New-York tribune., 1919-05-14
Somers, Who Fought Mayor,
Is Defeated for Re-elec-
ton as President of the
Education 3 Trustees
Many Reforms Promised
Great Building Programme
and Relief of Overcrowd.
ing Outlined by Official

Aiming s. Prall, Richmond real es-
tate man and reputed candidate of the
city administration, was elected presi-
dent of the Board of Education yester-
day at the boards annual meeting. He
defeated Arthur S. Somers. who stood
for reelection, by four votes to three
with Frank D. Wilsey casting the de-
Gliding ballot. On motion of George ]
Ryan, of Queens, the election was then
made unanimous.
AS the decision was announced q
school teacher at the rear of the large
gallery that gathered for the occasion
murmured pensively, "Well, Hylan
wins" If there was any one to dis
pute that Interpretation of the choice
he failed to make himself heard.
Ex-President Somers, asked to COM
ment on his defeat, said:
"Id rather not. It's hardly neces-
sary, is it? The thing speaks for
itself"
But the outgoing president smiled
as he congratulated his successor and,
together with George Ryan, escorted
him to the official chair.
Prall Outlines Programme
Mr.. Prall produced a typed manu-
script from an inner pocket and read
his speech of acceptance. 1t announced
policy of close cooperation with the
Board of Estimate and Apportionment
The present over-crowding in the
schools Mr. Prall referred to as a
"heritage from the preceding admins
tration." To-day, he declared, the
Board of Education has in view tho
most generous building programme iii
the citys history" calling for an ex-
penditure of nearly $22,o0000O
"This speaks volumes for the gem
erosity of Mayor John F. Hylan," he
added, "and for the generosity If the
Board of Estimate and Apportion-
ment"
Mr.. Prall came out particularly
strong on the score of Americanism
and pledged himself to see to it that
undesirable radical teachers shall be
eliminated from the school system. AT
the same time he urged wider rep
resentative powers for the teachers
councils and announced that he in
tends to apply for an amendment to the
state education law whereby ar
examiners court Of appeals will be
created to pass on the cases of teachers
who believe they have been unfairly
rated by the local examiners.
Proposal Pleases Teachers
Insofar as the rating question is
to-day one of the sorest points with
the teachers, this declaration ~ the
new president met with delighted re-
sponse from them. So did his asser-
ton, made in connection with his
reference to the necessity for CO.
operating with the Board of Estimate
to the effect that there is an "im
perative need of an upward revision Of
the salaries of the professional anc
clerical staffs."
Mr.. Prall tempered some of these re
marks with the reminder that the tinan
cial ability Of the city to aid the Boar(
Of Education is "strictly limited" Re
ferrng to the clashes the board ha.
had with the city administration, which
have been frequently mentioned as the
cause of Mr.. Somers's downfall and hi:
own elevation, Mr.. Prall said:
~ am sure that l speak for all wher
l promise scrupulous regard for al
honest enforcement of any final de
clslOn regarding our funds or status b,
any court or other tribunal of last re
sort"
At the conclusion Of the speech, Mrs
Emma L. Murray placed Mr.. Wilsey il
nomination for reelection as vice
president. Joseph Yeska seconded and
on Mr.. Ryan's suggestion, the choic,
was made unanimous.
Ryan Nominates Somers
Commissioner Yeska and Mrs. Muir
ray also were responsible for the nom
ination of Mr.. Prall. At the openn,
of the proceedings, with Mr. Wilsey il
the chair as president pro tenn, MI
Ryan offered the name of Mr.. Somer
for reelection. He said that he kney
he was probably presenting a minorit,
choice, but that, in view of Presiden
Somers's able conduct of the offic
during especially trying times, he fel
that he "owcd it to himself" to do SC
Mrs. Ruth r. Russell seconded in
laudntory speech.
Commissioner Ycska then brief
proposed Mr.. Prall. and Mrs. Murra
even more briefly seconded AT the en-
Of the session rising vote of testi
monial to ex-Presidcnt Somers wa
passed, together with resolution t
present him later with "some NOR
substantial reward" Mr.. Prall, in hi
speech Of acceptance, also hintcd at a
effort to obtain something permanen
Of this sort for Board Of Educatio
members of long standing.
At the close Of the meeting Mr.. Pral
announced that he had been unofficial
informed that the finance committee 0
the Board of Estimate has decided IA
vorably upon the Board Of Education
request for $4,000 appropriation t
investigate it's own affairs, fiscal an
otherwise. This request originated wit
4 Mr.. Prall, when tho row with the cit
administration was at Its height. FIR
day, Mr.. prall said, he expects the mat
ter wiz be reported to tho Board o