The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1920-02-25
BELIEVE THURSTON
MAY Be RETAINED
investigation by Congress eS-
peCted to Result In Superln'
tendent'S vindlcatlon.

There is a strong possibility that
Ernest L. Thurston. who was recently
notified by the Board OF Edueation
that he was not wanted in the schools
after next June. may be retained as
superintendent OF schools for another
thTee-year period.
The investigation OF the school sys-
tenn by A Senate committee, eomins
AT a time when the climax of a con
troversy between the board OF bdu-
cation and the superintendent had
been reached. is expected To make
certain disclosures which VIII tend
to clear Superintendent Thufston OF
the charges made against him.
TLurstea L. Coaadest.
, Superintendent Thurston, on me
day he was sotihed OF the action OF
the board, stated, ana SINCE that dsy
has reiterated his statement, that ne
can clear himself OF all the conten-
lions of the School BOARD regarding
his administration as head OF the
schools. =,
IL seems to be the consensus OF
opinion that the investigation VIII
disclose these facts regarding super
intendent Thurstons administrators
That Mr.. Thurston was seriously
Handicapped in his work by certain
members OF the Board OF Education
who continuously showed antagonism
toward him.
That Mr.. Thurston could not carry
out successfully all of his plans, be-
cause many of his recommends
lions were vetoed by the board.
That Mr.. Thurston took no part In
the Wood and Bruce case, which one
No I'd IA
'harges he Is responsible Tor.
Accepted Responsibility.
That Mr.. Thurston has sought to
take responsibility rather than shirh
II, as charged by the board.
That Mr.. Thurston has not had
pleasant relations with the board be-
cause of personal prejudices against
him by certain school board members
That the superintendent could con-
duct a highly successful admi nistra-
ton II he was given wider range
of authority and not fored to ask APP
prevail OF nearly every important edu-
cational move he desired to make.
If Mr.. Thurston can clear himself
publicly-and he says he can-of
charges that he is not an able ad-
ministrator and that he Is reluctant
to take responsibility. it is possible
that the school board may reconsider
its action or the Senate investigating
committee may recommend to Con-
gress that he be continued In his
present position.
Will Address Board.
There is general feeling in the
community, especially among the
teaching force in the schools. that MIR.
Thurston has been unjustly treated by
the Board of Education.
superintendent Thurston will ad
dress the Board of Education at its
meeting next Wedpesday. He will
then attempt to clear himself OF the
charges.
1t is generally expected that Mr..
Thurston will reveal the proceedings
at the informal secret conferences of
the board. to which there has recently
been so much objection.
When the Senate Committee begins
its investigation the members of the
board of education and school officers
will be called to testify under oath.
1t will be then that the methods and
practices of the board will be pub
licly revealed. These revelations are
expected to be startling.
other matters to be dclVed in by
the committee include:
The high and grade school teachers
unions. the history OF its organiza-
ton and it's practices.
The Bruce case.
The Wood case.