New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-07
SCHOOL REFORM ~ SIGHT.

There Is now a cheerful prospect that salts
factory measure of school reform for this city,
prepared by a sub committee Of the Senate Com
mittee on Cities. will become law ut this SEES
sion Senator Stranahan Is sure that 1t VIII be
favorably reported from his committee, ana
confidently expects it TO pass both branches Oh
the Legislature without serious difflculty we
hope this belief is not too sanguinc, but II must
be acknowledged that there Is some danger OF
the bills becoming entangled with various po-
litical schemes and finally being "iost in the
shuttle" Without doubt there are interests
represented at Albany which would rejoice to
have that fate overtake 1t. and Will endeavor
to bring about such a result If they receive the
least encouragement. At the same time strong
Influences are combined to put the schools or
New-York under rational system Of admins
tratlon and thus far there Is no evidence that
the opposition will be able 10 enlist the aid OF
those who might succeed in defeating the reform
If they should resolve to make the effort
The measure. which will probably be reported
next week, Is called Il compromise. but II com
promises no sound principle. On the contrary,
II combines the good features ~ two bills in
third which Is better than either. Its chiet
fundamental merit Is that ii abolshes the ward
trustees and thus at a stroke eliminates the
political poison which has so long dcmoralizcd
the school system. That was the sole feature
Of the bill which Senator Pavey recently intro
duced and that alone would have accomplished
far-reaching and salutary results. But with II
are united in the proposal now likely 10 become
a law several meritorious provisions of minor
importance which were contained in last years
Committee Of Seventy bill, and which were
partly reproduced in that sent 10 the L"gis-
lature early I'm the session by the Board OF Edu-
cation. In the latter case their value was far
more than offset by the perpetuation. with en-
larged opportunities for mischief. Of the trustee
system: but in this combination measure they
serve 10 perfect plan which is sound al the
core
II. therefore. unexpected obstacles are not
encountered. this city will have obtained before
the beginning Of another school year one OF the
greatest blessings which It Is possible for
LEGISLATURE 10 bestow The school establish
mcnt will consist Of Board Of Education pos
sessng undivided authority and directly ac
countable for It's exercise a Board OF School
Superintendent. by whom all principals ana
teachers will be nominated for appointment by
the Board Of Education from an eligible list In
conformity with strict rules five resident in
appointed by the Mayor. and such an executive
force as will keep the material equipment In
working order 1t will be simple and sym
metrica system. capable, If we'll administered.
OF raising the schools Of the metropolis TO a
standard which they have never obtained hither-
to- and incapable Of being employed to conceal
or shift responsibility for shortcomings and
abuses.
As might have been expected. Senator Ahearn.
member OF the subcommittee which Will
recommend this wise measure, dlssents In be-
half Of Tammany Hall. 1t Is reported, more
over that he is urging teachers to unite In
public protest This acknowledgment Of the
probability that the bill will pass is gratifying,
but we advise the teachers not to adopt the
course proposed by Mr.. Ahearn. Those among
them who are fit for their places Will not be
disturbed, whereas those who are conscious that
they owe their appointments to favoritism will
merely convince the public Of that fact II they
take sides with the trustees against the city.