The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-29

Dis is nearly three times greater than it was
when the school Law now In force was
passed IL was. no doubt, made in the light
OF the best experience OF that day; but for
quate. Within the last five years several or
the important cities have reorganized their
educational work under new and reformative
statutes. IL Is part OF the same movement
which. through the initiative and united ef-
Tort OF this club, gave 10 this city It's char
ter. embodying and rejecting the best
administration of city affairs. The central
idea-old and fundamental-was that there
should be clear definition between the ex-
ecutive, legislative and judicial departments.
Every simple organization OF society. which
by growth becomes complex, demands this
sort OF treatment. And. likewise. the work
or school board naturally separates itself
into legislative and executive duties.
heartily agree that the educational side
OF the work. so far as its purely profession
from restraint That the head Of that de-
partment should have the authority TO de-
term iI the course Of instruction and the
be held responsible for the results. This
implies that every city which has any
pride i'm its educational standing can AFFORD
10 and, indeed, must employ an educator
or the highest professional fitness. Once
frame a law SO that such man can work
out educational problems. free from the
petty embarrassments and tyrannies OF
school boards (and L refer to them general
ly as a class you dignity his labor and
guarantee his results. throughout the whole
rank and file OF the teaching corps there
should be the feeling that permanency of
position and certainty OF promotion depend
alone on merit. IL would be the electric
touch imparting strength and spirit TO the
whole system.
But under law suited to present condi-
tions there should be an officer who. under
authority OF the board. should have charge
OF important details of its business. The
care or the property in the school city,
the superintendent Of construction and re-
naf 10 ha M a
Ing the expenditure OF thousands OF dol
lars, require executive ability OF the first
order. The man who Is to be the business
arm OF the board should be a man of wide
experience, of unquestioned integrity and
capable OF conducting safely and wisely
large enterprises. Money invested In this
department in honest brains will ordinarily
return to any city thousands or dollars upon
the investment.
Professor Goss, superintendent OF schools.
made a short address. He said that from
his personal experience he could heartily
indorse the IDEAS advanced by President
Draper. He had no cause to complain, as
the School Board was disinclined TO hamper
him in the management of the educa tfonal
side OF the question. but he Thought super
intendents as a class could accomplish more
IL they were given more power by law
Professor 1. III. Tomlin, of Shelbyvile,
made few remarks. Tenure or ONCE was
one great menace to good work by super
and let him feel that he will be secure In
the exercise of that power" said he, "and
you VIII increase MS courage. but III you
direct him to do something without backing
him, his courage wanes" He ought to
feel free to select teachers without fear
or favor. he said. and asserted that . per
cent. of the teachers of the State were
not worth their board.
School Commissioner Vonnegut also
spoke. In some respects he differed with
President Draper. he said. but agreed with
him in the main. Like President Martin
dale, he thought the question or erecting per-
manent buildings ought TO be agitated, and
the people ought to realize that nothing was
to be gained by putting up cheap buildings
as had been done in years gone by.
ID. Up. Irwin, president of the Commercial
Club, said he wanted TO indorse the idea of
erecting good buildings, even If it were
necessary to go in debt to do it. He be-
lieved Mr.. Martindale was right in saying
that future generations should be made to
bear part of the expenses incurred.
1t was announced that the board Of di-
rectors would consider the subject at its
meeting next Tuesday night, when a COM
mittee will probably be appointed to take
further action.