The morning call., 1894-09-26
FOR THE SCHOOLS.
President Hyde Explains
the Appeal.
1t Is Matter of Expediency That a
Majority of the Old Directors
Should Remain.

An appeal to the voters of the city and
county of San Francisco, signed by about
80 merchants and Other business men, has
been made aud rculated in the shape of a
petition asking that the members of the
present School Board or at least majority
of them, be retained in Office irrespective
of party politics. This appeal Will par-
iicularly be directed to the Non-Par isan
convention for its consideration and action.
The matter in question was first brought
up by +. A. Hyde, president of the School
Board. In an interview on the subject
yesterday. Mr.. Hyde had this 10 say:
Before there was ATTY prospect of
Non-Partisan convention being held, it
was suggested tn me by some of the mer-
chants particularly John +. Merri y that
the policy OF the present Board OF Eluea-
tion ought to be continued by the re-elec-
ton of majority of its members, and /
was asked to confer with the other direc-
tors and ascertain whether or not they
would serve again. l secured the consent
of five besides myself on condition that it
should be a Non-Parisan board and that
at least six of the present directors should
be Endorsed. at that time it was thought
that such a ticket would have to be put
before the people by petition, and as
star er an appeal to voters was drafted.
Mr.. Merrill took it 10 number of leading
merchants. who very readily signed it, and
they have been in hearty sympathy with
tbs movement from the beginning. Five
times as many signatures could readily
have been obtained
''E. j. Bowen was selected because he
had been School Director and had made
a most excellent record. This made list
af fAV Pc To- a q x.aa
and the merchants selected Mr.. Harring-
ton, the president of their club. as the
fourth Democrat, to make the list strictly
non-partisan. Only eight candidates were
selected, because the merchants thought
that that was a sufficient number TO domi-
nate the policy oil the board.
"1n my opinion there was never time
when thoroughly honest and competent
board was as necessary as now. The re-
forms that have been instituted have made
many enemies among those who have
heretofore profted bv the extravagant eX-
pendltures of school moneys. The new
method of appointing teachers IS on trial,
and inexperienced men might repeal all of
the laws that were passed by this board
10 carry the reforms INTO effect. The pres
ent board has saved $4,000 year in the
running expenses of the department wi b.
out the slightest sacrifice of efficiency. On
the contrary, the schools were never so
well supplied, the buildings and grounds
were never In such good order, and the
whole administration of the department is
now on as near a business basis as has
been possible OF attainment within the
limited time which has elapsed since the
new system was adopted.
politicians have had absolutely no in
fluence with this board, and it is hoped
that they will lie kent out in future. AS
striking instance of economy in manage
ment may stale that The expenditure last
wear for keeping he buildings ard grounds
10 order was $4,000, as against Sci, COO the
preceding year, which is the difference
between the maintenance of a carpenter
shop with lot of hangers-on appointed
by the bosses and the adoption of The bust
ness method OF submitting all work to
conf etition, and awarding the contracts
to the lowest bidders. The old and I'M
quit0us system of the personal appoint
ment of teachers by Directors, without re-
gard 10 qualifications, has been entirely
abandoned, and teachers are now ap-
pointed alter thorough examin alton by a
committee of the faculty OF the University
of California. In our high schools assist
ant teachers are nominated by the prInc-
pals, and the nOmin atoms confirmed by
| the board. The reform work is fairly well
started, and all it needs Is That he sue
eeedng Board OF Education shall be Con-
scientious and intelligent, and the good
work Will continue. In the School De
paItment the need is essential for men
who are thoroughly acquainted with the
work. Even with the very best of iDten-
tons a man makes mistakes during the
first two years of his administration. With
four good men 10 complete the list the
public can rely upon an honest and faith
full administration for The next two years.
II understand that the fight against
these men has already commenced. and
all kinds Of improbable stories are being
circulated against their re-elecIi IN. IL is
stated that they intend to reduce the pay
of vice-principals from $125 to 500 a
month; to cut off the salaries of teachers
during vacations; 10 repeal the tenure of
office law, and TO fix the salaries of assist
ant teachers at $50 month. / find these
ridiculous stories revived at every cleo
ton, by interested parties, and there are
some who profess TO believe them. The
general policy of the members of the
present board has already been declared
and ought to be considered as settled.
There has been no disposition shown TO
Cypress the teachers. On the contrary,
there never was time when good teach
ers were treated with al much considera-
tim as now ~