Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1913-08-16
CHARGES AGAINST
HODGES DISMISSED
Complainants Required to
Present New Allega--
tions in October.
POLITICS FIGURING.
Counsel For Defendant Makes An
swer to All Charges Brought
Against Superintendent.

Charges against Superintendent ".
T. Hodges of The Alexandria County
Public Schools, were dismissed yes
terday by the state school board Sill
ting in Richmond because thsy were
indefinite and new hearing set for
October 18Th, when the complainants
will be required to present new
charges in person
After an executive session, Super
intenient Stearnes stated that the
board had unanimously decided that
as questions affecting both the ver-
acity and conduct Of superintendent
had been raised, while there was no
lust Grounds for q continuance on
the charges filed by Mr.. Clements in
reference to the petition of Douglas
and others, yet the board desired the
fullest investigation of all acts Of
its county superintendent, and felt
that it was best for the schools of
the county and fairest to Mr.. Hodges
to grant a continuance, in order 10
investigate the matter affecting the
superintendent's veracity. The petit
oners were directed TO consolidate
their charges, and to furnish cory
to Mr.. Hodges within ten days, the
whole case being continued until the
next regular meeting Of the board on
October Is, at 10 a.. m.
The board, which includes among
its members Governor Mann of the
State of Virginia, reelected Superin-
tendent Hodges two months ago to
the position he holds. Shortly af-
terwards charges were filed in an eff
fort to have the board reconsider
the appointment. Attorney James E.
Clements, Of Alexandria county, form
er superintendent of public schools,
presented the charges to the board.
In brief, they are that he was en-
ployed under contract to serve for
the fixed salary of $1,000 a year.
Later,the three districts appropriated
5000 each, making his salary $1,000
year; one specification charged him
with official misconduct. Mr.. Glenn
ents also charged that Mr.. Hodges had
concealed the facts from the public
preventing the appropriations from
becoming known, to the detriment of
the public school service. The Sin
dictment" charged that he knowingly,
surreptitiously and wilfully accepted
and appropriated the school funds and
was therefore guilty of official mis-
conduct.
Mr. Clements went. on to say that
Mr. Hodges had refused to recognize
the teachers, residents of Virginia, in
selecting the teachers for public
schools, only seven out of forty-one
white teachers being residents Of
Virginia, thirty-four of the teachers
coming from the District of Columbia.
This was also designated as official
misconduct.
Mr.. Clements then read charge
that made it appear that Hodges had
acquired school warrant, presented
the same to third party and had him
endorse the same and cashed it
at bank in Rosslyn.
In matter of purchase Of lot
in Arlington District for Bancroft
School, it was stated that the board
had purchased three acres of land
for $1,000, and that there was deed
of trust on the same tract and for
three years the board had been pay
ing interest on the land which the
board was supposed to own.
The board of the county or a ma
jority had served official notice on
Mr. Hodges that the question of his
removal would be considered. Post.
ponement was suggested.
Hon. Robinson Moncure, of thi:
city representing Mr.. Hodges
said that he would surpris,
Mr.. Clements.
"I shall neither file plea of abate
ment nor demurrer to the charges,
declared Mr.. Moncure. "I am read.
for hearing now. The fact is tha
some sort of notice had been serve
~ u F}l, ~