xt7pnv999810 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7pnv999810/data/mets.xml Kentucky. Department of Education. Kentucky Kentucky. Department of Education. 1951-10 bulletins  English Frankford, Ky. : Dept. of Education  This digital resource may be freely searched and displayed in accordance with U. S. copyright laws. Educational Bulletin (Frankfort, Ky.) Education -- Kentucky Educational Bulletin (Frankfort, Ky.), "Four Years of Educational Progress in Kentucky 1948-51", vol. XIX, no. 8, October 1951 text 
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Commonwealth of Kentucky 0

EDIIGA'I'IGIIAI. BULLETIN

 

 

 

 

 

FOUR YEARS
OF
EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
IN
KENTUCKY
I948 - I95]

 

Published by

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
BOSWELL B. HODGKIN
Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

 

 

 

 

ISSUED MONTHLY

Entered as second-class matter March 21, 1933, at the post office at
Frankfort, Kentucky, under the Act of August 24, 1912.

Vol. XIX October, I95] No.8

 

 

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 FOUR YEARS
OF
EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
IN
KENTUCKY

1948-1951

Published by
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
BOSWELL B. HODGKIN

Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

FOREWORD

Every organization has an obligation to make a periodic evalua-
tion of its efforts. An honest self-appraisal points up strengths and
weaknesses and provides direction for future action.

The entire administrative staff of the Department of Education
has surveyed the endeavors to improve Kentucky’s educational
system during the past four years and, in this bulletin, has presented
the significant developments. A careful analysis of these develop-
ments clearly shows that outstanding progress has been and is
being made.

The advancement that has been made during the present admin-
istration in providing a more adequate program of education for all
school children in Kentucky is indeed a tribute to the leadership of
Superintendent Boswell B. Hodgkin. Accelerated gains can be made
in the future as a result of the fundamental changes and improve-
ments that occurred during Superintendent Hodgkin’s term as
Kentucky’s chief state school officer. No higher compliment could be
paid to any man.

STAFF—STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

September 18, 1951

 

 

 

 

 

  

BOSWELL B. HODGKIN

Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DEDICATION
TO
BOSWELL B. HODGKIN

Kentucky’s program of education during the past four years
has been keyed to a consciousness of progress through a unique type
of leadership of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In tribute to this leadership this publication, a report of signi-
ficant educational achievements, is dedicated to Boswell B. Hodgkin,
a quiet, strong leader, possessing rare elements of leadership quali-

ties.

His administration has been rich in services to the local school
leaders, as attested by the highlights of progress one by one, de-
scribed in this report. The ideal of service, the true ideal of the
teaching profession, has been exemplified in his every effort to
expand the services of the State Department of Education.

His stat‘f, his devoted friends, pay tribute to him as a state school
leader and as a person, because of—his incisive mind, his integrity
at the point of decisions, his balance, his excellent judgment, his
culture, his fraternal spirit, his Wit and humor, his deep human
sympathy and understanding, his kindliness, his deep regard for
the feelings of others, his love for family and church, his deep 10y-
alty, his unyielding stand for the right, his sincere devotion to a
task of tremendous implications for the welfare and happiness of
this and future generations, and for the Wisdom With which his
leadership placed Kentucky in a Nation-wide movement to make
education responsive to the needs of the people in this critical and
Challenging period.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOUR YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
IN KENTUCKY, 1948-1951

PART I :
PART II :

PART III :
PART IV :

Outstanding Achievements.

The Department of Education’s Four Bureaus 3
Report their Activities and Accomplishments.

Teacher Retirement System Strengthened.

Looking to the Future.

 

  

 

 

 

 

PART I

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

The last four years have been a period of remarkable educa-
tional progress in Kentucky. Today more boys and girls are in
schools more adequately supported and ones in which they are
taught by better trained teachers for a longer school term than at
any time in the history of the Commonwealth.

In this bulletin the signficant advances that have taken place
in the schools of Kentucky during this administration have been
pointed out. More specifically this resume sets forth in candid
measure the educational accomplishments which have come about in
part through the leadership and service provided by the Department
of Education.

