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Show Schools Are Crowded CORTEZ-When 250 Navajo chU-dren are enrolled in Cortei schools in September, 1955, they will go to all grade schools in town on a non-segregated basis, according to Superintendent Vincil Lester. The federal government has provided funds for the erection of a school to accommodate the 250 children and therefore they win cot be an additional burden on educational facilities in Cortez. But there are other space worries, according to Mr. Lester. Overcrowding is prevalent, with as many as 38 students assigned to classrooms suited to but 20 pupils. The Cortez High School also is crowded and every available space is being used. Even the school cafeteria has been pressed Into service as a classroom. Designed to relieve the congestion is the new Manaugh grade school, expected to be ready to receive students 'in September. But Mr. Lester expects that the additional number of children to be educated will mora than offset the space gained. "The events of last year (1953) have substantiated the survey in which we asked for $400,000 (for new school buildings and facilities)," Mr. Lester said. He referred to the request in 1953 for funds with which lo build the Manaugh school, when $375,000 was authorized. Teacher personnel turnover Is not a major problem, however, according to Mr. Lester. There are 71 teachers in the system at present, and the turnover is less than ten per cent. The operating budget for the county high school at Cortez and for the District 1 grade schools U $296,000. |