The History of Western Technical College

On June 3, 1913 the Board authorized Director Sutherland to attend a "State Convention of Industrial School Teachers" and
to pay his expenses, and the secretary was instructed to invite the convention through the State Superintendent to meet in
La Crosse. Assistant State Superintendent Warren Hicks attended the Board meeting and asked Board members to write
individually to the state representatives "urging passage of a measure before the Assembly calling for needed aid to
industrial schools." Reports on the first year of operation were made.
The First Year - A "balanced budget". . .
RECEIPTS
City Appropriation
Miscellaneous Sales
Total Receipts- 1912-1913
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
YEAR CLOSING JUNE 30, 1912-1913
EXPENDITURES
Instruction
$4,211.00
Other Service
306.55
Books and Supplies
721.46
Rent/Light/Heat
285.05
Equipment
490.38
Incidentals
39.68
Total Expenditures - 1912-1913
Balance On Hand - June 30, 1913 LESS: 10/2/13 -American Express
Charges (Package from Chicago)
Cash On Hand - October 7, 1913
The First Year - Total enrollment. .
ENROLLMENT 1912-1913
Apprentices 6
Day Permit Pupils 212
All Day Pupils 22
Evening School 566
$6,000.00
54.95
6,054.95
6,054.12
$ .83
$____.55
$____.28
In October 7, 1913 Board members were: Mr. L. C. Hirshheimer (replacing Mr. Easton who resigned), J. B.
Funke, John Rusche, A. A. Schroeder, and L. P. Benezet. Mr. Funke was reelected president for the year
1913-1914.
The financial statements were acted upon, and the secretary reminded about presenting the formal
notice of the $6,000 levy to the City of La Crosse Council. Awaiting the arrival of Director Sutherland, the
Board recessed and visited classrooms. After reconvening, the Board voted to pay Andrew Engelhard, the
janitor at the Longfellow building, $7.50 per month, and the Sol Burdick, the Truant Officer was paid $60
for his last year's services, at the rate of $10 per month.
On December 2, 1913 the Board approved a recommendation from Warren Hicks to establish a second
school in La Crosse. The Committees on Instruction and Equipment were authorized to make
arrangements for evening classes to begin on the north side of La Crosse shortly after January 1, 1914. A
drawing desk, designed by Director Sutherland and made under his direction by Board Member
Hirshheimer, was exhibited and the Committee on Equipment was authorized to have 20 similar desks
made at a cost not to exceed $4 each.