The Saint Paul globe., 1900-05-04
SCHOOL BOARD SURPRISE
sUPT. A. j. SMITH RESIGNS TO
TAKE A)TRIP TO
EUROPE
HIS ABSENCE INDEFINITE
Indeed, He Intimates That He May
Not Return to st. Paul at
All, Although Not
Sure.

A. J. Smith, superintendent of the pub
lie schools Of st. Paul. handed in his res
ignation at a specially called meeting of
the board called at o'clock yesterday
Although the action seemed precipitate,
the whole proceeding was decorous and
formal to the last degree. When the
board had assembled, Supt. Smith made
a few remarks concerning his determina-
ton and submitted the following letter:
deem 1t proper to lay before you at
the present time statement of my inten-
ton to withdraw from the responsibilities
and duties of the office of superintendent
Of the schools of this CITY, at the close
of my present term.
My reasons for doing so are largely per-
sonal, and the public has no interest
whatever In them. and I offer the an
nouncement in order that you may be
at liberty to make your selection of a
superintendent wholly uninfuenced by the
consideration of my name
Please believe that / am profoundly
grateful for your uniform Kindness to me-
and for the cordial support that you
have given me in the discharge of the
executive duties Of my Office
L shall not forget that during my en-
tire term of service our agreement was
cordial, and our discussions were always
most courteous. One of the pleasant
memories of my st. Paul experience will
the professional confidence that you have
manifested towards me.
After discussion of the letter, during
which the regrets of all members present
were expressed, the following resolution
was offered and passed:
Whereas; Supt. A. j. Smith has in
formed this board in writing of his in
tent1on to retire from the duties of his
once at the expiration of his term, and
pc not a candidate for reelection; there
Resolved That it is with sincere re-
gret we see this announcement. We real
ize the great assistance he has given the
board durino the last two years of the
financial difficulties III preparing and ear
rying out necessary measures of econ
Resolved. That we hear tastimonv 70
hsS untiring industry faithfulness and
enlclency in his work and to the univer-
sally pleasant official relations in our in
tercourse; and. be it further
Resolved, That he be requested to re-
n ain ! his present D sition. exercising
the fun duties of his Office, with leave of
absence at bis discretion. until his sue
cessor has been elected and assumes the
duties of superintendent.
resolved. That this resolution be spread
upon the records Of the board and a copy
be transmitted to Supt. A j. Smith
After the meeting Supt Smith said that
he contemplated a European trip with
his family, sailing from New York, June
70 next. and not expecting 10 return to
this country until late in the fail.
VIII you return to St. Paul?" he was
Not immediately 7 may not return
mere at al | need a rest and I believe
VIII YOU re-enter school Work?"
That is not beyond possibility. AL
though ! have nothing in contemplation
at this time, 1 don't want to be bothered
cuperat!on. | may say that this action
was intended last January. but the school
work was such. that | believed | should
rot leave at that time"
Supt, Smith has been connected with
the schools of st. Paul seven years. Eve
of these We're as principal of the Central
high school and the remaining two as SUI
perintendent.