The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-10-05
Patterson Accused of Par
tiality in Making
Promotions.
RANKED In THE SERVICE
Superintendent Stuart De-
clineS to Discuss Matter.
Irregularities Denied.

Should the efforts OF a number of
teachers in the Washington public
schools avail, the Board of Education
may find another knotty problem on its
calendar of Investigation. Trouble is
apparently ahead of one of the local
supervising principals. W. B. Patter-
| son of the Sixth division. who, It is
asserted by some OF the teachers un-
der him, has not exercised fair methods
III the administration OF the duties OF
his office. No charges have been off,
cially preferred. but Indignation among
the teachers has reached such a height
that demand for an investigation
seems imminent.
According to several of the teachers
now Ia his division, and others formerly
under his direction. Dir. Patterson has,
1t is said, given promotions to teachers
who were ranked in point of service by
others. The latter have made every
effort to learn the cause OF this action
on the part of the supervising principal,
but have failed so far. and 1t is be-
lieved they will appeal to Superinten-
dent Stuart and the Board of Education
to set matters right
Severe Criticism.
Sentiment against Mr.. Patterson is
strong. and the teachers are anxious the
matter shall be thoroughly sifted. The
supervising principals actions are Sc
verely criticised and, IL is said, have
been on many occasions such SIS to call
for explanation. Ii was said today that
on one occasion special lesson was 10
be given by MIR. Patterson IN one of the
schools before the then superintendent
OF schools. Mr. Powell. Other teachers
were invited to hear the lesson. which
was responded to with such unusual ex-
cellence that Mr.. Powell openly declared
he would be willing to promote the
teacher. then in charge OF the sixth
grade, to the eighth. Subsequent events,
it is said, proved that Mr. Patterson had
gone to the teachers room the day be-
fore and prepared the children in the
lesson
Proficient Teachers Slignted.
Much criticism is launched at Mr..
Patterson for his unbusinesslike deport-
ment in the schools. chief of which, IL is
said. is a tendency to discuss personal
matters and not confne himself to class
affairs. IN regard to the promotions he
! is said to have allowed his personal
feelings to control his recommendations
at the beginning of the school year, and
SO keep back several teachers whose
work and service have proved their 1T
ness for higher classes
Mr.. Patterson was seen this morning
| by reporter for The Times and de-
Tended his method in making promotions
on the ground or the teachers merit
and not seniority of service. He de-
clared he had made recommendation
for promotions to the board and
there his responsibility had ended
Thinks One Teacher Responsible.
When asked about the special lesson |
he Is said to have given and to have |
prepared the children for 1t in advance, |
Mr.. Patterson declared he had no recoI- |
lection whatever OF the incident He |
admitted he was aware that some agi- |
tation existed among the teachers. but |
said he believed it to be induced by one |
disappointed high grade teacher. When |
told that a number were involved he |
said ne did not know the cause and |
withdrew with the repeated declaration |
that he had promoted only where merit |
demanded.
Mr.. Stuart, Superintendent OF Public |
Schools. said today that the matter had
not been officially brought to his no.
tice and until he was informed through
official channels he had nothing to saw
The general features OF the above
criticism having been called to the at
tention of General Boynton, president of |
the Board of Education. he said:
There have been no recommendation
by Mr.. Patterson. either for appointment
or promotion. that have not received the
approval of superintendent Stuart after
examination by him. Next, all have been |
submitted by him to the committee ON
teachers of the board. and, after con-
sideration, have received the approval /
of that committee, which has made a /
favorable report in each case to the
board which report the board, in turn.
has finally adopted.
I'm the matter of promotion. the es-
sential element is the efficiency marks.
The matter of seniority is considered
where two teachers are regarded as of
equal efficiency AS to personal mat /
ters set forth. these arise as a matter
of course in many cases where there is
disappointment. But in these cases.
where no names as yet appear. II those
who feel that they have been unjustly
treated will state their cases to the
board they may be sure that they will
receive full and impartial considera-
tion."