The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-02-08
JOHN JASPER DEAD;
TEACHER so YEARS
Former Head Of New York
Schools Succumbs to Grip
In Washington.
BEGAN MANY REFORMS

WAsHiNGToN, Feb. John Jasper,
who for nifty years was associated with
the public schools of New York In every
capacity open to a teacher. died here
this afternoon after a months illness
OF bronchial grip. His wife and daugh-
ter Miss L. May Jasper were with
him Funeral services will probably
be held here on Tuesday afternoon AZ
the apartment Mr. Jasper had taken
for the winter.
Since his retirement he had spent
most Of his winters in the South,
though still retaining his residence at
100 West 1891 street New York.
Two married daughters, Mrs. Bayard
W. Russell and Mrs. Charles p Gale,
and one son, Joseph II. Jasper. all OF
New York. survive him. besides his
widow and Miss Jasper.
John Jasper was retired by the Board
of Education on September 1, 1907,
after twenty-three years service as City
Superintendent Of Schools The resolu-
ton retiring Mr. Jasper was adopted
at n meeting May Is, 1902, after a lively
and heated debate, his supporters claim
ing that the adoption was n breach OF
faith on the part of the Fusion element
OF the board. The resolution provided
that the retired superintendent would
| receive an annuity Of $4,000.
Mr. Jasper was born in New York on
August IL, 1897. and from 1912 until
the time OF his retirement he had been
connected with the public schools Of the
city as pupil. teacher principal. as
/ slstnnt superintendent and superintend-
ent. He got his early education In
| Grammar School No and subsequently
NJ Public School No. IA. in West Forty
seventh street. In February. 1852. he
entered the Free Academy, now the Col
/ lege OF tho City OF New York. and was
graduated in July. 1856. having COM
/ pleted tho course in six months less
! than the usual time Mr.. Jasper
/ served one year with the engineers corps
engaged in laying out Central Park.
vicc-PrincipsI In 1885.
! In 1863 no was appointed vice. prin-
| cipal OF Public School No. 3. Later he
| became principal OF the same school. and
in 1867 was transferred to Public
| School 81.
After serving five years as Assistant
city Superintendent Of Schools he was
appointed by the Board OF Education In
/ 1879 to be Superintendent of Schools and
held that position by successive elections
I until his retirement.
MIR. Jasper was exceedingly popular
and on one occasion was honored by the
teachers gathered in Grand Central
Palace. He was crowned with a laurel
wreath from the 1000 teachers of the
public schools. In his address upon
that occasion he said MY door shall
always be open to the teachers and
patrons of our schools" The sentence
soon became famous and WAS considered
characteristic OF his democratic spirit.
started Many Reforms.
Mr. Jasper took advantage OF the
many opportunities afforded him during
i,s osTvico a. CITY Superintendent Ard
his many improvements In the school
system have had far reaching influences.
Among the important recommendation
made by Mr. Jasper We're the reor-
ganlzatiOn OF the evening schools, in
which he had been especially active; the
consolidation of the small schools and
departments; the assignment of regular
teachers to give instructions In French
German music and drawing: the forma-
ton OF three truant schools and a re-
formatory school: the taking OF a school
census, the revision OF the course OF
study; the promotion OF pupils without
examinations; the revision OF regulations
concerning air space and floor space in
new buildings: the revision of method
of licensing appointing mad promoting
teachers: provision for the regular con.
ferences Of principals wirh their teach.
ers the Improvement OF laws relating
TO compulsory education, and the eligible
list for promotion of teachers and for
the appointment of principals.