Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-09-15
MRS. YOUNG, CHIEF OF SCHOOLS
Head of Chcago Educational SYSTEM at Age of TO- Is Hard
Working Vigorous and Alert Public Servant-Movement to
Effect Her Reelection Already in Progress
By w. o. CHAPMAN

DAST 20 years Of age, for more than half
a century identified with educational
work in Chicago, for the last six years su-
perintendent of the public school system
that is the remarkable record of a remark
able woman Mrs. Ella Flagg Young.
Having completed the allotted period of
life, such is her popularity such is the con-
fldence the people and the teachers have
in her ability and progressiveness, that agi-
tation already is apparent for her reelection
next December for another year.
For the first time in a number of years
Chicago has a superintendent in whom the
public implicitly believes, but whom the
powers that direct the affairs of the school
system probably would depose IL they dared
to do so--a reversal of the citys former ex-
periences.
Mrs. Young has given all of her time TO-
the work of developing and enlarging the,
usefulness Of the schools. She is recognized
everywhere, probably, as q real educator
Her record is in marked contrast with that
of other superintendents men, who gave uI
much of their energies to manipulations and
to school politics.
An Adopted Innovation
At an age when most people are willing tc,
accept things as they are and to be content
this woman, on the contrary, is constantly
alert for the progressive idea in educational
matters keeps herself informed on all thai,
is considered best in school work, and does
not hesitate to adopt any plan which prom.
ises to bring good results.
When William Writ found it necessary to
adopt a rotary schedule of attendance for
pupils to make the best use OF the limited
school accommodations in the rapidly grow,
Inc ,~gTN
its results for she saw in it possibilitie.
of value to Chicago where also the demand
for seats for children always exceeds tho
capacity of the schools.
Some might have said that Chicago with
its millions could not get any good out OF
the Hoosier town with it's thousands bur
Mrs. Young was not averse to making tho
test. She was so impressed with the system
that she installed IL in three elementary
schools in Chicago two years ago. At the
beginning of the present school year she in.
stalled 1t in two more elementary schools
and for the f1rst-year pupils in three of tho
largest high schools of the city.
BY this system pupils are divided into
groups. From until o'clock one group is,
at play one is in the gymnasium, one in
each of the other departments several in
the class rooms. From 10 10 O'clock each
of these groups is moved, and that is re-
peated at each hour of the school day. At
no time is any educational facility idle, and
many more children can be accommodated
than under the system usually in force.
AS indicated in previous paragraph, Mrs
Young is not without her enemies on the
Board of Education. So far she has been
able through her keen wit, TO outplay them.
Last December the trustees had the wires all
strung N
about 1t and nearly paralyzed them by re-
signing. That forced their hands The
newspapers the following morning published
broadsides about 1t, protests came in from
all sides OF the city, mass meetings were
held, and all Chicago was aroused
Carter H. Harrison, then Mayor, promptly
accepted the designations of five trustees
who were opposed to Mrs Young-resiR-
nations he was forehanded enough to obtain
at the time the appointments were made
two years before. He appointed new trus-
tees in the places OF those who would not
listen 10 his arguments, and at the next
meeting Of the board Mrs. Young was re-
elected.
To bring that about II was necessary for
the board to void the election of John ID.
Shoop. who had been chosen for superin-
tendent. 1t was radical proceeding, and
lawyers say II was invalid. but no one dared
TO raise the issue. Mr.. Shoop was content
20 remain assistant superintendent Dur
ing this struggle Mrs. Young's loyal friends
were Mayor Harrison and the Chicago
Teachers Federation.
Less Politics Than Formerly
There has been less politics In the school
system during the last six years. probably,
than ever before There was no occasion
for the introduction OF politics last spring
But women can vote for city ohicials In
Chicago and Mrs Young stands by her
friends.
During the mayoralty primary campaign
Mrs. Young wrote letter 10 an ofiicer OF
the Teachers Federation. praising Mayor
Harrlsons work for the public schools. Il
was intended the letter should be published
ana Il was published. Opponents TO Mr.
Harrison were indignant, ana criticised Mrs
Young sharply. Alr Harrison. however waa