The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-11-11
N. ]. EDUCATORS
State Council Of E
ucation Holds lis Annual
Session in the City Hall.
APPOINTMENTS DISCUSSED
Methods Suggested BY Which
Methods Suggested by Which
Politics May by Elimina-
ted From the Schools.

The New Jersey State Council Of Edu-
cation commenced its annual session Ees-
terday afternoon in the office Of School
Superintendent Snyder. in the City Hall.
| The afternoon session was devoted to the
consultation of the several committees.
At the evening session President Je9in
Enright, Superintendent Of Schools of
Monmouth County, presided, and s ~
Arrowsmith, Principal of Public School,
Red Bank, acted as secretary.
Messrs. Green. Davis and Martin were
| appointed a Committee on Membership.
to report on filling vacancies caused by
| expiration Of term, and Messrs.3 Scarlett,
Hulsart n Harris a committee to re-
port suitable resolutions Of coincidence on
the death Of member during the past
| year. A communication declining r~e-elec-
| ton as a member was received from II.
II. Hutton, Principal of the assaic High
| School.
The Committee on Laws presented a re-
port on the proposed revision Of the
school law on which a discussion was
opened by Wilbur Farrant. Of Newark
Academy, Newark, who said he absolute
ly knew nothing about the new school
law, having only received a copy of it a
day or two ago. From what he had read
Of the revision he thought tito be an inn
| provement on the present law, Its most
important purpose being to eliminate the
public school from all political influence.
The revision provided three methods for
the selection Of Boards of Education
First-Appointment by the Mayor. Second
Election at large on a general vote.
Third-Appointed by a commission OF six
persons who shall be elected at large
Either would probably do well. but he had
fears that the third plan to elect six
persons to appoint would fail of securing
good boards.
The plan Of appointment by the Mayor,
he said. would doubtless be the best, but
then there would be danger of getting a
bad or weak mayor who would be in-
huenced by the. wrong kim Of citizens.
The speaker thought the provision for a
Board Of Estimate to certify to the Board
controlling the money the amount requir-
ed for the schools a good one, but should
be carefully considered. No matter how
able or efficient a superintendent may be
it Is impossible for him to oversee and at
tend to every detail. Therefore the pro-
viding for the appointment OF assistants
will insure more perfection in the school
system and should be heartily favored.
He was also in favor of granting to super
~intendents the right to speak in meetings
of the Board Of Education.
Vice-President Charles M. Davis said he
did not think the proposed new law gave
the superintendent sufficient power.
Some provision should b made
for giving the superintendent more
power and authority to control.
In Bayonne schools there were 1881
children and 124 teachers to be looked
after, showing the need of the Superin-
tendent having authority and control
equal to his responsibility. Bayonne's
way Of electing trustees and appointment
of officers was somewhat different from
other places. he said, but it was highly
essential for the good of the schools to
adopt the best plan and thereby insure
the selection of the best class of en-
p1oyes. For the present year the school
trustees of Bayonne asked for $780, 900 for
the schools. but were given only 5000.
He favored the requirement of the muni-
cipalities to provide a fund from which
the School superintendent could take
what they require for. the schools. 1t was
we'll, however, that the power of the SUI
perintendent should not be supreme, for
in such case 1t would cause friction and
meet with opposition.
Vernon T.. Davey, Superintendent of
Schools, in Morristown, failed to see any
objectional points in the proposed bill. He
favored the appointment for Directors Of
Education and school officers men who
- - .--s--- ~ - 49, 1--5 ~
devote the most of their time and who
through i%nattention would fail to obtain
control of the educational machine. He
did not object to the State Board of
Education. having a supervising author
ity.
Mr.. Martin L. Cox, Superintendent of
Schools, at Dover, favored the require
ment of three years residence in a muni-
cipality to make eligible for election as
members of the Board of Education, as
that would enable them to become
acquainted with the schools and the needs
of the children. Section 102 provides that
the appointment and dismissal Of teach
ers, fixing of salaries and selection of
text books shall be governed by a major
ity Of the Board Of Education commended
itself, he said, and would help to secure
better teachers. People wanted to send
their children to good schools and families
moved into some towns for no other
purpose The transfer of children from
school to school should receive very
earnest consideration. He was in favor
of union grade schools and a good High
School in a town has a great influence
on the other schools.
Mr.. Eldredge. announced to take part In
the discussion. was not present, and brief
remarks were made on the subject along
the same lines as the other speakers by
H. e.. Harris. principal Of Public School
No. /, Bayonne. st. John McCutcheon,
member Of the State Board OF Education;
S. J. Farrand, Of Newark Academy; T. G.
Gregory, experimenting Principal OF
Schools or Trenton. and Randall Spauld-
ing, Superintendent Of Schools, Mor.tsten.
The subject was finally left to a commits
tee OF five. consisting Of Messrs. Gregory,
Green, S. w. Farrand. Mallory \ Davis.
resolution expressing the sentiment Of the
council.
Toefinr Crirncon Clover.