Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-08-15
SCHOOL BOARDS HOT TINE
Action of Teachers Committee
y Discussed at Length.
PRINCIPAL MCLOSKEYS TERM
MIR. Adair Wanted 1t Extended
l5 Five Months.
Nearly All of the Members of the Board of
: Education Involved in II wrangle Over
Probationary Appointments-The Qnes-
tion Finally Laid on the Table.

had lively time discussing the recent
action of the committee on teachers,
upon whose Recommendation some
teachers were dropped, some appointed
on probation and come new ones ap
pointed.
been reappointed principal of No. 3
School for only five months, half the
'sehool year, Mr.. Adair moved that
Miss MeClosKey be appointed for the
full term. The motion was seconded
by Mr.. O'Donnsll. Mr.. Adair, in
support Of his motion, said
know that the term of Miss McCloskey
as teacher expired, in common with the
terms of all other teachers, at the END of the
last school year,in accordance with the rules
for the government of public schools in this
city. l know, too. that the board is under
no obligation, other than that imposed by
custom, to reappoint any of the teachers. 1t
is fact, however, that 1t has long been the
practice to reappolnt all TEACHERS except ior
good cause; in few instances reappoint
ment has not been made because OF the vol
untary request of the teacheT. This custom
has prevailed SO long that when it is departed
from it reflects on the teacher and, II no
cause for the action be stnted, 1t Is unjust
to her for it leaves the matter open to
speculative gossip in the community at large.
This is particularly true with regard to
the principal of No. School. have heard
nil manner of stories as to why full term
appointment was not given to Miss McClos-
key. You will remember that, in the report
ot committee ON teachers recommending
appointments for the ensuing year. Miss
Annie II. McCloskey was recommended for
appointment as principal of Public School
No. for term of five months. This report
WIS adopted by the board. At the time the
report was presented no comment was made
nor opposition Offered to it. Since then
have been informed, on good authority,
of the reason for the curtailed appointment
In her case. If not misinformed, can say
now that the committee on teachers acted
On charges against Miss McCloskey without
hearing her, or her side of the matter. And
/ may say also that this matter has been
previously brought to the attention OF ths
visiting committee of the school DR.. Veasey
and myself) duly investigated by them, and
the charges of violation Of rules. &C., dis
missed as being entirely without fonnuation.
If this were the ground for the committee 3
Recommendation of p short term appoint
inent for Miss McCloskey, then this motion
that she be appointed for the full term
should unquestionably prevail; the late visit
- ing COMMITTEES. on. tie school never had any
complaint to make as to the prineipai's =
management. II that were not tho ground
for the action taken, then Miss McCioskey
should be informed as to the cHuse, and IL
seems to ME that It is due to her particularly
should be given.
Chairman Morrow said no charges
had been preferred against Miss Nc
Closkey, but certain matters had come
before the committee and the com
inittee had decided upon it's course
after careful consideration of every.
thing. He thought it would be re-
Election upon the teachers committee
and the COMMITTEE should be treated
with more courtesy.
Mr.. Eraim was also opposed to the
motion on the ground that it reflected
upon the committee line committee
bad done its work thoroughly and hac
always been unanimous in its action.
Mr.. Adair said he meant no reflector
upon the committee, but he wondered
why the visiting committee on the
\ school had not been consulted if ther'
we've any charges against Miss Nc
ClosKey. He had talked with Mis-
McCloskey and she had expressed I
Willingness to have the committee ant
the board make public the cause, i
sny, why she had been given shor
appointment.
Mr. Fraim thought it was not tn
proper time to ventilate suoh matters
MIR. O'Donnell expressed surprise a
Mr.. Fraim q remarks. He thought tn
board meeting was the proper tim
and place to discuss the matter; it wa
public; the Sboard IS public matter
N and nothing should be withheld frou
the public.
Or. Veasey said the alleged charge
were 80 trivial that he did not believ
that they influenced the committee i
making probationary appointment.
President Shortiidge, speaking in
general way of probationary appoint
ments, said some of the teachers VIII
had been appointed for short term
would have been dismissed II they ha
been in private school and he ia
had charge of them. The commit
tee was willing, in most cases,
give the teachers another chance
Two of the teachers who had Zee
dropped had come to him and told hiI
they did not want their cases mer
toned in public. He thought th
adoption Of Mr.. Adair's motion woul
virtually ruin the public school system
and cautioned the board to go SLOW
He characterized Mr.. Adair's remarl
as gush.
Mr.. Adair said he acted from spr
of Justice and said he was surprised {
the alleged charges.
DR.. Frantz, who is member Of til
teachers committee, said Mr.. Adair
request of the board was rot right;
was not tenable; it would be convic
ing the teachers committee and th
superintendent without hearing. III
Visiting committees of the schools {
not, as ruls, he commended, give I'll
attention they should to the schools.
Is. Mr.. Morrow thought Mr.. Ada
should have gone to the commit,
and he could receive all the inform
tion he desired. The teachers, he sal,
had got an impression that they we
appointed for life, but such was n
the case and the sooner they throw c
that impression the better. He on
phasized the fact that no charges b,
been preferred against Miss MoClosk,
and no insjnuations had been made.
President Shortlidge thought it wou
be well to hear the superintendent al
Mr., Fraim made motion that he
heard. Mr. Garter thought 1T wou
place the superintendent in an u
pleasant POSITION. Mr.. Adair thoug
il the superintendent WIS to make
statement he should make it eth
A before the teaoners' committee or
speoial committee, in the presence
81 Miss MoCloskey. President Shortlid