The Washington times., 1920-07-27
CITY CLUB TO
SCANSCHOOLS
Appointment OF Board OF Educa-
ton to Be First Study OF
New Committee.

A thorough investigation OF pro-
posed legislation calling for appoint
ment OF tho Board OF Education by
the President, with the approval OF
| the Senate, instead OF by justices Of
the District Supreme Court, probably
will be the first task undertaken by
the education group of the City Club.
which held Its Organization meeting
last night at the clubhouse.
Although the scope OF activities OF
the group was not definitely de-
termined, various problems which un-
questionably will be given considera-
tion by the group were discussed In
formally
Paul Il. Lesh defender the present
plan OF appointment, admitting that
IL was not ideal but expressing the
belief that II was better than appoint
ment by the President.
PLAN NOW NOT IDEAL
II do not consider the present plan
ideal" said Mr.. Lesh. but / think II
! has it's advantages over substitute
plans that have been suggested. The
justices are representative Washing
ton men OF high standing, Impartial
and at the same time vitaliy interest
cd In local AFFAIRS.
"On the other hand, the Presid mt
| Is interested primarily In national AT
fairs and has not the time to de-
vote to purely local matters. Pro
| spectiye appointees to these non-re-
munerative positions might also feel
| some reluctance at having their
names presented by the President
when there Is the possibility OF re-
! lection by the Senate.
"Of course, appointment by the Dis
trict Commissioners is entirely out
! of the question; for separation OF the
school system from municipal admin
| istration is an established ana recog'
| nized American practice"
FAvORs WHITE HOUSE CHOICE.
DR.. c. N. Chapman favored appoint
ment by the President.
TT Is the only feasible plan which
gives the people voice in the selec-
ton of the board" said DR.. Chapman.
After an appointment had been made
by the President, citizens would have
an opportunity to appeal TO the Sen
ate to block confirmation should the
nominee be undesirable. The Senate
always has been willing to listen to
objections. as evidenced ty the rejec-
tion OF DR.. Van Schaick.
Under the present plan, the JUS
tlces make the appointments without
once are made the matter ends there.
The people have no comeback. I'm
der appointment by the District Com
missi oners the people likewise would
have no come back"
Another problem which unquestion-
ably will be Investigated by the
group Is the alleged overuse OF school
buildings for non-school activities. 1t
was pointed out that normal school
activities frequently are interrupted
by preparations for community ac-
tivities to be held in the evening at
the school houses.
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS.
Still another problem that unques-
tionably will be given consideration
is the constant appeal to school chill
dren for contributions toward various
community activities. w. M. Ward
said these appeals have become
nuisance to most parents, and have
become either burden or a source
of embarrassment to poorer parents.
r. l.. Stock, chairman of the organ
ization committee OF the group. was
elected permanent chairman of the
group. w. c. Poteet was elected vice
chairman and G. j. Dowd secretary
treasurer.
A committee consisting of Com
mander c. T. Jewell. chairman. DR..
Chapman, c. p. Neill. w. b. Colver.
Mr.. Lesh, and Mr.. Dowd was appoint
ed to draft a charter and bylaws, This
committee will meet at o'clock to-
morrow evening at the club house
and will report to the next meeting of
the group, to be held within a few