Derry Area High School - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Derry, PA)

Page 12 text:

BOARD OF EDUCATKDN N. H. WAGGLE ............. . ....... ..... P resident H. E. SHAW Cnon-memberb . . . . . . Secretary C. C. PERNA ............ .. Treasurer G. H. KESTNER .. Membtr F. A. SCHMITT .. Member H. H. ALLISON .. Member H. D. SHORT .. Member H. S. BYERS .. .. Member ET us drop in on a regular meeting of the Board of Education Many school problems face the mem- bers of the Board as one by one they file into their meeting room and take their places. One of the most important tasks to be faced tonight is that of choosing a contractor to take over the responsibility of making some major re- pairs to our school. At least fifty dif- ferent persons interested in the pro- posed repairs are present, and, as the board room is not large, the meeting is moved to a classroom. Mr. N. H. Waggle, President., calls the meeting to order and the Secretary, Mr. Shaw, records the names of the members present-Mr. C. C. Perna, Mr. G. H. Kestner, Mr. F. A. Schmitt, Mr. H. H. Allison, Mr. H. D. Short, and Mr. H. S. Byers. Mr. Geist., whose regular duties are greatly enlarged by his interest in repairs to the physical plant, takes part in this meeting. Mr. Shaw opens the sealed bids from the numerous contractors. The Board collectively holds its breat.h for fear the bids will be above their available fi- nances, for the members are obligated not only to provide good schools but to weigh the financial burden to the dis- trict as well. The first bid is read and the board relaxes-it is within the limit of the budget. After all the bids have been read and recorded, the seven mem- bers of the Board of Education retire to the board room and select a contractor to carry out the task in the offing. Eager contractors wait patiently in the classroom until the Board re-enters and the successful bidder is announced. On with the meeting. Many other matters of business confront the board -vacancies are to be filled, resignations accepted, finances are apportioned, taxes are levied, provisions are made for the purchase of new books and supplies, all business related to the local schools is transacted through this group. Chosen by the people of Derry Town- ship, these seven citizens who comprise the School Board fully comprehend the importance of the charge entrusted to them. From September to June the time and service of the Board of Education belong to the students of t.he Derry Township Schools. On the first Monday of every month the school board convenes to consider the problems which arise. Subject to state regulations its dut.ies are definitely enumerated by a school code, collective- ly, however, the board is entrusted with the supervision of all school activities, as well as, relative problems. From the moment when t.he President raps for order at the first regular ses- sion of the Board until the final meeting of the year, this group bears the most important responsibility of the commun- ity, that of educating its prospective citizenry with a conscientious sense of duty and service.

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T e 'chool HIS scene portrays a group con-i tending with the problems of' Woodworking which influence their lives not only in the school shop, but in the home and community. In an adjoining room may be found another group testing scientifically the but- t.er fat content of various samples of milk. In still another room, stud- ents are mastering the use of the tools, of Written and oral expression, as Well as, the habits of clear thinking and speaking. From the music room comes the wail of clarinets, t.he blarc of trumpets, and the role of drums. So it goes from group to group and room to room everyday of the school year. Education is on the march. The future progress of our nation is dependent to a great extent on the training we give our boys and girls today.

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PRINCIPALS LTHOUGH not an official member of the board of education, Mr. Geist keeps in close contact with the busi- ness matters of the schools, bringing problems and plans before the board at their regular and special meetings. In cold weather or warm, students invari- ably see him on the job-talking with teachers, studying this improvement, or viewing that contemplated change. Al- though kept busy with his regular duties as supervising principal-dictating let- ters, examing new text books, or visit- ing schools-Mr. Geist always finds time to keep in touch with each suggested im- provement or advancement undertaken. Because of his unusual interest in our educational welfare and his great ability as a guiding force we are very sorry to see him retire. We certainly wish him all the happiness in the world in hi.-s future years. N his office Mr. Coulter is busily en- gaged in the duties which fall to the lot of Derry Townships High School's principal. His day is a picture of ac- tivity from the time he enters his office each morning until he leaves the school in the evening, and then often his work is unfinished. To record Mr. Coulter's activities on a typical school day would require a moving picture camera. At eight o'clock he enters the building and is immediately confronted by a group wishing to secure excuses for yester- day's absence. In a short time more busses arrive, each one bringing more st.udents with requests and problems for the principal. After the lunch period is over and the class bell has rung, Mr. Coulter leaves his office to visit a class or two. Many other minor duties require his attention until t.he afternoon passes and the final dismissal bell sounds bring- ing a welcome rest to our principal. Mr. GEIST MR. COULTER