EDUCATION COSTS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20215, 18 April 1931, Page 11

EDUCATION COSTS.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. DISCUSSION BY BOARD. ; Comparisons between the treatment of secondary and primary schools in point of staffing and expenditure per pupil formed : the basis Of discussion at yesterday's meeting of the Canterbury Education Board. At a previous meeting, reports on these points had been asked for by Mr C. S. Thompson, and schedules were tabled yesterday setting out the position. The figures concerning the cost per child, in relation to teachers' salaries, and to incidental expenses, were set. out as follows: •• . Primary Schools. . .Totals. Cost per , Child. £ e. d. Pupils . .. 210,400 Teachers .. 6,438" Salaries . .. £1,810,600 812 10 Incidental .. £104,100 0 9 10 Secondary Schools. Totals. Cost por . Child. ' ■ .£ s. d. Pupils .. 16,230 Teachers .. . 657 Salaries .. £232,860 14 7. 0 Incidental . 42,452 2 12 3 . Technical Schools. 'Totals. Cost per . Child. : & 8. d. Pupils— „ ! Day .. .7,530 Part-time .. 11,000 Teachers .. SSO Salaries ... £160,550 21 611 Incidental .. .. 39,560 22 8 Size of Classes. The summary of tho sizes of classes in the Board's district for February bore a note from the Senior Inspector, Mr A. McNeil, which stated, "This year conditions are bad because very few additional assistants have been appointed." The report showed that ,in 551 classes in 63 schools, only 183 classes had fewer than 40 pupils, 201 between 40 and.so, 151 between 50 and 60, and 16 over 59. Preference for Secondary? "Is it correct that the primary schools are suffering in Comparison with the secondary schools!" asked Mr C. S. Thompson, of the chairman. The chairman (Mr ff, A. Banks): J don't think so,. slfir Thompson: In the secondary schools the size of class aimed at is 20, while in the primary schools, though 4Q is aimed at, the numbers are, often as large as 60. With the smaller classes more teachers are required, so that there is greater expense in the secondary schools on this score. What conclusion has been arrived at from the Board's enquiry! .The .chairman: It is impossible to state definitely; There are in the secondary schools many incidental expenses, details of which are difficult toI obtain. The teachers are paid. Do yon want equality of salaried < Mr Thompson: Yes. ' I Mr S. It. Evison drew attention to th<> fact that in ''tho 63 schools 1671 classes Had 50 pupils or over, and 16 had,, 60 or over. .-V