The St. Louis Republic., 1903-10-18
SCHOOL RnARn.S WORK


In appreciation Of the admirable work performes
by the Board OF Education even higher tribute il
deserved than was implied by Professor Calvin VI
Woodward upon his acceptance Of the presidency
Here is in rapid construction system that even il
unfinished state is Of the best in the country
The prudence. conservatism and loyalty displayed
by the Board and its officers are producing an in
Sttution which compares more than favorably with
contemporaries. and which Is attracting compliment
airy attention from prominent educators.
Throughout the past few years manifest improve
ment has been accomplished in local public school
affairs. The methods which prescribe the routine
Of management have been made more comprehcn
sive and have been SO adjusted 10 insure better
results in the class rooms and in the schools. The
general system has been advanced to a higher stand
ard Of excellence.
The discipline is better. The accommodations ara
better The instruction is better as determined 10y
the efficacy Of the system The capacity of the COM
mon schools and high schools is larger. The new
buildings comparatively many, and all Of them
are models in this type Of architecture. both in ap
pearance and utility The direction and supervision
are better The Board itself and its officers show
understanding Of their work and exhibit the enthu-
saSm and ability which are necessary for the reali-
zaton Of n surprising educational system.
ST Louis Is in the lead at present in the better
of the free school system. Whatever the Board
does is done according to ideals in far as is
sstent with practicality and the advancement wit
messed here becomes criterion. The material i'm
provements and the betterment in the general sys-
TEN are achievements OF which the people Of St.
Louis may well be proud.
Il am not man Of leisure" said Professor
Woodward. when accepting the presidency, but
always have time for anything pertaining to the
public schools shall try 10 discharge my duties in
a creditable way. l am proud to be associated with
this body. It's work has been noted i'm the largest
educational ccnters Of the United States, and espe-
cially at the meeting Of the National Educational
Association held recently at Boston. There is much
to he done and | trust We shall bear our RESPONSE
bliteS well"
To select among the Improvements so far effected
any one or several for particular mention might
minimize the importance of others not less signi-
cant of great value The organization of the Board
as an bipartisan commission and the regulation Of
its property and financial rights a sound basis
contribute the solidarity of the educational sys
and facilitate correct progress. But the Board
and the executive officers must he credited with
the commendable results achieved in recent years.
From a popular standpoint the visible improve
ments the most indicative of betterment and
prosperity. These improvements alone are worthy
of much thought. The several fine new structures
which have recently been erected, the practced plan
to recognize the requirements according TO districts
by locating buildings in unfavored sections Of,
the city, free textbooks and plans for new high
schools new common schools and 4 normal school
are works that must command the attention Of all
To this list might be added other results material
and technical which denote the growing superiority
OF the st. Louis public school system.