Office of
Superintendent of SchoolsNorth Dana, Mass., July 5, 1907.
My dear Miss Baker,-
Do you really feel uneasy in regard to the conditions under which you may be expected to do your work next year? I heartily agree with you that there is need of improvement along the lines indicated in your letter and I can assure you that this need shall be met. The trustees supposed that after the reception room was furnished it would be devoted to its proper use, and you know that I repeatedly made efforts to learn to what extent it was used. But not until now did I know that the lack of some one to care for the room was all the time preventing its more general use. This could have been provided for had I known the facts and I am sure that you can rely upon getting not only the accommodations you ask for but I am determined that the students shall have the social and other cultural opportunities which for various reasons could not be provided the past year.
Regarding salary it was the purpose of the Board to make up to you for the next year the deficiency occasioned by the increase in the board rate. As I have said before a $3. rate was never intended but you enjoyed that advantage through a misunderstanding on the part of Mr. Cambridge. Unless you are content to accept your re-election as stated I earnestly hope you will write Mrs. Crowl a conditional acceptance with some such detailed statement as you have given me. It may be that the Board can arrange a straight rate of $3.50 for you to include everything except washing. I know that few teachers anywhere have a warm room even at four dollars. You must recognize that last winter was unusually severe and that your expense for fuel and light can be reduced materially when the reception room is thrown open every afternoon and evening.
It is my sincere wish that you may arrange to return in the fall. I am sure you would enjoy the new building the foundation of which is well along and I want you to attend the reunion the middle of August, making our home your headquarters. Now keep yourself in good health and plan a restful vacation.
Yours sincerely,
Louis A. Pratt.