The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-02-12
REFORMING THE SCHOOLS.
should All Teachers BE Under FIX
elusive Control Of the state?

To THE EDITOR ~ THE S~rN--Sir: The
scathing eXcoriation by DIR. Finley W
conditions existing under the educa-
tional system prevailing in Buffalo Is
worthy of serious consideration by all
thoughtful citizens. Every word OF
condemnation can be applied with equal
truth and equal force TO almost every
school district in the State.
Education boards. so called. exist in
every city. village and school district.
Appointed or selected. they are usually
OF the same political type as their spof-
sors. and have complete control or all
matters educational In their district.
Under the present system the thousands
of educated and highly trained men and
women in the state who teach in the
public schools are practically owned and
controlled by local politicians In tho
cities and towns where they labor. Pro-
motion depends not SO much on ability
az on the favor OF the local boss.
How a such men or women instl
in their pupils minds ideas OF honor.
honesty. patriotism or Independents
when their very existence depends upon
pleasing and being subservient to local
boards OF education. the members APP
pointed for political or partisan pur-
poses The system is cumbersome and
wrong in principle and practice. in addi-
$500 N'f Dt'hf ~ 49,
The teachers OF the State are It's most
valuable asset. and should have full pro-
lection from the state. N control n
equipment OF schools Is rightly a local
matter and should remain so. but far
more valuable TO the local bosses Is the
absolute control of the men n women
who teach in those schools.
This condition. which should never
have been allowed to exist, can he rem
pdic1 Lot all fanrhara nrnnprIN. ntinli-
fed and actually employed In the schools
OF the state be claSsed as State en-
nIoNees. under the direct control OF the
state COMMISSIONS OF Education. The
protection OF the civil service TO he exc
tended to them. All changes. transfers.
promotions and removals to be subject
TO approval by the Commissioned OF
Education. Teachers on promotion could
he transferred to any city. village or
town where their services would be OF
most value to the State.
All superintendents in cities and school
districts to be appointed by the state
Commissioner Local boards TO hav.
no Jurisdiction over teaching stan
The local board would of course re-
tain control Of financial affairs In the
district, the care and maintenance Of
buildings and payment Of salaries. sal
aries could he fixed by the Legislature.
$40" ''''i"'hE =" " S'hnndru HNen pN
the state commissioner and enacted INTO
"A law.
All the pension funds In the various
cities would be turned over 10 the state
Comptroller and kept in a separate fund
Tor teachers pensions. 4 graduated list
of pensions should be made out. accord
ing 10 service and positions. These PEN
sions would he payable ny thc state.
The general idea IL that the teacher
should be the servant OF the State, free
from control o. intimidation by any
local authority. and that the state
should insure the teacher a steady and
permanent position in return for faith
ful and competent service.
III order 10 get the best results. sooner
or later a change OF this character will
have to be made in the educational svs-
Ten OF our state. Henry KELLY.
EnNnA. Y Y EohrIar,.