Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-03-10
A Plea for Women on the School Board
SOME GOOD POINTS MADE

\ Ne
SOME GOOD POINTS MADE.
To the Editor of THE EVENING STAR.
Now in this time of wholesome agitation of
the school management question, may not the
subject OF women on the school board be Drop.
erly discussed? Much can be said in favor of
female supervision, for naturally and legiti-
mately the care of the schools is Womans pro-
vince After graduating her little ones from
the nursery, should not the mother be the Gus
todian OF the school-room? Who would be the
more interested than she in the selection of
able school sites, and in the arrangements Of
heating, lighting and ventilation? II her child
S 1e IRON errors IN these details who feels it
ton OF Woman's inability to cope with these
matters, but actual fact siiences such cry Our
the intelligence and the business ability to ably
discuss and satisfactorily settle every matter
brought before the board of trustees. Especi-
ally In point of time, have many of them the
advantage OF men equally able, but whose off,
clai or professional duties prevent the consider
vices.
But further than that a worker and observer
IN the schools sees real necessity for woman's
presence In their direction and government.
The head Of man has done we'll for our public
schooi system, but it needs the heart of woman
co upon ornament and finish of school build
1ngs, to give the children suitable play grounds
ana sizeable pay-rooIhs that the little ones
might stretch their muscles in healthful recrea-
ton between the hours OF study, without being
either turned in the dusty streets or crowded
1hto meahiy sized play-rOoms in wet weather,
as is the case now in many of our buildings. A
mothers interest would also demand q greater
number nun OF teachers and consequently fewer pu-
pits In q school, SO that a teacher could give
each child some individual attention, and not
be Obliged, as at present, to regard her class as
amonstrous machine which she would be glad
TO d1VeSt OF its mechanical habiliments and re-
solve into healthy, lively set of interested
children.
There has been recentlv Suooastod tho MA, ,f
storm signals, announcing 'school closed on
days such as January 25th (the day of the terri
Bile snow STORMY, when the children whose pa
rents permitted them to venture out spent their
time in school drying their shoes and stockings,
Where teacher was humane enough to allow
consideration for their health to overrule any
claims tor learning. With our many school
bells the janitors could readily give an under
stood signal for the children to remain home
on days OF unusual inciemency relieving many
an anxious mother OF the fear of sickness
among her children, where ambition for regu-
lar attendance causes them to go to school.
Another very strong plea for women on the
school board is that majority of our teachers
womans work, and it needs no telling that a
teacher, like any other worker, will give her
best effort where she has the greatest sympa-
thy and is the most encouraged. Then, often
there arise for the teachers consideration mat
tiers OF too delicate nature for a modest
woman to ask the advice of a male supervising
principal, superintendent trustee. Young
teachers and those new In the calling feel this
greatly, and both teachers and pupils some
oi,i.O' Suhci Aol WduI VI du ADVISER,
which might be obviated did she know there
was an intelligent woman whose counsel she
had the privilege of calling to her aid.
Therefore, as one desiring to suggest only that
which is most conducive to the good of our
schools at large and what is felt to be the long
needed benefit, we beg that in the construction
OF our new school board giving to each school
division three trustees, one of them at least
Will be woman, and that the woman element
will be recognized as an essential factor i'm the
successful and perfect development of our pub
lie school system.