Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-31
Action is Needed.

For three weeks and half a committee
composed of three of the eight members
of the new board Of education has been at
work trying to find man upon whom all
could agree for the position of superin-
tendent of schools. Thus far no success
has attended this effort. and at latest ac-
counts the three members of the committee
were no nearer agreement than they were
a: the outset. save that certain of the out
side applicants and possibilities have been
eliminated on one consideration and an
other. The issue remains as it was at the
beginning, whether the new superintendent
shall be a local man or man from an
other city. Notwithstanding the evidence
oe public sentiment to the contrary, the
committee appears to be proceeding upon
the policy of seeking some outsider who
will take the place and will measure up to
the requirements in preference to the best
available member of the school organiza-
ton of this District.
Even il it is true as urged, that the
teachers will suffer no loss of salary
through the lack of executive crganiza-
ton, there are reasons why this matter
should be brought to a conclusion speedily.
There has been time enough for a judicious
choice. There are excellent local materials.
There is no evidence of a superabundance
of outside talent available for the place.
The committee cannot be said to have been
embarrassed by riches. Its dilemma Is
seemingly chiefly one of it's own making.
caused by reluctance to name a local
man for this local place.
In these circumstances The Star repeats
it's suggestion of few days ago. that the
committee turn back to the full board with
the report of its inability to agree upon a
single nominee for the superintendency.
This selection should not be made by
minority OF the board. The eight members
who now constitute that body should have
comparatively free hand in exercising
the right to select the school head. The
committee will have discharged it's full
duty in the premises If 1t advises the board
of the names Of those possibilities who
have measured highest IN the tests, includ-
ing both the local and the outside candi-
dates.
1t is obvious that If the committee, after
engaging in deadlock of nearly four
weeks finally strikes a compromise In or
der to end the delay, its recommendation
will have sufficient weight with the full
board out of plain courtesy, to elicit
majority support and lead to an election.
The school SUPPLEMENTARY is too important
Office to be thus filed, by compromise
and courtesy. The final responsibility will
rest with the full board, and the board
should have an unrestraned opportunity of
choosing between an outside man and
local man.
II will not be a reflection upon the COM
mittee If it is compelled in the interest of
good school administration to bring in
report of management. It has done its
best. 1t has proceeded with an exceptional
amount of energy and devotion to the in
terests Of the schools to exhaust the pos
sibilities of the field. Owing to peculiar
circumstances it cannot come to an agree
ment, even as nominating committees on
countless occasions in the past have been
similarly blocked
The school superintendent should be
chosen at once. The teachers should be re-
lieved from the strain of uncertainty, so
that they can enjoy the remainder of their
vacation untroubled by doubts and aues-
lions. The school organization should go
forward without further delay. There is
much work to be done by the new admin
istration in preparation for the next school
year. and the sooner the last word Is given
the better it will be for the welfare of the
Districts educational system