New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-08
THE CLEDEL4ND SCHOOL EXPERIMENT.

An experiment Of unusual importance in the
mana cement of public schools Is being tried in
Cleveland, Ohio. In and of Itself il deserves the
thoughtful attention OF all men and women con-
cern~d directly or indirectly in tie work Of cdu-
cation TO the people Of New-fork il cannot fail
to prove Of especial interest. because the new sys-
ten IL in great part under the control OF the
Hon Andrew s. Draper. who was the Snperin-
icndent Of Public instruction IN this State from
1856 until last year. when Democratic I.egis-
atur, refused to reclcct him, although his cX
c'pional fitness for the Office was universally
acknowledged. The city of Cleveland was fortu-
natr in securing so able, experienced and compe-
tent min rs the superintendent of its public
schools when the Stat" OF New-Nork dismissed
him: and Mr. Draper was fortunate in securing
an opportunity for educational work in field
where system had just been adopted, and
where few restrictions are placed upon the official
in charge % public school instruction.
In the June number of The Educational Re-
view Supcrnt"n lent Draper describes in some
detail the new Cleveland system. which
adopted in is0? a. the result OF n strong feeling
ON the part Of the citizens that the schools must
L. taken out Of politics and made effective
possible. The primary feature Of the new plan
is the sharp distinction drawn between the bust
mes, side and the instruction side Of the school
system TIE business mana cement of the schools
is placed IN the hands Of director and school
council Of seven members. The director, who is
the business manager and chief executive officer
OF the schools. dcvotes his whole time TO the
duties Of his Office and receives n salary Of $1,000:
the members Of the council serv" without salary,
and the council corresponds in general way TO
the ordinary board OF education. These officials
are elected on u general ticket at the city cleo
lions This SENS TO be the weak point In the
systc1 since the election Of school officials neces-
EARLY throws the schools into politics to n greater
or less extent. II was at first proposed by the
advocates Of the new system TO have special
school election. but this plan was abandoned in
the interest of economy and to make the passage
Of the bill more certain. But even n special
election would not make the Offices in question
non-politcal, nor would any method Of appoint
mcnt produce such result with certainty.
So much for the business administration Of the
schools in Cleveland. The department of nstruc-
ton Ia wholly in the hands OF superintendent,
who is appointed by the director with tho APP
proval pf the council The superintendent is not
chosen for specified term, but for an unlimited
period: that f. 10 say, he can be removed only
for cause, and practically holds his office, like
Justice of the Supreme Court OF the United
States. during good behavior. This is vital
factor in the Cleveland system. or course it is
selr-evidcnt that extreme care must he taken in
choosing the right man for this responsible Office,
since the superintendent has sol" power to APP
point and discharge all assistants and teachers
authorized by the council 10 be employed.
Cleveland has had the good fortune TO
almost ideal man for this place, and there can
BE- little doubt that on the side of instruction the
new system will be- successful while Mr.. Draper
has control OF II.
The system, AZ q whole, is deserving Of careful
study 1t has Obvious advantages, and likewise
some defects that may prove serious. That it is
n great Improvement upon the methods in vogue
in most Of our large cities will be- generally al
mitted At the same time, It S plain that even
so good system as that OF Cleveland undoubtedly
is will work badly in the hands of incompetent
or interruptions men, But this is true of any
system that the wit Of man can devise Popular
government as q whole must depend upon the
patriotism and fidelity Of the individual units