From The Smyrna Times,
Feb. 11, 1960
Heaviest voting in past decade easily defeats teacher wage referendum
Voters in the Smyrna Special School District overwhelmingly rejected a proposed referendum here Saturday that would have provided an annual local supplement of $350-$500 to teachers’ salaries. A total of 847 votes were cast against the increase in taxes; only 185 were cast in favor. Eight ballots were judged void. This represented 81 percent opposed to the measure and only 18 percent in favor.
The total vote of 1,040 persons represented about one-third of the number of persons eligible to vote in the district, and was noted by school officials as being the heaviest vote known to be recorded in the district during the past decade. Votes of over 800 have been the case during contests for board membership.
The balloting, according to polling places was: Thomas D. Clayton School, for 17, against 58, total 75; Elementary School, for 50, against 219, void 1, total 270; High School, for 118, against 570; void 7, total 695.
School officials had indicated that a local supplement of $350-$500 was needed to place Smyrna Schools in a better bargaining position in the state for teachers.
School library doubles size in 5 months
The number of books in the Smyrna Elementary School library now stands at 650, double that owned by the library in September, but far short of national standards which suggests five books per pupil.
District officials indicated that plans are underway to purchase an additional 1,000 books. These books have been carefully selected with the aid of teachers and other professional help. When complete, the elementary library will have a fine selection of books for boys and girls of the district.
Lt. Gov. Buckson speaker at Cub Scouters Blue Gold Banquet
Lt. Gov. David P. Buckson was guest speaker at the Blue and Gold Banquet of Cub Scout Pack 135 held at the Smyrna Elementary School on Tuesday evening, which was attended by approximately 150, including the cubs, their leaders, den mothers, parents and others.
Lt. Gov. Buckson gave an inspiring talk to the young boys, telling them of the many renowned men, natives of the State of Delaware who have served the nation in military and political posts of great honor. He encouraged the youth to be proud of the scout uniform, to take an interest in their school, town, and state, in which they make take a prominent part in the future. He also presented them with a copy of the Delaware Blue Book.
Edward S. Wilson, Jr., cub master, introduced the den mothers, and others at the head table, among them Lewis Uhlendorff, Richard Reed, Earl Ford, master, Troop 135, Boy Scouts, and Mrs. Ford; also, A. H. Hammond, Jr., representing the Smyrna Lions Club, sponsors of the cub scouts.
