The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-28
SEATTLE, SUNDAY, JUNE es.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AGAIN.


The internal development of the Seattle
public schools during the past year-that
Is, the growth of system and method. in
conformity with advanced principles of in
struction-has been something wonderful.
1t is remarked by all who have given our
schools interested attention, and it is the
subject of universal praise on the part of
parents and advanced pupils who have
directly enjoyed its benefits. Rapid as
the increase in volume in school work has
been, it has been surpassed by the improve
ment in internal arrangement and admin
istration.
It is the wish of our people, wish most
heartily reflected in their representative
board of school directors. to make the pub
lie school system of Seattle equal to its high
est opportunities. To that end no demand
has ever been denied. Whenever there
has been call in the name Of public edu-
cation there has been a full and cordial re-
Spouse.
year ago the schools reached condi-
ton where there was need of reorganiza-
ton upon more liberal plan. The first
necessity was head-a master mind-to
organize the system in all its parts, and
direct it harmoniously as a whole. For
this Office the requirements were severe.
He must be a man of thorough educa-
ton, practical teacher, trained
and experienced administrator, and a
man young enough to adapt
- I'D 10 hi.
strength and enthusiasm to his work.
There were many applicants for the place,
and after long and careful consideration,
Professor Frank ]. Barnard was engaged
for the work. He seemed at the time to
meet all requirements, and one years trial
in the practical work of school organiza-
ton and management has proved the wis
dom of the choice. Professor Barnard has
done great work in the year in which our
schools have been under his control. He
has met every emergency-and there have
been many trying situations-with q
that has illustrated his perfect fit
ness for educational work. The
board has wisely re-engaged him for
a three years term and it Is believed that
before this period of service has expired
he will have made the schools of Seattle,
the generous support of our people, second
to none in practical efficiency in the United
States. OF course such important results
as have been accomplished would have
been impossible without efficiency and
good feeling all along the line of school
effort. Professor Barnard has had the CO.
operation and support of all the teachers
Ia fact which speaks volumes in his favor.
In connection with the search for city
superintendent last year there was a
search no less critical and discriminating
for principal of the High school. As in
the case of the general office, there was de-
manded for this position man with all
the resources of education, experience and
temperament, and such man was found
IN Professor John w. Heston, an in
structor in the State Agricultural college
of Pennsylvania. Professor Heston's
work in the High school, although re-
stricted by inadequate facilities, has
progress of the school has been far beyond
the average of first-class school work
while the instances of individual develop
ment have been very remarkable as the
annual examinations have demonstrated
Professor Heston has the gift of making
the most of special and personal abilities
as they develop under his eye-a gilt which
nullifes the old criticism that the effect Of
grade work is to develop the average and
10 suppress the exceptional student.
Under Professor Heston the High school
has attained a position where those who
speak for it feel that they have the right
TO ask the taxpayers of the district for
better facilities. Its several classes are
now CHARTERED in the assembly hall of the
Central school building; in place not de-
signed for a school-room; inconven.
lent to the last degree and, &c,
cording to the board of health, un.
wholesome. The school now mum.
bers about one hundred and twenty-five
pupils, with six teachers, and it will soon
be very greatly enlarged through removal
of the State University to an out-of-towr
site. 1t needs, very sadly needs, a build
ing of its own, with appliances for scien.
tifc work and with separation from the
grammar grades. Win not the people OF
Seattle, who have never denied an appeal
meet this new and urgent necessity
promptly and cheerfullys