Yet great problems remain. that must be met since there can be
no ceiling to educational improvement. Even now an adequate
floor has not been built under educational opportunity. But the
time has come to take a second look at what has been done in order
that effective planning and insight may be brought to the opportu—
nity that lies ahead.

The central educational agency has the duty to apprise the
Commonwealth of these accomplishments and their implications.
There is the further duty to develop those channels through which
the people may give their answer. Through that answer the schools
may find their mandate to move forward to develop the cultural
and creative potential of our people.

Among the many evidences of educational progress in the past
four years, six accomplishments are especially significant:

More adequate staff in the Department of Education.
Increased financial support.

State Constitution amended.

Better trained teachers and administrators.

Strengthened teacher retirement system.

More effective plans, designs, and financing of school build—
ing program.

99"?“90N!“

(1) More adequate staff in the Department of Education

The staff of the Department of Education has been increased and
strengthened so that it may more adequately provide those services re-
quired by local school districts and give stronger professional leadership
to Kentucky’s educational enterprise.

581

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

éfi’

The main function of the Department of Education is to provide
leadership and service which. in partnership with the local school
districts, will fulfill the needs of a modern educational program,
More and more the Department of Education is exercising its influ.
ence not so much by the power and authority of the Department as
through its leadership and guidance.

Staff members have been employed who possess those qualities
of ability, scholarship and experience which enable them to serve
local school districts on all problems of school organization, curricu-
lum, finance, and operation.

The established services have been maintained and additional
services have been added through these additional staff personnel:

:1. Six accounting supervisors to audit records and reports and supervise
the improvement of business and accounting practices.

b. A director of pupil transportation to work with superintendents on
transportation problems.

e. Nine supervisors of agricultural education to supervise the institu-
tional on»farm training program for veterans.

Two area supervisors of the school lunch program.

e. Four staff members in the area of in-scrviee training. The goal of the
program is improvement of teaching through growth of school leaders—
all school personnel.

1". A director and staff for a school building survey supported jointly by
the federal government and, at present, the emergency fund of the
Governor.

g. A director of moral and spiritual education to emphasize these facets.

h. A supervisor of certification to meet the needs in this area of the
school program.

in addition, this al'lministration has taken over three services
formerly supported by grants from foundations. These services are
now integral parts of the Department of Education:

a. Division of health education with an expanded program under a
director.

b. Division for the education of exceptional children with a director
providing a program of aid and service to handicapped children.

c. A program of supervision of elementary and secondary school libraries
with the consultative service of a state supervisor.

(2) Increased financial support

The level of financial support for public education is higher today
than at any other time in the history of the Commonwealth.

It is not contended that the financial support has reached a level
of adequacy, but the State and local districts have formed some-

thing of a fiscal partnership to approach more nearly a level of
adequacy.

   

 

 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   

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The Common School Fund, during this administration, has been
increased from $19,501,250 to $30,500,000, or 56.4 per cent. At the
same time, local school districts have increased their tax revenue
from general property, franchises, bank shares, poll taxes, and other
local revenue sources from $22,706,243.67 in 1946-47 to $39,361,53967
i111950—51. This is an increase of 73.4 per cent. Local school revenue
from the general property tax during the same period has increased
from $16,720,711.67 to $29,234,23809. This is an increase of 74.8
per cent.

The Per Capita Fund has shown an increase of 49.3 per cent.
The Equalization Fund has been increased by 119.9 per cent. The
equalization law enacted during this administration has opened up
the problems of local ability and educational need. The current dis—
tribution of the Equalization Fund is based on the most recent and
reliable data available.

(3) State Constitution amended

The school people of Kentucky under the leadership of the Department
of Education organized the campaign that was successful in securing the
adoption of the school amendment in 1949. Their support of the Salary
Amendment was highly effective. .

Sections 168 and 246 of the State Constitution have held a
heavy hand on progress in Kentucky for at least three decades. The
liberalization of the method of distributing the school fund offers
opportunities for a significant educational progress. The revised
salary limit has made it possible to attract to and retain in the
profession the more competent personnel needed for the develop-
ment of education in Kentucky.

