New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-03-30
SCHOOL LEGISLATION.
BILLS PENDING AT ALBANY.

OPINIONS or NETWORK SCHOOL oFfICIALs-rWo
BILLS FAVORED AND FOUR OPPOSED so FAR AS
THEY AFFECT THE EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
The measure proposed in the Board of Edu-
cation for the regulation and reduction OF teachers sal
aries lies quietly awaiting the result Of the legislation at
Albany which may render it unnecessary. There are at
present six bills pending in the Assembly. which seri-
ousy affect the school interests Of NewYOrk. Four OF
them are considered very prejudlcal to educational
needs by school authorities and two thought TO be
very beneficial The first act, which Is looked on with
disfavor far affects the schools is known Mr..
Fishs BILL and entitled, For the better public admin
istraton In the City OF NewYork." One provision OF
this il that the Board OF Estimate and Apportonment
shall have the power of determining the number Of per-
employed by any department OF the City Govern
ment by any board commission and also OF decid-
ing the compensation that shall paid in each 1t
Is understood, however, that amendment has been
passed by which teachers exempt from the operation
of these provisions But the City superintendent
and his seven assistants, who constitute the
Examining Board, the superintendent Of School
Buildings, the Engineer OF the Board OF Edu-
cation, the Superintendent OF Truancy and his
twelve assistans-the official corps Immediately con-
neced with the city bureau OF educati0n-a OF whom
form essential and important part OF the school al
mnistration embraced in the provisions and would
become entirely subject 10 the Board Of Estimate and
Appointment II the bill should pass. The objections
urged against this arrangement that the anagemcnt
Of school affairs would be placed by 1t in the hands Of
politicians VINO although they might be perfectly honest
and capable men, would have had experience In edu
catona matters and might not be fit judges Of the needs
OF the schools. Moreover. an opportunity would be
given making the school system part OF political
machine, be in the interest OF party These main
objections it is said many minor There Is
another clause in the bill, placing supplies and repairs
and alterations in school buildings under the control OF
bureau at the City Hall, and not under the control OF
the Board Of Education. IL is thought that II would be
great disadvantage to have the list supplies
books ETC., prepared by body of men who are not IA
miliar with school affairs and The OF study pur
sued the tariff Of supplies regulated by those
who have had experience with the needs OF pupils
and teachers.
The second bill is known the Woodin Charter. This
affects Board of Education only in regard to supplies
and buildings and il Is understood that it Will be
amended so a. to exempt the schools nom It's PROVISION
Another is general bin for the reduction OF the sal
aries of all persons paid from the city treasury This
bi unless amended, it is Thought Will he construed 10
include all the employees Of the Board OF Education
teachers and clerks, because they are certainly pad
from the rtY treasury
Tie fourth MEASURE to which objection isiImade is
ate and is in the House. BY its provisions the
city is divided INTO eight districts and the Board OF
Health is authorized to appoint inspectors for each dlS
trct These officers are To make inspections Of school
premises from time 10 time and To direct sucn changes
respect 10 tine sanitary condition OF buildings ana
pupils may proper to thcm Their reports WOld
be made 70 the Board of Health once month Under
the present school the trustees have control or the
school buildings their DISTRICTS and are required To
keen them in a proper condition. Bg the new act, Tue
sanitary inspectors would have somewhat similar duties
and powers and Is asserted that conflict 0f Jurl'iic-
ton would BE- inevitable result, aud lnelnciency OF
administration would follow The members OF the Board
Of Education think that II is not much Legislation thaJ
Is wanted in this matter money Tie opinion Is ad-
yanced thu sanitary condition Oi the SCHOOLS needs
Immediate attention. the most sensible course would DC
to give sufficient funds Tor that purpose. ,
The other bills have been directly INSPIRED Dy the
Board ElucaOn and considered by tnc members
generally AS when Will secure great advantage
10 Inc SCHOOLS or the city The fist OF these has reference
roye present financial difficulties. lt has been unanl-
mously passed ny the Senate, and IS now ~ the Las OF
the judiciary Committee of the House As there seems
10 be no Opposton. expected to become law. Al
prt sent when the Board O Estimate ana AppOrtionmeht
mas made appropriations Tor school purposes, It's pow
es cease and IL has authority to make transfer from
one account To another dn any other brincn
Board on an equality with the other municipal d part
m-ut, and gives the Board OF Estimate ana Appor-
;Ioumcnt the same rights regard 10 the transfer Oh
school MONEYS az OF any other moneys.
The last important measures the one recon-
meuacd by the Board O Education at It's meeting on
March o. and already described III HE TRIBUNE IL mas
iu.t been forwarded Albany with letter from the
President OF the board, setting form the reasons for It's
passagr should ii become Law the Board OF Educa-
lion would have the entire disposal OF school fhd' IN
der IL as now the Board OF Education would make II,
estimates OF money required for school purposes ana
subnit them 10 the Board OF Estimate and Apporti0n-
neut for approval; but IN case tue Board pI
Estimate AMI AppOrtiOumcnt should not approve thc
stnIute the Board OF Education ~ s:X-seyenths vote,
could force IL To acquiescence, To require slNsevent
vote OF the OF Education Is considered SUFFICIENT
che against cNtraYaglnCe.