First Day of School (Back to School, Part II)

One hundred years ago today … The first day of school in for New York City public schools was marred by inadequate space for the students, unsafe conditions, budget deficits, and the mayor’s “broken promises” to get more children in school full time. 

The Tribune carried the story with reference to schools we have mentioned before: Erasmus, Girls' High School, and Morris High School. 

The schools of the city opened their doors yesterday to a record-breaking attendance under the most gloomy prospects in the history of the Board of Education.

Out of the confusion surrounding the registration of pupils there emerged the outstanding fact that all the predictions of crowding and parttime instruction will be exceeded, despite the belated opening of nine new schools and two additions. Approximately 95,000 children will go on part time in the elementary schools.

In addition to the unprecedented registration, there is the possibility of the schools being compelled to cease activities in November for lack of funds. Only state assistance or a bond issue will save the situation. Virtually every high school principal reported yesterday insufficient supplies on hand for educational purposes.

While the full registration figures will not be known until Wednesday, advance reports indicate that in the high schools the total registration will be 90,000. The estimated number was 81,000. All of the students will have to be instructed on a double session basis as a result of the failure of the administration to build any high schools during its four years in office. 

In a Condemned Building

Reports from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn showed 5,000 pupils registered and others waiting to register. The school has a capacity for 4,103. The notorious Girls' High School in Brooklyn reported 600 new pupils to be instructed in a building already condemned. In the same borough Manual Training High School reported an increase of 800. Commercial High School reported 4,000 students, where there is accommodation for only 2,694. The Boys' High School reported 500 more than last year's enrollment,

The conditions found in the high schools prevail throughout the city, although registration is by no means complete. Morris High School, in the Bronx, with a capacity of 3,738 students, reported a registration of 4,575 students, with figures not yet reported fully.

To meet this unprecedented situation in the high schools the Hylan administration yesterday opened a new addition with a capacity of 318 seats to the Far Rockaway High School.

(“Packed Schools Open; Throngs Can't Get Seats,” New York Tribune, 13 September 1921, p. 1.)

– Jonathan Goldman, September 12, 2021

TAGS: education, architecture, enrollment, children, mayor, safety