(4) Better trained teachers and administrators

The Department of Education has made continuous advances toward
those goals of securing for every classroom a trained, competent teacher
and for every district educational leadership of supervisors and adminis-
trators of the highest order.

The training level of teachers in Kentucky has reached its
highest point. The number of emergency teachers employed has
decreased from approximately 5,300 in 1947-48 to approximately
2,700 for the 1951-52 school year.

After September 1, 1953 the minimum certification standards
for elementary teachers will be college graduation. An improved
Dwgram of preparation and certification of school superintendents,
:prlncipals and supervisors becomes effective September 1, 1952.

583

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In-service teacher training was accepted by the General Assem.
bly in 1950 as a vital part of the state program of teacher education.
Consultative services are being made available to the school staff in
each of the 232 school systems. The goal of this program is “better
teaching in Kentucky schools.”

(5) Strengthened teacher retirement system

The Kentucy Teachers’ Retirement System has been made actuarially
sound and more favorable to teachers.

A special grant of $2,439,606.64 of the General Assembly
in 1948 made the Retirement System actuarially sound and probably
saved the Retirement System as an effective organization. All appro-
priations for the four year period amount to $8,600,000.00.

One amendment made in 1950 made it possible for a teacher to ‘

acquire vested rights in the Funds upon teaching thirty or more
years. Another amendment allows a teacher to make voluntary
unmatched contributions for the purpose of buying an additional
annuity at retirement. The age requirement of fifty years was
eliminated in permanent disability cases.

(6) More effective plans, designs, and financing of school building 5

program

Local school districts are using all available methods to provide more
adequate housing for the educational program. The Department of Edu-
cation is providing the consultative service and supervision needed in the
planning, designing and financing of this immense building program.

w During the past four years applications have been approved for
new buildings, remodeling and repairs which. are estimated to cost
$50,000,000.

Since the Shelby County Case in December, 1948, the Super-
intendent of Public Instruction and the Director of Finance, under
the authority granted them by the State Board of Education, have
approved school revenue bond issues in the total amount of
$26,924,500. Of this total, $18,758,500 have been issued, $1,759,000

have been cancelled and $6,407,000 are still pending. In addition -

to the school revenue bonds, approval has been given to the issuance
of $8,607,000 in general obligation or voted bonds. In each
case, a careful study was made of the financial ability of the district
to amortize the proposed issue.

The enactment, by the 1950 General Assembly, of the Special ‘
Voted School Building Fund Tax Law opens new avenues for the f

financing of capital outlay and debt service. Already ten districts

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have voted to their boards of education the authority to levy a
special school building fund tax. At least ten are planning a vote
this fall on this question.

A school building survey to determine school building needs is
now underway. This project financed jointly by the Federal Govern-
ment and the emergency fund of Governor Wetherby should aid
immeasurably in determining building needs on a definitive basis.
The information obtained by the survey should aid in locating school
centers so that the taxpayer will receive the most for his tax dollar
and the school district may provide the optimum in service.

585

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

PART II

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S
FOUR BUREAUS REPORT THEIR
ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Bureau of Administration

The Bureau of Administration consists of (1) the Division of
School Law; (2) the Division of School Buildings and Grounds; (3)
the Division of Research and Statistics; (4) the Division of Pupil
Transportation; and (5) the Division of Surplus Property. The
activities and accomplishments of these divisions over the last four

years are:
DIVISION OF SCHOOL LAW'

Merger of Districts

Thirteen Independent School Districts have reverted to the
County system and two Independent Districts (Horse Cave and
Cave City) merged to form one Independent unit. This was done in
an effort to provide better educational facilities for the pupils
concerned and at the request of the people and officers operating
these districts. As a result of the mergers, the educational programs
have been planned on a district-wide basis and in practically all of
these, new school buildings have been erected or plans are now
under way for construction of such buildings. Such mergers place
the boards of education in a position to furnish better advantages
to the school children than was possible to. do without these mergers.

