New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-01-12
THE BRo0KLYN BOARD or EDUCATION

THE BROOKLYN BOARD or EDUCATfON
Not only the almost criminal carelessness of
the members of the Brooklyn Board of Educa-
ton which made possible the entertainments Of
the fugitive ex-Secretary Stuart, but the gen
eral incOmpetency displayed by these guardians
Of the public schools of the third city in the
United States, makes necessary the thorough
reorganization of this body. 1t is at present so
large MS to be quite unwieldy. Forty-fve men
can hardly he expected to agree readily upon
the measures which are necessary for the con-
duct of the schools, especially when each one
feels it his duty TO express his so-called views
upon every question that may come up tor con-
sideration. The discussions at the monthly
meetings Of the Board are, naturally, tedious
and dreary Sometimes the most triiling
matters give rise to the most long-winded de-
bates. 1t is said that the Board once spent no
less than three hours in considering the mo
mcntous question Of putting new stOvepipe in
one of the school buildings. AS rule, too, the
Board contains one or more members who take
more delight in the sound of their own voices
than in looking after the interests of the
schools; and they never fail to pour forth a
food of oratory on the slightest provocation.
The Legislature should take up this matter
speedily and pass bill for reOrganizing the
Board In the first place, the number of mem
bers ought to be reduced. Twenty five mem
bers-one from each ward III Brookyn-or
even smaller number would be able to trans
act all the necessary business and could do it
much more cxpoditiously than larger body.
The appointing power should be continued in
the hands of the Mayor, for with such a man as
Mr.. Low at the head of the city government the
people need have no fears that the appoint
ments will not be well and wisely made, 1t was
suggested by one of the members at IL recent
meeting that the entire Board offer their resig
nations, in order to leave free field for Mayor
Low. This was not done; but Mr.. Low has
already appointed fifteen members, and in June
(unless the Board be recognized in the mean
time) there will be fifteen more vacancies to be
filed by the Mayor The appointments just
made by him Indicate that in his judgment
there is need of new material in the Board, for
only one member was reappolntcd. Why one
out OF fifteen was retained Is not clear; but
Mr.. Low must have had good reasons for his
action Several OF those not reappointed are
well known and competent men; but doubtless
it was wise to make Il clean sweep. If the
same course is taken in regard to the appoint
mcnts to be made III June, large
majority of the Board will then consist of new
men. They can scarcely show less ability and
greater carelessncss in the conduct of the
schools and the funds intrusted to their care
than the men whom they will succeed and the
chances are that they will prove much more
efficient.
We hope, however that before there are any
further vacancies to be filed a reorganization
of the Board will be effected and the manage
mcnt OF the schools placed IN competent and
responsible hands. There should be no parti-
san opposition to a scheme of reorganization,
for the schools of Brooklyn ought by all means
to be kept free from political cntan9lcments. No
citizen who has the interests OF the schools at
heart can say that the Board of Education as
at present constituted has done its work well
and that it will give entire satisfaction in the
future cannot be expected. The Board claims
to be under no responsibility 10 any officers OF
the city iOr its expenditures. This Is not a. it
should be- Tho sum which is raised for the
schools each year Is large, and the Board should
not have autOcratic power as 10 the disposition
which is made of il. Let the Board be reduced
in SIZE; let Mayor Low select Il body of prudent
and capable men let them be held to Il strict
accountability for their financial transactions;
and Brooklyn will be free from the scandal
lous ncompetency which has 50 long marked
the work of its Beard OF Education.
Mr.. Tldeu's chances for running for the Presi-