The Washington times., 1920-07-01
SIMON HEADS
SCHOOL, BOARD
Rabbi Unanimously Chosen to
Succeed Van Schaick At Re-
organization Meeting.
Continued from First Page.)

DY. Simon nominated Dr. Learned TOT
reelection. Mrs. Rhodes seconded
the nomination. DR.. Learned alst
received the unanimous vote. He ther
then took the chair and gave out
the following statement with refer
enoe to Van Schaick:
'"rhe present members OF the Board
OF Education wish to record simple
tribute o frespect and admiration for
DR.. John Van Schaick. jr, After -four
years OF faithful. although interrupt
cd, service in aiding us toward the
promotion OF the interests of public
school education in the District OF
columbia. he now retires from the
presidency OF the board.
For four years he has given at
tention to the needs OF public educa-
tion in this community. During this
time he has never doubted the power
OF gaining intelligent support for nll
rightful aims. Under the stress or
bitter attacks upon him and his col
leagues on the board. he has never
lost courage or hope in the prospect,
however dim, OF improving a great
variety OF conditions. In his persist
ent and broad minded efforts on be-
half of the children, the teachers, and
all employees associated with the pub
lie schools of the District of Colum-
bia, he has proved to us a source OF
inspiration ana strength e.
"These efforts, we believe. are not
likely in the long run to be forgotten,
for DR.. Van Schaick has had con-
stantly in mind the organization in
this national city of a system of pub
lie schools that under wise and able
direction should mark Washington as
having the best system of public
schools anywhere to be found--a
source OF pride to the nation as we'll
Nas to the immediate community. He
has worked laboriously and earnestly,
trammeled by harsh criticism, but
with a single great aim in view. Few
cities in the country can claim during
so troubled a period to have had asso-
ciated with their public schools n
man characterized by such singleness
Of purpose, by so high sense OF
honor, and by greater devotion to the
common interests which involve the
welfare Of all citizens. irrespective OF
party and race"
VAN SCHAICK'S REPLY.
"I realize that this statement is
based upon honesty of conviction and
comes out of great kindness" Van
Schaick said. "I am not disposed to
accept this statement as my views OF
what I have accomplished while sery-
ing as president Of the bcard have
made many failures and omissions,
but the past is past, and ] am sorry
for the times when I failed to do the
best that was possible
The next business was he case of
Bruce. Bruce has been ATTACKED by
the Colored Parents League of wash
ington. DR.. Johnson introduced a
statement Of views Of the Board of
Education with reference to the Bruce
case. which board accepted.
The statement follows:
"The newly organized Board of
Education puts itself on record at the
start as satisfied with the character
and the educational and administra-
tive efficiency of Roscoe c. Bruce,
assistant superintendent of the col
'ored schools of the District OF Co.
lumbia. This board accepts the point
of view clearly expressed in the ma
jority report of the special committee
which was duly recorded on October
%, 1919. Nothing has happened since
that date to alter in any wise the
conviction there expressed that Mr..
Bruce Is capable in the handling Of
his difficult tasks. Since coming to
Washington in 1906, Mr.. Bruch has
had an honorable record of public
service.
"From no superintendent since that
time has there come to various boards
OF education any recommendation i'm
plying that he was unfit to serve the
city. The new superintendent Of
schools, like all of his predecessors.
will have fair opportunity to pass
judgment upon Mr.. Bruce's work.
Whenever he chooses to express him.
self to, the board either in favore of
or against Mr.. Bruce after he has be-
come familiar with his tasks, the
board OF education will act upon any
such expression"
STATEMENT BY BALLOU.
Or. Learned called upon Superin-
tendent Ballou for statement. and
the new superintendent read the fol-
lowing memorandum, addressed to the
Board OF Education and people OF
Washington:
II appreciate the great honor which
10 associated with the position OF
superintendent OF public schools of
the District Of Columbia, TO which po-
sition l have been elected ] am also
profoundly conscious of the large re-
sponsibilities which the law places on
that official.
From this day forth, your educa-
tional interests and mine are identi-
cal. You want the best possible edu-
cation for your children. My para
mount interest is also the proper
education of the children and youth
OF the District. All other subjec Is
sink into insignihcance when COM
pared with the Importance of educa.
tion not only to this generation, but
particularly to the citizenship of to-
morrow My administration or the
public schools Of the District of Co.
lumbia will be guided by the one pur-
pose of providing the best education
for the children of the District.
"The public school system OF the
Nations Capital should exemplify to
the nation the best in organization
and administration, the best In super
vision, the best in teaching and the