Newark post., 1913-04-30
Board Of Education


The election of members to serve
on the School Board is Of serious
import. 1t is doubtful if the per-
formance Of any other civic duty
is so full Of possibilities or ne
glect so pregnant Of far reaching
evil results.
The election in Newark on Satur-
day was one Of the uuietest for
years This cannot be interpreted
as lack of interest in our school af-
fairs but the happy choice Of candi-
dates, against whom no opposition
developed. In the election Of Prof.
McCue and Mr.. Hoffecker to the
Board, the public confidence has
been wisely bestowed. They are
citizens well worth while, keen to
every idea Of improvement. AL,
though residents Of Newark COM
paratively a short time, their inter-
ests and activities have proven
them we'll worthy of this new hon
or and responsibility.
The management of a Public
School System is of no small mo-
ment. In this day Of change and
seeking for practical and efficient
methods for the training of our
coming citizenship, the office of
School Commissioner is one Of Sc
= rious and trying responsibility
PuG6lic Schools and methods of
tanning are Just now very much IN
the lime light. Rigid investigation
has brought out the weakness OF
the system and need for change,
tending toward economy and high
er efficiency. 1t is now generally
conceded by the authorities that
our public schools are not getting
proper results in consideration OF
the amount of money spent. Again,
the courses of study are being very
carefully scrutinized. When we
consider 81 per cent Of High
School girls taking Latin and
only 3 per cent receiving instruc-
ton in the duties of home keeping,
We at least begin to question
When country boy with no hope
for College advantages is compel
led to analyze a Latin sentence or
work on stocks and bonds instead
of catching the spirit of English
and American masters OF literature
or chemical analysis of the soil, his
up-to-date tax paying farmer faith
er begins to question the wisdom
of his investment.
These and other such questions
are before the people. Taxpayers
as we'll as educators are discussing
them. The farmer as we'll as the
townsman is demanding value re-
ceived for money invested. The
sane decision of these questions can
best be made by the teachers and
commissioners in cooperation with
the men and women who foot the
bill. That the Public School here
as elsewhere, has not reached It's
best, is generally admitted.
What is needed is a closer rela-
tionship and freer discussion. A
suggestion or criticism is far too
often resented as personal refiec-
ton or interference.
What we should like to see is
that our Public School Building
become the civic center where sug-
gestions would be gratefully re-
ceived in fact as in word and a
hearty cooperation with deter
mination Of making Newark Public
Schools models Of excellence and
practical worth.
This is day Of publicity and it
is hoped the Board of Education
will give and ask for publicity III
all it's workings.
The possibilities and RESPONSE
bilities are great and the Board
can serve us well, Newark and the
rural districts are interested in our
schools and any action on the part
of the Board tending toward closer
relationship will rebound to its
credit, the taxpayers interest, and
the children s welfare.