New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-25
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
INTERESTING QUESTIONS IN CONNECTION
WITH THEIR SELECTION.
POSSIBILITY OF A CONFLICT BETWEEN THE
BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE sUPERIN
>rpr, OE AMOUNTING

BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE sUPERlN-
'TrNDENTs--NEED OF APPOINTING
THE PRINCIPALS SOON.
At the meeting of the Board of Education last
reex two questions in relation 10 the high schools
abou, be started In this city came up. Both re-
lated 10 the appointment of princlpas-the first
important step TO be taken In the establishment
of the schools The Hch School Committee pro-
posed that the principals be appointed without
competitive examinations and that the salary Of
the Office be fixed at 5000. The latter recommen-
daton was not pressed, but although objection
was made II decided by an almost unanimous
vote to place the principals in the ron-competitive
list.
Under the law Of last year nominations for these
Offices are 10 be made by the Board Of Superin-
tendents. and the nominations subject to
frmaton by the Board of Education. Some critics
of the present system in this city, OF the prin
clpal features OF which is the large number OF as
sistant superintendents have pointed out the pos
sibity Of conflict between the two boards over
the appointment of principals teachers, and
there Is chance that such conflict may be pre-
cipitated in connection with the organization of
the high schools
committee of the superintendent has been
working with the High School Committee OF the
Board OF Education in canvassing the qualities
iions o. various candidates and considering the
best methods OF high school work. So far as can
he learned the two committees are working in
practical harmony. There is little doubt that the
report OF the High School Committee Will be ac-
oepted when IT is presented 10 the Board OF Educa-
ton. bat it is understood that some Of the super
intenGents are not willing 10 take that course
when the report of the committee of their as
sociates high school principals is offered. Those
who are In a position TO know the facts are UNI
willing 10 talk about tho subject at the present
etasc but from such hints as have been dropped
It has been learned that there is a strong feeling
~ Ovn Ci nll
and many of the teachers that the teaching force
Of the high schools should be selected from this
city
THE BEST AVAILABLE MATERIAL WANTED
The progressive members of the Board of Educa-
,Ion however believe that the best available ma
.erlal should be obtained and In particular that
for principals of the new schools persons shouid
be chosen who have had experience in organizing
or conducting high schools. These men think
that II Will be wise 10 get the best principals 10 be
found in the country. and are in favor of paying
sufficiently large salaries 10 secure the services
Of men Of proved efficiency. There is considerable
local sentiment in favor of men and women aireaoy
1n the service H. this city. hut 1t has lound ex-
preston only among the teachers. and it is not be-
Neved that t.ere is any pubic sentiment properly
speaking. on that side OF the question
How far the superintendent will DO influenced
by the local feeling remains TO be seen. They are
REQUIRED by law 10 act under the rules and resn-
lat;ons OF the Board of Education, and II wouIo
OF course be possible for the Board 70 adopt rules
which would limit the choice OF the superinten-
dents IN the matter in hand. But then again the
su,erintcndents # disposed to be recalcitran'
might refuse TO make nominations Il such resIiSE,
tions imposed. and in that case thSne NOu aa
te a deadlock which could be broken only py one
party or the other beating retreat. Inc IneoIy
Of the law is that the suPern.enoeaHiii he o7SSA
3n the appon tnent and transferring of teachers by
H. ne - interests of the schools and Of the public
is hoped
see the high school experiment III TINS ct! staL.eu
in the best way that the majority OF the super
ttnttnSon;s will be governed by sense of duty
rather than by local claims. .-. ..a. oor.,,n
members Of the Board of superintendents might
be candidates for high school Principalsni9ss Lhe
larger than that OF the assistant superintendenis
and the office Is pra9ucaiiy lG T X WaS If am
billions in this direction were cherished Dy any ..
H. tsy hnye 6een lad aside and that the
hcrs OF this body realize that It would De u, HT
Yiled 10 push the candidacy OF any one Vi tiel-
own number
WHAT THE WOMEN WOULD LIKE.
Among the large number OF women teachers II
,b, CITY there IS a strong feeling that one of the
high school principals should be a woman some
,oernbers of the High School Committee are OPP
posed 10 this idea altogether; others lake 'io
ground that If woman can be foond as We"
qualified for the position as man. ana hasni VIE
~ roTjeite experience, her claims will be duly
coysidercd and the fact of will not operate
esa ms c nST n When len Visited by delegations of
women teachers urging the appointment OF d
woman principal .,.... - cha b,gb
school principals is recognized both by members
o. The Board OF Education and by the Superlnn-
tcD6pDts who have given special attention ~ 'ils
el,b,ect The men II is thought deslraole 10 sSt
rn11sr soon make their arrang emeEts 10Y lhe n.y.
scoool wear II tAey have not already done 50, any
/, is possible that the chance OF getting SUMO %
1850 wanted may be lost by delay . , nal,
To persons familiar with school AFFAIRS IN doo1s
Ivn the situation in this city recalls TWO Ilcluonts
~ recenf wears on the other SIDE OF the flNtI Oie
"a thai the principal Of the Girls High School ~aS
formerlv the Superintendent OF Schools. anu
While holding the latter Office was appointtea 10
ne Mace he now fills. as he preferree what Is
rractcallv a life Office TO one dependent On uie
Choice Of the Board of Educauon eVet ny en-
,e,re Tho other is the controversy IN the CoiI-
ynitiee on Teachers over the appointment OF PTn-
~jnsl Of the BOYS High School two years ago, Cet
lain members Of the con mttee were suonsy =.
toWor nj selecting the best man. irrespective "
ioroIitv and urged the claims OF teacher OUT
eide OF Brooklyn. Others were quite as , sIrOhssH
g. faVor of the promotion OF one or the BrooKyn
crsmmar school principals. The latter preva ih
oIbsi- their candidate was not CHOSEN, dhotiei
Prooklyn principal getting tho prize as d coih-
promise candidate.