August 11th, 1923
The Deputy Minister
Department of Education - Ed
Sir
Our Board met this week. I am requested to inform you that with the Government Grant due our available funds amount to $210.00. No local taxes paid, with the exception of that from one Farmer, who has no family. And the Farmers, through low prices, cannot pay. If you will allow us to pay our Teacher at the rate of $630.00 a year we can operate our School during September, October & November. If we are compelled to pay $4.00 a day then we can only operate School two months
Miss Edith Mudie, who recently passed Grade XI examinations, is a daughter of one of our Trustees. My Board wish to appoint her as Teacher, so long as the money last. For years she has had a burning ambition to be a successful teacher. (end of p.120)
But she was depending on the usual Government Loan to carry her through the Normal training. This, it appears, is now denied her. So, it just amounts to this, Sir, unless you allow her "a permit" in order to earn the required amount for Normal training, her praiseworthy ambition will be quenched, and her commendable desire to teach the young will be stifled.
If we are able to pay her this $200.00 and a further $300.00 next Summer Term her difficulty will be removed. And, now she has Grade XI qualification, she is, by far, the most suitable Teacher we can have for our small School. She will, of course, board & lodge at home, so her expenses will be nil, practically, and her young Brother, who now attends Darwell School, will come with her to our School.
Yours respectfully
Thomas Street
Sec.
(121)
Wabamun
August 20th, 1923
To
School Inspector Hutchison
Sir
Will you please carefully read the enclosed copy of my letter to the Education Department, also the answer from the Department, which please return to me.
My Board will be glad if you can see your way clear to let me have your decision by next Saturday, Aug 25th, either by phone (Street, Wabamun) or by letter; as Miss Edith Mudie has other work in view, to be obtained August 28th, if "a permit" is refused. I think you will agree that my letter to the Department shows our position so clearly that it is quite unnecessary for me to add to it. But, Sir, if you require further information I shall be pleased to give it to you.
Sylvan is one of the poorest Districts in Alberta, and one of the smallest. (end of p. 122)
$630.00 a year is all we can afford to pay a Teacher, for our seven children, six of whom are half-breeds. Our School has to be closed during January, February & March because of the weather.
As to this matter, will you kindly note that - the Department, in a letter dated March 26th, 1923 (R.18102.23) said to me: -
"Concerning your suggestion that your district be permitted to pay a salary less than the legal minimum, I may state that this matter should be discussed with Inspector Brooks of Stony Plain. It is somewhat doubtful if your Board can secure a certificated teacher at a salary less than the legal minimum of $840.00 per year. If, however, the Board can secure such a teacher, and at a less rate, and Inspector Brooks is prepared to recommend that the Board be allowed to pay the lower salary, the matter will be given every consideration by the Department."
(File No. - R18102.23)
Yours respectfully
Thomas Street
(123)
Skirting The Law
August 25th, 1923
Dear Miss Moody
I have just been speaking to Education Dept. on phone. The Department will grant you "a permit", and you can open our School next week. -
You must send the Department $5.00 fee and of course you will have to sign declaration. As to salary - The Department wishes me to make out the Agreement for $840.00 a year rate but tells me you can return to the School District the $1.00 a day. The Inspector will discuss this question with the Board of Sylvan.
Allow me to remind you that Miss Kirkpatrick offered to teach our School during last term for $3.00 a day, which is all our poor Taxpayers can afford. I have the Register.
Yours respectfully
Thomas Street
Sec.
(124)