Wichita eagle., 1886-08-27
BOUNCED!
After a Heated Discussion the Board
of Education Declare the Office
Of City superintendent OF
Schools Vacant.
Prof +. S. Mickey and the Board
Have a misunderstanding and
the Former Steps Down
With Months Pay.

|
| Yesterday there was considerable talk
upon the streets in speculative manner
about what the board of education would do
ut its meeting last night. Those who were
II, ,st intimate with the condition OF things IN
that department of the affairs OF the city
were a little aroused and thought that the
board would bob up with an excitement OF
some sort Others were heard reason that
there was always an accumulation OF some
sort going on and as the city council had
ceased blowing off for time it was not out
OF reason to expect something startling from
the board of education.
The much talk proved to be not wholly
without a foundation.
The following members of the board were
found near 8 O'Clock in the city chamber
ready for business: Taylor, Campbell,
Brown, Wingard, Slaven, Caldwell and
Lewis. One-half hour was spent waiting for
Mr. Allen. another member who did not put
in an appearance.
| AZ the close of the reading of the minutes
Mr.. Lewis suggested that the record con
tained more speeches than was necessary, as
he thought the record should show what work
the board performed.
Other members stated that it had been de-
cided to give replete account so as to be
able to tell where each member stood upon
every important question that was acted
upon. The discussion of the question resulted
in 10 renewed action concerning it.
| As Mr. Campbell, chairman Of the
committee on teachers and salaries
arose to make his report look
of Il wonder what is coming could be seen
in many countenances and the few spectators
by no means wore sleepy look. Among
other things in his report he said that Prof
+. S. Mickey, of st. Scott, who had been
elected as superintendent of city schools was
given that place under a certain condition
with which he had not complied. He stated
that the contract specified that he should
pass an examination under the state board of
examiners and prove his scholarship. He had
not appeared before the board which gave an
examination the first of this week and hence
the violation of the contract.
Mr.. Lewis moved that the report be ac-
cepted and received a prompt second which
was the beckon for a series of lengthy and
animated speeches.
Caldwell gained the floor and stated that
the board elected Prof. Mickey to that posi-
ton when not a single member knew any
thing of his qualifications for the place. He
was elected upon the high recommendation
of Prof. Sanders, of Fort Scott, who was i'll
the city at that time in the interest Of Prof.
Mickey.
Prof Mickey was given the privilege OF
addressing the board and said that i'll regard
to the state certificate he did not understand
| that it was one of the conditions for him to
get a state certificate Sanders never told
him that it was. He had no suspicion that
that was required until last week. His action
was due the fact that he knew
nothing about it. Prof Sanders
told him that some members Of
the board wanted him TO pass an exanina-
ton. but did not know that it was an action
of the board Had not been here twenty
four hours he confined, until l heard it
rumored upon the streets that l was not COM
petent for the place. Mr.. Caldwell told me
| that as far as he was concerned, he did not
know about an examination, but some mem
bers might insist on giving me one. | heard
one member of the board said with an oath,
that would have to pass an examination or
climb. There is no city in the state that re-
unires its superintendent to be examined. l
asked the board to be allowed to attend to
nv own affairs and to use my own Judge
ment in matters over which they have no
control"
Mr.. Lewis then asked tho speaker the ques-
tion ''Have you reason to believe that the
examination would have been unfair!"
| Prof. Mickey-"Have reasons to be
lieve it would have been unfair.
| did not place that as a reason for not being
examined, however"
Mr Campbell said: Il regret very much
that matters have taken the shape they have.
| took some part in the change and friendly
part toward Prof Mickey. The record is in
the shape Of request. The term is that he
be requested to set a state certificate. At
the same time it was meant for condition.
The board wanted to employ a scholar; that
was the cause of the change
| Prof Sanders said Prof. Mickey was q
scholar. don't know anything about the
rllmors concerning him. but the evidences ol
scholarship have not been produced as was
intended or expected. | told Prof. Mickey
some DAYS ago that / saw no reason for a
change unless it bc TO get n scholar. think
he has treated the board with contempt If he
he's become offended with one number OF
the board and refuses to comply 1t is untor-
tunate for hiin | think the hoard would have
given him fair examination. The questions
and answers would be for inspection and il
any es idence appeared that he was treated
unfair il would have proved benefit TO him
He has no. complied with the condition and
his refusal ON the ground that he did moi
have to go has made me think we have made
mistake | want to rectify my action
Mr.. Caldwell was the next to gain the tiool
and spoke as follows: "lf there Is any III
feeling between Prof Mickey and | il has
originated with himself. | voted for him
Sanders said he had no state certificate, but
said he would get one. | made the motion
that gave him salary from the first OF thi
month. SO he could be able t,
gain possession of the records.
| thought It would be best to pay the old anc
new superintendent for one month in order t,