To the Legislature of the State of New York: The increasing population of this institution is being provided for by further expansion of the colony system. In addition to the development of Palmyra Colony for girls, established toward the end of the fiscal year, two new farm groups for boys have been organized at Fairmount and plans laid for an additional boys' colony. The number of paroles also has been increased, until now it is customary to consider parole of promising boys and girls at the age of sixteen. The success of the colony and parole systems warrant, we believe, further expansion at this institution. During the year considerable progress was made in the physical improvement of the plant and its equipment. However, during the many years of agitation regarding a new plant the present buildings and their furniture have deteriorated to a point which requires larger appropriations. Whatever the future may have in store it is certain that this plant will be occupied for at least six or eight years, so its condition should be maintained at an acceptable standard. Growth in population demands also an increase in personnel. As the older, trained workers go out to the colonies or on parole their places are taken by young school children, throwing greater burdens upon the employees in all departments. Additional workers are needed in the office and in the dormitory and cottage. service. At present only one physician is allowed for the care of a thousand children. With the approval by the people of the fifty million dollar bond issue for construction in State charitable institutions and hospitals the prospect of a new plant has improved. In view of the well known conditions at the Syracuse State School and the need of greater institutional capacity we believe this school should receive precedence in the allocation of the bond issue money. The Board presents for your consideration the institution farm property at Fairmount. The acquisition of 550 acres of land immediately to the west of the present holdings offers a site of unequalled advantages. The Auburn branch of the New York Central railroad and water mains from Otisco lake supplying the village of Solvay border on the property and furnish convenient railroad facilities and an unlimited supply of pure, soft water at high pressure. The site is accessible to Syracuse over six miles of newly constructed cement roads and the land which will be needed for the enlarged institution is excellent for farming. The board feels that this is not only the logical but by far the best site for future development of the Syracuse State School. JONAS L. OBERDORFER, REPORT OF THE TREASURER To the Board of Managers: I hereby submit a complete statement of the financial condition. of the Syracuse State School for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1924: Per capita cost of maintenance for year ending $326.361 Per capita cost of maintenance for year ending 370.305 Repairs to roofs and gutters. 3,000 00 3,000 00 Chapter 153, Laws of 1924: Fire prevention and safety measures... 15,000 00 15,000 00 REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT To the Board of Managers: I submit herewith my report of the Syracuse State School for the year ending June 30, 1924: Population At the end of the fiscal year 1922-23 we had a resident population of 637 children; a year later 738, an increase of 101. Paroles at the beginning of the year numbered 181; at the close, 222, an increase of 41. At the beginning of the year we had 56 children in two colonies and a year later 109 children in four colonies. Admissions increased from 63 for last year to 154 for this year, most of them young school children. Only 27 of the 154 were received from Greater New York. For the coming year it is expected that paroles will increase to 275 and that there will be eight colonies providing for 200 children. Although the paroles are not figured in when estimating the number of employees needed and the expenses of the institution. it is a fact that for one reason or another they often return to the institution, and when seriously ill all children in this locality come for hospital treatment, so that the physician is called upon for medical as well as psychiatric work for the full enrollment which approximates 1,000. I call your attention to the strain which this places on our medical staff and the need of an assistant physician in addition to the first assistant now allowed; also an extra attendant at the hospital. Special Appropriations During the year the institution was visited by the State Architect, engineers from his office, the local board of fire underwriters and heads of the fire and water departments of Syracuse, regarding fire hazards. The results of their recommendations are appropriations available for the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in the main building, including wings; boys' building and music hall — contract for which has been let and for fire |