The Washington times., 1920-06-22
THURSTON TO
COON JULY |.
Van Sohaick, in School Saddle,
Tells Citizens Appeal Is
Useless.
There is no chance for Ernest l.

There is no chance for Ernest l.
Thurston to continue as, superin-
tendent of schools after June 30
The case is a closed issue, and on
July 1, Thorston will be supplanted
by a new superintendent, TO be nam
ed in a few days.
Action OF the Federation OF Cit'-
.ens' Association last night, OF num-
srous citizens associations. the ho,
tatry Club, Board OF Trade, Parents
League and other organizations urg
ing Thurston's retention has failed OF
its purpose. The Board OF Education
viii not re-elect Thurston.
Two months OF wrangling over the
school situation by the Citizens Fei-
GRAFTON eliminated last night the
D. association, by vote OF "a to To-
commended Thurston's administration
and urged his retention as schooi
head.
The association, in it's resolution
on schools called on members or the
board. opposing Thurston, to resign.
The federation's action. however. Is
not expected to result In any board
members severing their connections
with the schools.
READS VAN sCHAICk LETTER.
Last nights meeting was called by
William p. Westlake. president. at
the request of the kenilworth, Ben
ming and Petworth Citizens associa-
tions, which organizations were de-
sirous of the federation recording
itself "one way or the other.
The school resolution was intro
tduced by Jesse G. Suter. Mr.. Suter,
chairman OF the educational commit
tee OF the federation and chairman or
a committee from the Petwortn tltl-
lzens' Association, which called on thc
board last week to urge Thurston
retention. read to the federation dele
gates a letter received yesterday art
ernoon from John Van Schaick, presi-
dent OF the Board OF Education, In
hreply to Suffers request that Thurs
ton again be considered for the su-
Iperintendency.
The board will not reconsider its
action in notifying Mr.. Thurston that
he will not be reelected. because the
action represented the mature de-
of an Overwhelmingly ma
,jority of the board" wrote van
Schaick, stating in the first part or
the letter that he was writing after
members Of the board and secured
their approval of the reply.
AGAINST TEMPORARY TERN.
superintendent Thurston goes out
of his office June 80, by expiration OF
his term. To retain his services ten'-
porarily, as suggested by the COM
mittee. would mean re-electing him
for a term of three years, which TINS
board believes to be not for the pest
interests of the schools"
Van Schaick said that IL Thurston
VS. retained mo future board would
dare remove anybody from once.
IHe stated it was not up to the oos.o
10 saw whether the board shoulo pc
elected or appointed, or whether 'heFe
should be any board.
Emphasis again was placed by van
Sohaick on the fact that the board
has certain duties to perform, and that
il intends to perform them in the
manner which the law prescrioes. The
hoard will not be intimidated, he said.
public sentiment in favor Of Thurs
ton, that has been manifested recent
". is not discussed by Van Schaick.
He puts il 10 one side by stating:
.rhe board and the public generally
must realize that the most vocal Is
not always the most genuine puohc
sentiment
van Schaick states "there is great
,bodv OF public sentiment reaching
the Board of Education, endorsing
its action. Some Of it from people
personally friendly to Mr.. Thurston,
who feel now that his usefulness here
lis at an end. Hundreds Of other
teachers and citizens are convinced
that the board has acted wisely from
tho beginning"
After Suter read Van Schaick's let
ter. delegates discussed the school sit
,atjon. Several substitute resolutions,
one providing that the Federation
commend Thurstons work, bid him
God-speed, but rot urge his retention.
were passed. The other resolutions
however. failed OF passage.
Many supporters of Van Schaick
were present. likewise Thurston sup.
porters. They debated for several
hours before a resolution hnslly was
passed.