DIVISION OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

School Districts Advised on School Buildings and Sites

This Division of the Department is engaged daily in conferences
with Superintendents and boards of education and in visiting school
districts throughout the State in planning school building facilities
in which to provide educational facilities for the constantly increas-
ing enrollment throughout the State. The need has been so great
during the past four years that it has been necessary to give more
consideration to district-wide planning for school buildings and
repairs than has been necessary in the preceding years. Such needs
require much study because boards of education need not only to
erect complete buildings but to provide additional services in shops,
lunch rooms and, in many cases, to provide temporary classrooms
until such time as the permanent building may be provided.

During the past four years applications have been approved
for new buildings, remodeling and repairs which were estimated
Would cost approximately $50,000,000.00. During the first biennium

589

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the estimated cost was $20,000,000.00. During the last biennium
the estimated cost was $30,000,000.00. This shows a constantly
increasing demand for new buildings, remodeling and repairs. The
information available shows that a constant trend toward an
increase in the size of the new building projects. This is due to
consolidation and mergers of districts which is on the increase in
an attempt to provide the needed educational facilities for the
children of the territories affected.

It is also of interest to note that. in every new building much
increased acreage for sites has been secured. This is necessary in
order to provide space for the activities outside of the school rooms
which are required for the health and recreational programs for
the present day.

A new feature in the building program for the State is con-
ferenees for the training of Custodians and Janitors. These eon-
ferences were held as an experiment in order to determine the best
procedures to be followed in getting more competent personnel.
Since the modern school building requires the operation of more
machinery and equipment than in the past, there are increased needs
for individuals to care for them who can. do much more than sweep
the floor and carry out ashes from the several stoves formerly used
in heating the school buildings. These conferences have been very
successful and the work that has been done is just the beginning
of a better day for school building maintenance.

DIVISION OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS
School Building Survey

A school building survey is now in progress. This work was
begun last September by personnel employed in the Division of
Research and Statistics. This project is being financed, fifty per
cent from the federal government and, at present, fifty per cent
from the emergency fund of the Governor. At the present time an
inventory of the school building situation has been filed by prac-
tically every district in the state. After this work has been com-
pleted, the need for new buildings, repairs and the amount of funds
necessary to provide these needs will be determined. It will prob-
ably take two or two and one—half years to complete the survey
which is now under way.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   

  

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DIVISION OF PUPIL TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Service Improved

The number of pupils being transported throughout the state
is constantly increasing. This service is becoming more necessary
in order to provide educational facilities for the pupils of rural
districts comparable with those districts of urban communities. The
work of this division has so increased that in 1948 a full-time direc-
tor with secretarial assistants was employed as a member of the
State Department of Education. Since the beginning of this service,
some 1,200 school busses have been inspected and recommendations
have been made for their improvement, for the comfort of the
pupils, and for their safety in being transported.

In addition to this service, many of the districts have received
help from the division in planning their transportation routes in
such a way as to serve the children in a more efficient and economical
manner. During such planning a meeting of school bus drivers was
held. At this meeting a conference was conducted on safety re-
quirements for school bus operations as well as on regulations con—
forming with the requirements of operating busses. Qualifications
for drivers for safe operation of these busses were also emphasized.

In 1949 the State Board of Education, upon the recommenda—
tion of this division, revised school bus standards to conform with
national standards. At this time a program of training of drivers
in first aid to meet the requirements of the National Red Cross was
begun. Under the present program, it should not be long until
every driver in the state will have this training Instances might
be sighted where this training has already been of benefit to the
pupils who are being transported.

During the months of July and August of the two school years
beginning July, 1950, and July, 1951, a driver training school, for
the duration of one week, has been conducted for drivers 18 to 21
years of age. State Board of Education regulations require that this
training he had by these individuals before they be permitted to
accept the responsibility of driving a school bus. Expressions from
superintendents indicate that the individuals receiving this training
are among their best drivers, The number of people attending the
second conference increased over those attending the first. This
seems to be evidence that superintendents and boards of education
think this is a step in the right direction for improving the safety
of pupil transportation.

