Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1880-04-09
SCHOOL CONVENTION.
Creation Of the Once ofCity Superintendent.


The board of directors of Lancaster
school district met in convention in the
common council chamber last evening,
under call issued by the president at re-
quest of a number of members, for the
purpose of considering the question of
creating the Office of city superintendent
of public schools.
The convention was called to order by
VIM. A. Wilson, esq, who moved that
Robert A. Evans be called to the chair.
Mr.. Evans declined the honor and nomi
mated Rev. c. Reimensnyder, who was
unanimously chosen.
On motion C. F. Eberman was chosen
clerk.
The roll was called and the following
members of the board answered to their
names:
Messrs. D. G. Baker, Brosius, Cochran,
Eberly, Eberman, Erisman, Evans, Harris,
D. Hartman, ]. I. Hartman, Johnston,
Levergood, Marshall, McComsey, Nc
ConOmy, Reimensnyder, Richards,
Schmid, Schwebel, Samson, Smeych, Slay-
maker, Snyder, Spurrier, Westhaeffer,
Wilson, Yeisley, Christian Zecher, Warfel,
president.
The call, in which the object of the
meeting was stated, was read.
Mr.. Slaymaker said he held in his hand
preamble and resolution which he would
offer for adoption. When the matter of
establishing the Office of city superintend-
ent was broached few years ago, he had
opposed it; but he had since then seen the
working of the system in Reading and
other cities, and is convinced of its advan-
tages. He believed that the present time
was favorable for it's adoption in Lancas-
ter. 1t can be tested for single year, and
if found Improbable can then be discon-
tinued. As the state will pay the princi-
pal part Of the salary the cost to the district
will be light. The labors of the superin-
tending committee of the board have in
creased to such an extent and become SO
onerous, that few members of the board
can spare the time necessary to devote
to them. The erection of new schools and
the increase in the number Of pupils will
increase these duties. The election of a
city superintendent will not only relieve
the committee but will add largely, he be-
lleved, to the discipline and efficiency of the
schools. He offered the following:
WHEREAS, the greatly increased num-
Der of pupils, schools, and teachers now
,,,,1or oe ho ,rl hoc
creased the labor to be performed, and,
WHEREAS, to secure the best results from
the operations of our schools requires pro-
per organization of the schools, careful
classification and grading of the pupils, a
suitable course of study, the best methods
of instruction and discipline, as we'll as
close and experienced supervision there
fore.
Resolred, That the office of superinten-
dent Ofpublic schools of Lancaster city
school district be and is hereby estab-
lished.
Mr. Warfel moved the adoption of the
preamble and resolution.
Mr.. D. G.. Baker asked for information,
whether the board would elect superin-
tendent for less than three years.
Mr.. McComsey replied that he had au-
thority for saying that the board could
elect for the unexpired term which will ter
inmate in May, 1881.
Mr.. Warfel also said that if the office is
established and the board elects city
superintendent, his term will expire in
May, 1881.
Mr.. Slaymaker said he would be un
willing to elect city superintendent for
three years, but the board had now an
opportunity of electing ono for one year
if the experiment proved unsatisfactory it
could be discontinued at small expense.
Mr.. Ebsrly would like to know what
was the present necessity for city super
intendent.
Mr.. Slaymaker replied that the
labors of the experimenting COM
mittee of tho board were num-
erous and onerous, and constantly increas-
ing, requiring more time for their faithful
fulflment than members could afford to
give for them. If tho gentlemen were a
member of the committee he would see the
necessity at once.
MIR. D. G.. Baker said that when the
question of a city superintendent was be-
fore the board some time ago it was argued
by those opposed to the system that we
had such an excellent board of directors
and corps of teachers that superintend-
ent was not necessary. It seems now that
the committees of the board are getting
tired of their increasing labors and want a
city superintendent. If the right kind Of a
man could be secured for the position he
thought it would be we'll to give the sys-
tenn trial at least for year.
Mr.. Eberly asked if they created the Office
and did not like it whether it would be
possible to abolish it.
Mr.. Erisman replied that he could not
point to the law in the case, but he knew
that Allentown had had a city superintend-
ent, and owing to heavy school debt had
abolished the office.
Mr.. Wilson called attention to the act of
1867, which makes it optional with school
boards to elect city superintendent for an
unexpired term by means of convention
or for full term, at the time appointed,
at stated meeting of the board.
Mr.. Eberly was not yet satisfied. He
feared if the Office was once created it
would be permanent institution and the
board could not abolish it. The act of As
sembly which says the board may elect
may be construed to mean that it shall
elect Besides il a superintendent is once