Safety
Safety at the school, especially surrounding fires was a big concern.
Many of the schools had pole fire escapes which consisted of iron poles that extended from the ground to the roof.
A number were placed in strategic locations around the school.
At some schools these poles were located within the building.
There were comments made throughout various reports by Principals and Indian Agents that the poles were difficult for the younger girls to use and feel comfortable with and much practice was needed.
Access to these escapes was also a problem.
At one school it was noted by an Indian Agent that the windows leading to the fire exits were padlocked.
In another it was noted that the fire escape, which consisted of a steel stairway was very narrow and often in the winter froze over with ice becoming extremely hazardous.
Overcrowding
Many of the schools were overcrowded which led to the spread of diseases among the students.
Overcrowding was primarily found in the dormitories and the classrooms.
Schools kept accepting students because they were under funded and tried to make ends meet by taking in more students to obtain the per capita grants.
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