The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-22
LESSON FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD.

1t is to be hoped that the Indianapolis
School Board has learned a lesson from its
recent experience in trying to secure a new
superintendent. When it appeared unlikely
that Mr.. Goss could be reelected and the
door was opened to other candidates the
impression seemed to prevail in the board
that desirable applicants would be so nu-
merous that the difficulty would be in MAX
Ing choice. Developments indicate that
this was by no means the case. 1t is no
reflection upon the ability of those who did
apply to say that they did not meet In
dianapolis requirements. They were good
men, doubtless, and might have developed
the necessary qualifications, but none of
them had had the experience that proved
this, and the board did have the discretion
to see that it could afford no experiments.
Why did not first-clasS men-those who
had held similar positions in large cities
and proved their ability-seek the position?
1t is not enough to say that such men are
already satisfactorily placed and are not
looking for employment. The Indianapolis
schools have high reputation, thanks to
superintendent who have been allowed to
go. Indianapolis is considered a very de-
sirable place of residence, and for many
reasons so important a position as the
school SUPPLEMENTARY is one to be sought
for by the very highest educational talent.
If the truth were known it would, without
doubt. be found that with the reputation of
the schools has gone abroad the reputation
of the School Board for unfair treatment
of it's employees. 1t was understood that
Superintendent Tarbell gave up his position
because he was weary of the pressure
brought upon him to appoint as teachers
friends and relatives of the school commits
sioners without regard to their fitness. 1t
is no secret that Superintendent Jones would
have preferred to remain in Indianapolis,
which had so long been his home, could he
have had assurance that he would be left
unhampered in his management of the
schools. Mr. Evans, one of the best of IL
brarians, and one with whom the patrons
| of the library were we'll pleased, was dis
missed because he objected to accepting as
| assistants persons who had no fitness for
| their places. Professor Emory, who super
| intended the building and equipment of the
| Manual Training School, was brought here
with the understanding that he was to be
| the head of the school when it was opened,
| but was allowed to go, and the Training
School. as such, has had no trained super
| intendent. Such men do not leave here
| without the facts becoming known among
| the members of their profession, and, be-
| ing known, they work to the injury of the
| schools when new officers are wanted. No
! charges were brought against Mr.. Goss of
unitness for his position; no reason, indeed
| but that he was persona non grata to GER
| tain members of the beard was given as
cause for not retaining him. Whether or
not this dissatisfaction with him grew out
of his refusal to place friends of the MEM
| bers in the schools the Journal does not
know. not being in his confidence. 1t does
know that wise would-be applicants would