The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-06-08
SCHOOL BOARD TROUBLES.
Official Report of the Committee on the
BOgart Protest.
THE APPROPRIATION IS TIED UP
Prof. Cooper Appointed Supervisor of the
Schools Pending Decision-Director
Edwards Reports Conversation He
Had With Prof. Bogart, Who
Denies the Charges.

School Board on Saturday evening was very
interesting event. At times it became so in
teresting that personal attacks seemed inn
minent. At moment when the tension was
the greatest one of the members, in a half
humorous address, succeeded in pouring oil
upon the troubled waters and soon after an
adjournment was taken.
Of course, the cause of the trouble was the
superintendency. 1t was evident from what
occurred at the meeting that the Board is so
clearly divided on the question that nothing
but decision by the State Department can
settle it,
Several Democrats have declared their be-
lief that Prof Bogart will not demand a
hearing on the charges made against him,
but forfeit his position here and let the mat
ter drop with as little publicity as possible.
With this view they argue that the Board
proceed to declare the position vacant and
elect another superintendent. Some Demo-
Gratis have boldly come forth with the sug-
gestion that the Board bring about a speedy
settlement by re-electng Mr.. Whitaker.
On the other hand the Republicans main
tain the position that the Board had no
power to 90 into another election until the
charges made are either proved, or dis
missed; and stamp the suggestion Of Mr..
Whitaker's election as a part of the Demo-
cratic program by which the charges were
first brought out. In nutshell the position
of the Republicans is this: Prof Bogart
was elected superintendent of the public
| schools of this borough. by the Republican
members of the School Board and in order to
grasp some chance to re-instate Prof Whit
aker the Democrats have assailed the moral
character of the new superintendent. The
Republican members are not bound to prove
that Prof Bogart is not guilty of the
charges nor can they consider him guilty
until he has had fair trial before the proper
tribunal and been convicted. On the other
hand, the Democrats are bound to follow up
their charges with proof and show that Prof.
Bogart is not fit person to take charge of
the schools. If they will not, or cannot, do
this the State Department is bound to issue a
commission to Prof. Bogart and uphold the
election made by the Republican members of
the Board The issue is in the hands of the
Democrats and Prof. Bogart cannot attempt
to assume control Of the schools until it is
settled. From some remarks dropped at
Saturday nights meeting it would seem that
the Democrats have discovered that they
have a more difficult task in hand than they
bargained for in the start.
The meeting was called for general busi-
ness but more especially to receive the re-
port of President Price and Solicitor Beddall,
who constituted the committee sent to Har-
risburg to make an investigation. Mr.. Bed
dali made the report and said, after reciting
the preliminaries as to departure from town,
arrival at Harrisburg, meeting of the State
superintendent, etc. when the case is
ready for hearing the accusers must pro-
duce proof 1t may be close to September
before a hearing can be had and decision
made. As to the state appropriation, the
State Superintendent suggested that the
secretary of the Board prepare the annual
statement and ask the late superintendent to
write private letter to the State Depart
ment, stating that the report is correct to the
best of his knowledge. The report will then
be placed on file and after the new superin-
tendent is elected the report will be returned
for examination and to be certified by him"
1t will be seen that the district must not
only be without superintendent until after
the contest is settled, but must also be de-
prived Of its annual appropriation, which
amounted last year to $40, ,933. SO and is always
counted upon by the Board for start in the
new fiscal year.
Mr.. Beddall continued "If Mr.. Bogart
fails to demand, vr appear for hearing, the
State Superintendent will notify him to
appear. We learned from sources that were
not official that Mr. Bogart would appear at
Harrisburg to-day and arrange for a hearing.
He has not filed his oath of Office Should
Mr.. Bogart fail to appear the State Superin-
tendent will notify the Board that he win
not issue a commission in which case the
Board will hold another election"
II cl- ba of
tendent offered any suggestion by which
evidence could be secured against Prof
Bogart and Mr.. Beddall answered that he
did not he simply said that after a hearing
is demanded the parties who brought the
charges will be notified, day win be fixed
for hearing and the production of evidence
Mr.. Trezise moved that the report be
accepted and the committee be authorized to
write and ask the State superintendent that
the hearing proceed at once, The motion
was carried.
Mr. Morgan then moved that Prof j. w.
Cooper the principal of the High school, act
as supervisor of the schools until such time
as there is superintendent. Mr., Morgan
called attention to the fact that the com
menoement exercises are to be held on the
18th and 18th insts., and there should be
some one in charge.
Mr. Hanna opposed the motion and moved
as an amendment that the matter be referred
to the High school committee with power to
select supervisor if it should see fit to do So
Mr.. Hanna said Prof, Cooper already had
enough work on his hands and that the
teachers could arrange the prelimnaries for
the commencements and the President of
the Board could otliciate at the ceremonies.
Mr.. Trezise said a supervisor was necessary
and cited as an instance that since the schools
have been without a superintendent some
teachers wanted to attend a picnic. There
was no one in authority to give them per-
mission and they took French leave.
Mr.. Hanna's amendment was defeated aud
Mr.. Morgan's motion prevailed.
Mr.. Hanna then asked if some means could