School Management and Finance
181
Freedom from Debt
That our schools may nobly accomplish the purpose for which they
are established, they should be free from debt. They should not be left
to bear the burden of paying interest. In the establishment of training
schools for workers, and especially in new fields where the brethren
are few and their means limited, rather than delay the work it may
be better to hire some money from the friends of the enterprise; but
whenever it is possible, let our institutions be dedicated free from debt.
The Lord has means for His work in the hands of His stewards;
and as long as our schools have debts which were incurred in their
establishment, in the erection of necessary buildings, and in providing
necessary facilities, it is our duty to present the case to our brethren
and ask them to lessen these debts. Our ministers should feel a burden
for this work. They should encourage all to labor harmoniously and to
lift in proportion to their ability. If this work had been taken hold of
with fidelity and diligence in past years, the debts on our older schools
could have been lifted long ago.
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Economy
In the erection of school buildings, in their furnishing, and in every
feature of their management the strictest economy must be practiced.
Our schools are not to be conducted on any narrow or selfish plans.
They should be as homelike as possible, and in every feature they are
to teach correct lessons of simplicity, usefulness, thrift, and economy.
The students are in our schools for a special training to become ac-
quainted with all lines of work that should they go out as missionaries
they could be self-reliant and able, through their educated ability, to fur-
nish themselves with necessary conveniences and facilities. Whether
men or women, they should learn to mend, wash, and keep their own
clothes in order. They should be able to cook their own meals. They
should be familiar with agriculture and with mechanical pursuits. Thus
they can lighten their own expenses, and, by their example, inculcate
principles of thrift and economy. These lessons can best be taught
where economy in all things is conscientiously practiced.
Not only for the financial welfare of the schools, but also as an
education to the students, economy should be faithfully studied and