REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. HON. J. FRANK HANLY, Governor of Indiana: DEAR SIR-The Trustees of the Indiana School for the Blind have the honor to submit herewith the sixty-first annual report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1907. In the management of the affairs of this School we have aimed to exercise such care and economy as will afford the most efficient service with the means available. No effort has been made to return any money to the State so long as it was needed in any department of the School or for any improvement in the buildings. We solicit examination of the detailed reports, believing that they will show care and economy with the sole purpose of securing the best at our command. We have sought to supply everything possible that would promote the comfort and happiness and encourage the efforts of the pupils and add to the efficiency of the School. We are gratified to report a general improvement in the work and invite the closest inspection, believing that it largely fills the purpose of its maintenance. The appropriations have been sufficient under the present prices and salaries. We have not in every case been able to purchase all we desired or to pay the wages to which we think the employes were justly entitled, but we have fairly well met every demand. There have been several requests for increases in wages and salaries owing to the increased cost of living, but we could make no material advance without facing a deficit, so we lost the service of several employes whom we desired much to retain. Again we have had little sickness. The entire absence, among our pupils, of typhoid fever, measles, scarlet fever and diphtheria, generally more or less prevalent in the city, indicates their healthy condition. In a few cases pupils were compelled to return home because they were unable to —5— ! do the school work, but in no case was there serious sickness while school was in session. There has been rather more than the usual amount of repairs and improvements. The shops, chapel and gymnasium have been redecorated. All of the hardwood floors have been revarnished or oiled. Much painting has been done where most needed. However, a special appropriation will soon be needed to paint the exterior of the main building, to repair the roofs and towers. A sufficient amount can not be spared from the regular appropriation for incidental repairs for this exterior work. In the case of eleven pupils who are now past the legal school age and who have for several years past done acceptable school work, and who will soon graduate, we have, upon their written request, permitted their continuance; but in no case has anyone been admitted who is past twentyone years of age. We have been able to take care of all who are otherwise eligible and who are between the ages of eight and twenty-one years, but these sufficiently tax the capacity of the School without extending the years of eligibility. Below we give a summary of the statistical tables contained in this report: FINANCIAL. The financial condition on September 30, 1907, was as follows: $544,100 00 30,264 72 .$574,364 72 .$34,000 00 $31,166 67 $3,000 00 2,750 00 *In compliance with Section 2, Chapter 143, of the Acts of the Sixty-fifth General Assembly of Indiana. We give here the per capita expenses for the past ten years based on the total enrollment, and of the maintenance based on the average attendance: *In compliance with Section 2, Chapter 143, of the Acts of the Sixty-fifth General Assembly of Indiana. †The fiscal year ending September 30, 1907, consists of eleven months. An act passed by the General Assembly of 1907, chapter ninety-eight, section one, and approved March 2, 1907, increased the Board of Trustees to four members. Upon the appointment of the additional member under this law, the Board organized by the continuation of A. C. Pilkenton as president, L. M. Dunlap as secretary, J. F. Hennessey as treasurer and the selection of F. F. Wiley as vice-president. We have endeavored to comply with all the additional provisions of this new law. Sincerely, A. C. PILKENTON, President. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. To the Honorable Trustees of the Indiana School for the Blind: GENTLEMEN-I herewith, agreeable to custom and legislative requirement, submit for your consideration the sixtyfirst annual report of the Indiana School for the Blind. This report contains such data as is required by law, with whatever additional information, outlines and tables as are needed by the officers, employes and teachers, and such information as may be of value to the general public. There were enrolled during the past school session sixtysix boys and seventy-six girls and during the fiscal year seventy-one boys and eighty-eight girls. The attendance was fairly regular, there being an average attendance of 59.93 boys and 68.44 girls, or a total of 128.37 for each day of the session. There are now present fifty-six boys and seventy-five girls. During the fiscal year there were two suspensions. At the close of the year there were five dismissed as incompetent for further instruction. The applications of all eligible candidates have been accepted, admission being denied to those only who were disqualified because of age, physical or mental disability. We herewith give the names and addresses of all pupils who have been enrolled during the past fiscal year: |