591

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That the transportation program is on a constant increase is
shown by the table below. It may be of interest to contrast the items
in 1939-40 and 1949-50. At the present time, figures are not available
for the school year ending 1951. Enough information is available to
note that there is an increase in every item listed in the table for the
school year ending June 30, 1950. For example, it may be noted that
in the school year ending June, 1950, there were in use 2,333 ve-
hicles; for the school year ending June, .1951, there were in use 2,438
vehicles. It may be noted that in the past ten years the number of
vehicles used has about doubled, the number of children transported
has about doubled, and the cost for the school year 1949—50 is about
three times the cost of the year 1939-40.

School Year

1939—40 1947-48 1948-49 1949-50
Number transported 101,317 154,277 166,960 187,616
Number vehicles 1,673 2,158 2,178 2,333
Daily miles bus traveled 63,830 106,127 116,575 126,216
Total annual cost $1,359,685.63 $3,252,256.82 $3,702,125.70 $3,986,580.02

DIVISION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY

Districts Receive Surplus Property

The State Agency for Surplus Property, a division in the Bureau
of School Administration, Department of Education, since July,
1947, has gradually expanded its operations and since January 1,
1948, operated directly warehouses in Frankfort and Louisville.
District warehouses located throughout the state, prior to 1949, have
now been closed and the above named warehouses have consoli-
dated these activities.

Public Law 152, 81st Congress, which was passed in July, 1949,
made surplus property available from any government agency to
public and non-profit schools, colleges, universities and school
systems and was amended July, 1950 to include non-profit and
public hospitals, clinics and health centers. Not only has the agency
been called upon to screen property at a larger number of federal
installations as a result of the passage of Public Law 152 but also
a larger number of institutions have come into the picture, namely,
health institutions. The agency has expanded its warehousing,
transportation and personnel to meet the needs of health and educa-
tional institutions, thus, with the expanded amount of property
received the expenses of the agency have likewise increased.

592

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
     
  
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   

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In July, 1949, the Governor made $10,000 available to the agency
from his emergency fund. Since that time no state appropriation

has been made available to the agency.

Below is a resume of the agency’s activities from July 1, 1949

to August 1, 1951.

Personal Property Allocated to Kentucky Agency

July, 1948 - December 30, 1948. . . .$ 481,542.00
Jam, 1949 - December 30, 1949.... 2,117,331.00

Fair Value Cost to Schools
$22,402.00 $1,443.00
46,978.00 3,942.00
7,441.00 372.00

 

Jam, 1950 - December 30, 1950. . . . 2,240,441.00
Jam, 1951 -July 30, 1951 ........ 314,107.00
Total Acquisition Value ..... $5,153,421.00
Real Property Allocated to Kentucky Agency
, Acq. Cost
July, 1948-October, 1948 ........ $112,010.00
Oct., 1948 - December, 1949 ...... 227,066.00
Calendar Year 1950-51 ........... 100,187.00
Total ....................... $439,263.00
Amount Paid to Agency by School Districts
July 1., 1948 -June 30, 1949 ........ $ 17,158.24
July 1, 1949-June 30, 1950 ........ 62,602.38
July 1, 1950 -June 30, 1951 ........ 52,453.38
Total ....................... $132,214.00

593

$76,821.00 $5,757.00

 

 

 

 

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bureau of Finance

The Bureau of Finance, which includes the Division of Finance
and the Division of Census and Attendance, was reorganized early
in this administration. As a basis for this reorganization, early in
January, 1948, a study was made of the job positions in the Bureau.
Each person was interviewed and an outline was made of the duties
he was performing. An attempt was made to evaluate the work of
each individual member of the Bureau and the work that should
be done by the entire Bureau.

The Census and Attendance Division was undisturbed but the
Division of Finance was completely reorganized into four sections.
These sections are: Local. School District Finance, Departmental

Finance and Services, Research and Statistics and State Board of
Education Records.

DIVISION OF FINANCE
Functions of the Division of Finance

For clarity it might be well to list the functions of the, Division
of Finance. These functions assigned to this Division by the Super—
intendent of Public instruction, the, State Board of Education and
the Statutes are:

(1) To act as financial supervisor and auditor of loval school district
finances and accounts.

(2) To perform accounting and bookkeeping functions for the State De-
partment of Education.

(3) To act as a Service Division for the State Department of Education.

(4) To advise on the approval of all school revenue bond issues of local
school districts.

