Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1869-11-10
Board Of school Trustees.


regular meeting of the Board of Trustees
OF Public Schools was held last night, all the
members present except Mr.. Murtagh. In the
absence Of the President Mr.. Woodward was
called to the CHAIR.
T Mr.: ChamPlin presented a petition from rie
- -"sg w tof leadership.
Mr.. Mcclellan presented q communication of
Prof. John r. Roach, a. NJ, of Baltimore ask
ing that his mode of teaching be considered by
the Board, which was referred to the Committee
on Teachers Institute
The report OF the Committee on Rules. rs
adopted informally the Board at its last meet
ing, was ush u cn up and read by the Secre-
IaI '. UT y" -.Ire moved that the rules he taken
aIpo AZ oy article and passed upon; which was
~, Richards, on the third article being taken
up. desired to be informed how far the Super
ten,ient would be allowed to increase expenses
in obtaining the information called for by the
rule.
Mr.. Brown explained that he had no doubt
IL was the intention of the Board TO deal iiber-
ally a. to the expenses incurred by the Superin-
tenstent; but the rule Contemplated such infOr-
nation as could be obtained b. correspondence,
exchange Of school reports, and If It was neces-
cessary for him 10 visit other cities, the Board
would approve all Necessary expenses
Mr.. Richards thought no very valuable infor-
nation could be obtained a. TO the different
modes OF instruction in different localities,
without travelling from point TO point and eN-
amining in person.
Mr. Moore Thought all such expenses should
come out OF the contingent fund.
Mr.. Newton thought IL desirable that some
~ DIVISION should be made tn visit other cities
when deemed eNpe,iient by the Board.
Mr.. Brown thought the Board should act lib
orally i'm the case.
The Superintendent stated that he was con-
stantly finding questions arising relative to the
duties of his office, which were new to him, and
which in some cases he was in doubt about. The
information sought for by this rule would re-
guire q very labOriOUS correspondence. He
wanted TO secure the best modes of teachings
not in favor OF changes in form, and therefore
desired to procure the best modes at first. He
should make a visit soon, even had he to bear
the expense himself. He would, in all prOba-
bility, make one OF two visits per annum.
Mr. Mcclellan said the only question is as to
the amount OF expenses this Board viii allow for
such information. He thought the Board should
pay the travelling expenses OF the Superintend-
Cnt
The Superintendent inquired if the Sub-board
have the power TO employ and dismiss teachers.
Mr.. Bowen understood the sub-bOard had the
power, subject to the approval of this Board.
The Superintendent wished to be informed III
it was the opinion OF this Board that teachers
should be selected from those examined and
holding certificates of their fitness for such posi-
tions OF from outside parties who hold no such
certificates.
This subject was discussed at considerable
length 10y Messrs. McLelland, Newton, Brown,
Dulin, Clark, and others, all holding different
views a. TO the value OF the certificates and the
mode of appointment of teachers, but all agree
ing that the best teachers should be employed
without regard to any arbitrary rules.
The rules were all adopted with but slight
amendments as agreed upon at the last meeting
of the Board.
Mr.. Woodward reported action taken by the
billboard of the second district which he de-
sired this Board to pass upon; the communica-
ton was read, showing changes that had been
made in the second district last July, and which
took effect on the first of September last The
Board approved the action Of the sub-board Of
the second district.
debate ON the mode of appointing teachers
was participated in by the Superintendent and
Messrs McLelland, Newton, and Dulin.
MI Lawrence introduced a resolution requir-
ing the teachers to report the number of visits
adopted.
Mi. Newton suggested some change in the
that the Superintendent be instructed to revise
the form used at present. Adopted.
The quarterly report OF the Treasurer was
presented and approved
The Superintendent read a paper going to
show the Importance of having a uniform time
adopted by which the schools in the city can
commence their labors and suggested the fire
alarm telegraph as the best mode of striking the
hour for all the schools.
On motion, the Chair appointed the following
committee TO mature plan, and if it can be
DONE to secure the use of the wires for this pur-
pose, and report to this Board the result of their
action, that the Councils may carry the plan in
TO action: the Superintendent and Messrs.
Newton. Wilson, Dulin and Champlin.
Mr.. Newton offered several amendments to the
rules governing the Board, which lie over under
the rules.
MI. Mcclellan moved to take from the table
the communication of Professor Roach. for
consideration of this Board this evening.
The Secretary read the communication again.
Mr.. Mcclellan stated that he had presented the
paper at the special request of Professor Roach;
he coming highly recommended it was due
him that the Board take some action ON it. The
Professor desired TO present his system To the
Beard. with the understanding that ii they ap-
PROV eel the system, that he should be employed
rs teacher. He should like to have the Board
accept his offer OF explaining before the Board
his system.
MIR. Moore moved to place the communication
on file. which was lost, and the question recurr-
ing the original motion to refer, Mr.. Dulin
did not think the paper of sufficient importance
IN refer tn committee, but after some debate it
was referred to the Committee on Teachers In
stitute. Adjourned.