough was also appointed to serve in the same capacity for the school district.

The first two meetings of this board met in the home of  T. A. Lawler and subsequent meetings of the school board were hold in the office of W. C. Rice,  real estate agent: this office was rented for these meetings for a fee of $1.00 per meting.

The six man board of education decided all details in regards to operating schools. It wasn't until 1910 that the records show that the principal attended meetings to offer advice and make reports.

In 1911 the state legislature re-codified the laws relative to the operation of schools. School districts the size of Midland were classified as class districts under the direct supervision of the county superintendent of schools. By this act the size of fourth class school district school boards was set at five, and the term for members started with the first Monday in December instead of July 1.

On July 25, 1913., by action of the board, the official name of the school district was charged from "Neels Independent School District" to "'Midland Borough School District".

The board soon found it n necessary to adopt some definite business procedures; so in December, 1912, the secretary was instructed to report to the board monthly concerning the financial status of the district, and in 1914 a standardized requisition form was adopted to be signed by the principal and the president or secretary.

Mr. Frank C. Ketler had been elected supervisory principal and attended his first meeting on June 18, 1913. With his guidance and direction, the board progressed in business--like procedure. The board was operating with a committee system as early as December, 1915, when the president appointed two standing committees; one was called the Heat, Light, and Coal Committee, and the other, the House and Grounds Committee. The board, in 1953 still operates with a Committee system, having five standing committees.

The population of the borough was growing rapidly, and the constant increase in the demand for more schools, teachers, and facilities created many now problems for the board. Ever anxious to keep down expenses, the board in 1919 told Roy Wiley., high school principal, that he would be given a salary bonus of $250 at the end of that year if he could got along during the rar without having to hire more teachers. He did not get his bonus.

In February of 1921 we have the first record of representatives of our board attending the state meeting of the School Directors Convention in Harrisburg. The secretary and one member were authorized to attend. Each year since 1921 the Midland Board has been represented by at least one member, secretary, and an administrator.

In October, 1921, the board discussed the possibility of becoming an independent third class district since the population of the district was large enough to justify it, but after much discussion it was finally resolved that the school district remain 4th class and under County Superintendent".

Until December, 1921, the supervising principal was expected to pay the salary of his secretary from his own salary. In December of that year a new contract was drawn up with Mr. Kotler which eliminated the stenographer's salary from the principal's salary. The board then hired a secretary for the supervising principal at $65.00 a month.

In 1922 the board requested Mrs Kotler to prepare a list of his duties which were necessary for the functional operation of the school. This he did, and after some modifications and changes the list of duties was approved un August 8., 1922. This list of duties and a statement of authority granted to the supervising principal by the board were incorporated into the minutes at that time.

On January 12, 1928, the board requested the State Department to reclassify Midland as a third class district since its population was over 5" At the same time the board requested a superintendent's commission for Mr. Ketler since independent districts have a superintendent. However, Mr. Ketler resigned on March 27, 1928, and never served as superintendent in Midland His resignation was accepted with deep regrets.

On April 10, 1928, the board ratified their previous action and approved Midland's becoming an independent third class school district, effective the next July 1. Twenty four applications were received for the position of superintendent. Mr. Harry V. Herlinger of Indiana., Pennsylvania was elected on April a two year term at a salary of $6,000 per year.

As a third class school district, Midland was entitled to seven members of the board of education, and such has been the case since 1928.

On February 9., 1933, the board passed a resolution "unalterably" opposing any legislation which would lead  to larger units of administration affecting Midland.

Recently the board of education bas studied the merits of joining with adjoining township school districts for the purpose of creating a new joint school district. The Midland Board has been slow to accept arguments in favor of such a jointure because of the possibility of Ihaving to relinquish some of its independence.