The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-03-01
ENDORSE ONE BOARD
FOR ALL N0RMALS
HOW PLAN WORKS IN ALABAMA
TOLD IN LETTER TO MIR.
GRASTY.

/ Much interest has been displayed
, in the Grasty Duke bill. now pending
| before the legislature, providing for
the placing Of the four normal schools
of the State under one board especial
~ 50. since the educational conference
was In session here this week During
the last few days many members III
the conference from other States talk =
ed to the patrons o. the measure
Messrs. Grasty, Of Augusta, and Duke.
of Norfolk county and told them OF
the effects this law has had In their
States.
The following is a mmunication
TO Mr.. Grasty from the president Of
lone of the Stale normal schools OF
Alabama Who MAS here attending the
convention.
Replying To your inquiry. permit
re to say that the four normal schools
Of Alabama of equal rank and Two
others of less rank are under one
board OF control, consisting Of eight
members.
The law which abolished six local
| boards. one each for these normal
schools. was enacted by oar legisla-
ture three years ago. AT that time
the measure was vigorously opposed
ing the presidents and board members
of these normal schools The wis-
/ dom Of the law, after three years
, operation, Is now recognized through
! out the State.
The powers conferred upon this
State normal school board include the
full management and regulation cf
these schools. People throughout the
State recognize that these institutions
co 1rita oil So
school system in the preparation or
its teachers, are now state schools In
fact as well as in name,
Before the passage of fhis legislation.
the presidents of these normal schools
found ii necessary, in their opinion,
I TO spend a very considerable amount
of time in lobbying with the legisia-
ture for appropriations.
| 1t is now understood in labama
/ that the State normal school board
acting in "A manner wholly inapersonat
4 and without the pale of local in
fiuences, will make such recommends
] tons to the legislature at each session
| as in the opinion of the board will
! best subserve the interests Of these
| normal schools, and the presidents OF
/ these institutions will not be expect
! ed to camp on the trail OF the legis-
lative members in seeking appropria
tons.
| This board IL IN a measure not sub
| ject TO violent change in its personnel.
! because the term of only one mem Der
expires with each passing year and
of course. each member il eligible To
appointment in the discretion Of
! the governor. The members Of the
! board receive no pay except for their
expenses while in actual discharge
| of their duties. No difficulty what
ever has been experienced in securing
/ strong men highly suitable for this
public service. ready and willing to
serve the State in the capacity OF
trustees on this board. While the law
! does not provide for ii specifically. It
| is the spirit of this legislation that
/ members of the board he as free as
| possible from local environment Of
any of the schools. OF course. the
! presidents themselves are not mem
| bers Of the board.
/ Hoping this answers your inquiry
as to Alabama's experience in this
regard. ] beg to remain,
Very truly yours,
| tSigned) HENRY ]. WILLINGHAM
/ Florence. Ala.