The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1914-03-11
"WATCHFUL WAITING

We can not approve of the policy OF
those fairly numerous newspapers Ill
various parts of the state which tske
occasion to heap frequent and Diitef
condemnation on the state board OF
education on the serious grounds OF
extravaganza and failure to make to
the educational system of Idaho any
adequate return for the moneys eX-
pended. We do not think cur col
leagues are in any sense warranted Ill
= declaring the board eXtraYaSant Whrh'
40 far as we have learned, no figures
are available from which such Sc
we're conclusions could be logically de-
duced. And in the matter OF putting
into effect new policies III tic school
system of the state, 1t is matter loi
congratulation that the board mas pro-
ceeded slowly and conserVatiVely III
has not plunged the schools OF ldaho
into the chaos precipitated Ill some
other states by boards less cautious
and going. 1t must everywhere
be remembered that the board OF eau
cation has held office just one SNORT
year and that, with the exception Oh
the state Superintendent. all the meili-
hers and the commissioner OF educa-
lion selected by them were totally I'M
acquainted with the established sys-
tenn in Idaho and wholly unpraclceu
in the solving of the problems OF me
schools of Idaho 1t was tremendous
task to be laid suddenly on shot ers
entirely unaccustomed to such purd-
ems. and the recognition d the hei
culean nature of their new labors HAS
hean welcome to those who wisely
value deliberation above rash anu
more spectacular plunging. we can
all afford to wait an even longer Pc
Rod of time for positive courses, H.
by so waiting. we shall be assared Oh
policies and methods guaranteeing To
Idaho an efficient and unwasteiui
school system.
On the various recommendations OF
changes offered for the consideration
of the people of Idaho in the hrst lot
NAL report of the board recently SUD
mitted to the governor at MS request
we are not at this time prepared TO
mass an opinion. 1t is our purpose
first to study carefully the exact text
of these recommendations and to take
honestly into account all the iacts
that led the board to make them, III
order that our views, when formed
NAV be as intelligent and broad as
possible. This is particularly the
case with reference to the pro-
posed abolition of the office OF state
step that should be
advocated only after most careiul
survey of the present functions OF the
offices now said to conflict.
So far as we know at this time
he board is acting in all sincerity III
out its professed determlna- /
ion to spend the state money so that
here shall be an adequate and easily
return for every dollar 4
expended. We are interested in It's
statements that it will give the busl-
less of supplying the needs OF the hVe
state schools and its own offlces 70
hose firms that will give the max
mum of value and service at the mini
mum of cost. :
Until the press is definitely and
informed as to the actual
manner in which the board performs
hese details of school business, or as
O the methods it means from now on
o adopt; until the press is able 10 !
Judge rightly of the exact degree OF =
incerity or lack of it with which the =
oard pursues the announced policy of
emanding the lowest obtainable prices
or the highest class of work and
we feel that the papers
ow so scathing are both unjust and
ositively michievous in creating an
ndeserved feeling of hostility.
Now that the board has been in Of
ce a twelvemonth it is fair to as
ume that the members are sufficient
familiar with their problems to be-
ome positive rather than passive Of
Gals Until now the people of Idaho
ere not justified in the expectation
7 important moves or the announce
ent of definite policies From now
4, however, the public will properly
ok for all the reforms and benef1cient
Productions promised by those who
'omoted and brought about the -