A loss of nearly a half-million dollars to the New York City school system from the state appropriation for the year 1930-31 because of increased absences for Jewish holidays is expected by officials of the Board of Education, according to a statement by Dr. William J. O’Shea, New York City Superintendent of Schools. Nevertheless, Dr. O’Shea said, everyone should observe the holidays of his religion.
The appropriation made by the state for schools is based on the per capita student attendance. Nearly all Jewish pupils in the New York City schools are absent on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Yippur and the first and last days of Passover, while only the children of very Orthodox families are absent on the other Jewish holidays.
“The schools should endeavor to eliminate unnecessary absence, but should not attempt to reduce absence that is justifiable in every respect,” declared Dr. O’Shea.
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