The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-01-01

be of vast advantage to scattered
country schools. I am likewise sure
that, If rural schools are ever to re-
aIize the ideals inspired by the best
educational thought of today. better
methods OF supervision are first nee
essity.
The most serious Limitation to the
efficiency Of the superintendent is found
in our method of electing him. Under
our present method We make his posi-
ton a political office. In no sense
should politics enter into the selection
of man for this work He is chosen.
or should be chosen, because Of his
organizing ability and his special
training for school work. On the other
hand, county Offices are filled with
men whose work is mechanical and
clerical Election by popular vote
places on par with the man who does
such mechanical work as making tax
receipts the man whose creative
ina gination must construct a system
for the development OF childhood into
manhood and womanhood; it classes
the man who does such clerical work
as copying legal papers with the man
whose purpose is to organize the moral
intellectual and spiritual forces of
his county into great, efficient work
ing system A change should be made
The time has come when this position
should be made professional and not
political 1t is beneath the dignity of
his position and belittles his calling
when he is forced to buy space in the
papers as a. medium of begging votes
or attacking his opponent. 1t is a dis
grace to his profession when he finds
it necessary, as is sometimes the case,
| to employ men in the various precincts
to hang around the polls on election
/ day, for the purpose of influencing
men with persuasive words and posi-
bly, otherwise to vote for him. It is
not my purpose to suggest a method,
but [ believe the county superintend-
ents themselves should take up the
question and work out some satisfac-
tory plan.
! But, if we are to secure the high
type of leadership necessary to crys-
talize into realities the new ideals that
are beginning to shape the policy of
our rural schools, we must be relieved
of another restriction in the election
of county superintendent. Under pres
ent conditions, we are not only confin-
ed to, a selection from such talent as
but We are still further limited to
such of that talent as we are willing
to make a personal sacrifice of their
professional dignity by undergoing
the hardships of a heated political cam
paign. When we fill the principalshir
of a county high school, we are al
liberty to search the country for the
man whose qualifications seem best
for the position; yet, when we would
fill the highest position in the county
school system, when we would choose
the man upon whom rests the respon-
sibility for the success or failure of al
the schools, we are limited to the
| talent within the county. The Iimita-
ton is not only not necessary, but is
unrea sonable. Our common sense
should lead us to join in a great eff.
fort to effect such changes in our Law
as will leave us an opportunity to Sc
cure, wherever he may be found, the
best qualified man for the highest and
most responsible position in the coun
, ty schools.
Let me close by stating, concisely
my suggestions.
l 1st. Relieve the county superintend
! ent of clerical work, giving all hi
5 time to supervision.
End. In the larger counties give hin
, one or more assistant supervisors
3rd. Take the election of superin
/ tendents out of politics, by placing hi
appointment in the hands of a small
board of representative citizens.
4th. Give the board the advantage o
? an unlimited territory from which t
f select the best possible. man for tn
position.