New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-07
SCHOOLS ~ THE CHARTER
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE CHAPTER ON
EDUCATION
THE CONSERVATIVE INFLUENCES TOO STRONG
TO PERMIT ANY REFORMS IN THE


TO PERMIT ANY REFORMS IN THE
BROOKLYN SYSTEM
The burden OF the work Of completing the new
charter rests now the Revision Committee
the che irnan OF which Is William c. De Witt
formerly Corporation Counsel Of Brooklyn. who
bore the burden of preparing the first draft OF the
charter He has been. perhaps the hardest work
ing member Of the Commission. having given
practically all his time 10 this matter for the last
seven months. In the expectation that the charter
would be out of the way by the beginning OF
February he had all his court cases put or until
after that date and when an extension OF time
was found necessary by the Commission ne had
10 arrange for further posponement OF mis- private
business
In addition the changes In the educational chap
ter already announced. it has been learned. on good
authority that in response TO suggestions from sew
eral quarters numerous other important changes
have been made For all practical purposes the
existing schoo. systems in New-York and Brooklyn
have been left untouched In this city no modifca-
lions were called for, the new law has been IN
force only few months But the Brooklyn system
is known by everybody TO he antquated and cumoer-
some and it was hoped that such reforms as stu
dents Of educational methods deem necessary would
be introduced As chairman Of the subcommittee
on education Mr. Low endeavored to have this done.
but the conservative forces too strong for him.
So Brooklyn will continue have a Board OF forty
FIVE members and the Objectionable locai-committee
system will be retained. 1t is left optional with the
Board TO have teachers appointed by the loca COM
mtee Of each school the power OF appoint
ment in the Borough Board of Superintendents; but
there is likely be change so long the present
influences remain dominant. SO. too. the Brooklyn
districts. when il will become the duty OF the Mayor
OF Greater New-Tork 20 appoint five inspectors FOR
dead letter.
1t is noticeable tina, in the charter revised the
school Board used. but Borough Board OF super
intendents' Is still employed. The City Supcrintond
ent is have seat in the (centraD Board Of Educa
uon' ana can speak on any saDIecl nut nas no VOC
and Ike privileges are accorded 70 the Borough ST.
The awkward. provision for the trial of charges
against principals and teachers by special commits
sion in the hands Of the city Superintendent. to
whom practically absolute power was thus given
Quoted by the School Board or committee appointed
by it. There is no longer any penalty imposed
textbooks as was done BY the comprehensive lar
Of one section Of the chapter first published
memoirs OF the teaching force in the several parts
of the greater city the present superintendent in
this city Is TO be superintendent of the borouShs
OF New-York and Manhattan. which treated
as one for all school purposes, and the superin:
consolidation Will become superintendent Of the
borough Of Brookyn There is to be an associate
borough and an additional associate may be APP
discretion Of the school BOARD ~ '''e
The charter prescrbes that the change from the
existing system 70 the new one shall take place
February /. 1895. ana the ORGANIZATION OF all
the school boards will in February OF each
year. although members Of the Brooklyn Board
will continue = be appointed In June The school
boards of queens and Richmond will have nine
members each.
The central Board of Education Will consist Of
nineteen members-the presidents of the four
school boards. with ten members elected nv tho
School Board of New York and Manhattan md five
by the Brooklyn Board. The elected members will
year The central Board will have
charge of the special educational fund and will
look after the purchase OF sites. the erection Of
schoolhouses. the securing OF supplies etc. Nomi-
nally IL will unity the school system Of the whole
CITY but practically II is believed that It's duties
will not he of great importance