(5) To apportion and distribute the State Common School Fund.
(6) To act as a personnel division for the State Department of Education.
(’7) To maintain records for the State Board of Education.

Auditing and Supervisory Service of the Local School District
Finance Section

The development of the local school district accounting and
supervisory service is clearly one of the outstanding accomplish-
ments of this administration. The need for this service was patent.
On January 27, 1948, there were 237 school districts which had not
been audited for the previous fiscal year. Many of the districts had
not been audited for a period of four or five years. Veterans’ funds
had not been audited at all. Free textbook accounting and census

accounting had been checked only spasmodically and by different
divisions.

 

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In July, 1948, the state was divided into six accounting districts.
In each of these districts was placed a field supervisor, a man of Wide
school experience, who makes a complete check 011 all general fund
accounting, federal accounting, free textbook accounting and census
accounting. Complete and detailed examination is made of all
special funds such as the Sinking Fund Account, the Building Fund
Account and the Bond and Interest Retirement Account. Emphasis
is being placed upon the preparation of a true balance at the end
of each fiscal year by which all outstanding indebtedness, including
bonds unpaid, is listed against all funds due the board, but not col—
lected. \Vhen it is found that a district is engaging in deficit financ—
ing, the evidence made available by the preparation of this balance
sheet enables the State Board of Education to make recommenda-
tions to remedy these practices.

On July 1, 1949, the records of all school districts for the school
year 19-17-48 had been thoroughly audited except Louisville, Ashland
and Paducah. On July 1, 1950 the records of all school districts for
1948-49 had been audited except the Louisville district. On July 1,
1951 the records of all school districts had been audited for the
school year ending June 30, 1950.

.

But an equally important function of the accounting supervisor
has been to provide that supervisory leadership needed to develop
and improve school accounting and business practices in the local
districts. These supervisors are availing themselves of the oppor—
tunity to help local school district officials in the correction of in-
adequate records and procedures and in improvements pertinent to
any financial matter.

The Departmental Finance and Services Section has given coordina-
tion to many functions of the various Divisions.

The Assistant Director of the Division of Finance has headed
up this section which has drawn together many service personnel.
In this way cohesion and supervision has been given to a large
group of people formerly working more or less at loose ends.

In addition this section maintains control records of all accounts
of the entire Department of Education including three State Voca-
tional Schools. The requisition and purchase of supplies and equip-
ment for all divisions of the Department of Education are made. by
the Head of this section.

595

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and Statistics Section has provided much needed infor.
mation.

In response to a recommendation of the Legislative Research
Commission a section of Research and Statistics was organized in
September, l949. In the nine months that this section operated, six
studies of a major nature were undertaken. These studies published
in multigrapln’ld form as ReSearch Bulletins of the Bureau of Fi-
nance are:

(I) Assessments and Tax Rates in Kentucky School Districts 1949-50.

(2) Teachers’ Salaries and Other Expenditures for Instruction in Kentucky
School Districts 1948-49.

(3) The Sick Leave Program in Kentucky School Districts 1948-49.
(4) Improving the General Property Tax as a Source of School Revenue.

(5) Indebtedness and Capital Outlay in the Kentucky Schools Districts
1948-49.

(6) Assessments and Revenue in Kentucky School Districts 1949-50.
Three circulars worthy of note were prepared:

(1) Revenue from State Sources and Expenditures for Teachers’ Salaries
1948-49.

(2) State, Local and Federal Support of Elementary and Secondary Schools
in Southern States and States Adjoining Kentucky.

(3) Local and State Support of Elementary and Secondary Education in
Kentucky School Districts 194849. 9

These special studies were 'done in addition to the assigned
duties of calculating- the distribution of the Equalization and Per
Capital Funds7 and supervising the preparation of the Biennial
Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Approval of Bond Issues

The authority and responsibility to approve bond issues given
the State Board of Education by judicial interpretation in the
Shelby County and Harlan Independent cases represents perhaps
the major extension in the functions of the State Department of
Education in the last decade. The State Board of Education has
given to the Superintendent of Public Instruction the authority to
approve all phases of school bond issues.

This places the responsibility squarely upon t