The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-03-22
BOARD MEMBER MAKES
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I'VE began a serious study of text
books as early as January, 1914, and
from that time until April of the
same year we gave very close atten-
ton to all matters pertaining to the
adoption. In April. when the final
adoption was scheduled to be made.
after two roposals by the State sup
ertntendent involving radical changes
had been voted down in the commit
tees. he suddenly sprung on the
board several cheap Ontario books, as
If he had just discovered their prices
and their presence In his possession.
To my certain knowledge. he had had
these books in his possession and was
informed of their prices several
months before this. II he had really
felt that there was merit in the On
tario plan. common fairness and a
reasonable regard for the State board
should have prompted him to present
this plan at the beginning OF our con-
sideration of the book adoption In
stead OF this, the State superinten-
dent withheld the information until
we met for the purpose OF finally
adopting books, and then introduced
it, with the evident intention of EN-
barrassing the boa. d by making 1t
appear that We were regardless OF
the merits Of books and Indifferent
TO prices The Embarrassment was
relieved by the fact that one or two
members of the board happened to be
familiar with the Ontario plan and
was for Virginia. When this plan was
suggested. moreover. it was not per-
MISSILE under our laws.
Issues Statement to the Press.
The next day or so, in spite of the
fact that he had voluntarily suggested
that no statement about the adop-
ton be given to the press until the
board had passed upon it. the State
perintendent. without sanction orI
warning, issued statement giving
what purported to be a comparison
between retail prices in Virginia and
California, thus making 1t appear 10
the public that he alone was looking
out for the peoples interests This
statement was misleading and inaccu-
rate from beginning to end. in that
1t quoted as retail prices in California
what were in reality cost prices, and,
OF course. showed a decided, though
-a.Stl&iat4s,- balance against Virginia
prices.
says Conduct Not Gommendabie.
The superintendent attitude in
the investigation of book prices be-
fore the Assembly last year was nor
comrpendable. Not question was
raised leading to this investigation
that he could not have answered
clearly aud Immediately, assuming he
possessed the information which he
ought TO have had and IL he had
shown a proper appreciation of his
relation 10 the State board and of
his loyalty TO that body He seemed
ohsessed with the idea that the fact
of an investigation would carry with
II degree of suspicion, and that
something might by chance be re-
vealed which would embarrass the
members of the board and give him
an opportunity TO claim little glory.
The result of the investigation Is too
well known to make comment neces-
sary.
.At the final adoption OF books in
the spring of 1915 | had seen enough
to cause me to believe that the State
Superintendent might not cooperate
heartily in the distribution of books
for the following session. Fearing that
he might embarrass the patrons and
even the school children by policy
Of delay or inactivity, and that much |
OF the criticism resulting from the
peoples inability TO get books might
be turned against the State Board
(because of certain changes that haa
been made). / was prepared to offer
q Resolution requiring the State Super
intendent to give at once full informal
ton about changes cost, exchange
prices. and the plan of promotional
and devotional exchanges I wanted
this information furnished TO ALI
division superintendents and to every
county newspaper in the course OF the
summer. and In the fall through cir
culars to shperintendents. | desired
him to acduaint all teachers with theI
eonditions pertinent to the book adop-
tienx. presented no formal resofu-
ton because the State Superintendent
specifically promised las indicated
/ y minute of the board. March 8,
1851. that he would carry out the
wishes as expressed.
THE delay in signing contracts. In
carrying out the provisions for ade-
uuate distribution as provided in these
contracts. and In furnishing detailed
information about changes and ex-
change privileges are all matters for
which the Department of Public In
struction and not the State Board of
Education Is TO be held responsible.
THAT many schools could not get books
on time. that children. patrons and
teachers we're greatly embarrassed;
and that adequate informationswa not
Forthcoming in ample time, must
affirm. be charged in la-ge measure
10 the state superintendent
when complaints hogan to come
jn.- ar come they must snder the cir
the State superintendent
attempted to take refuge In a state
ncnt given To the press. and sent TO
I'll division superintendent. In which
he insiunatnd that tho distribution
III hooks was unsatisfactory In part
hecanre his hands had beer tied BY
The state Bnnrd 1sof Educatfor,s such