The Washington herald., 1920-07-04

in absolute fairness the matters
which have come TO me for deci-
sion.
Tried TO Avoid Fight. ga
During tie last few months of
stress in the public schools, when
professional self respect and be-
ueve, the good OF the schools de-
.nanded that defend myself vigor-
ously before the public. I sought
carestly. so far as / was concerned.
to avoid taking any step involving
a personal attitude. and to avoid
SO far as possible any disturbance
of the morale of the great force OF
cur pubic SCHOOLS. Ny thought has
been the safeguarding of this great
school system into which ! have pu-
my very life for more than a quar-
ter Of a century.
II has been my privilege to serve
as chief executive officer Of the
public schools during the most DIFF
ficult period the system has ever
known. and to have had to solve
more varied and perplexing prob
lem, than have ever fallen to the
Iot OF any other superintendent OF
schools of the Capital City. No one
not in the public scSool serviSe ca7
ave any conG><tion of the difi-
cultics VIA had to be met during
the -<r period and during the pc
Rod immediately following. Difi-
cult problems. however. are a chai-
lcnge to a real executive. I have
<elt a genuine joy in meeting them
and in cooper alton with the force
IF school employees and with the
backing Of a helpful community, in
bringing the schools through the
strength and efficieney.
Says Schools Improve
Moreover, the schools have not
only held their own during the
difficult years Immediately behind
us, but, educationally speaking
they have progressed . far more
markedly than in any preceding
period. With the cooperation OF
many within the school system the
whole organization has become pro-
gressive and alert. Many definite
educational advances and admins
trative adjustments have been
made, tending to increase the edu-
cational efficiency Of our work, anc
important new educational oppor-
tunities have been opened and de-
veloped. These are so well known
to the public that they need not be
listed here. Although hampered and
restricted in many ways, founda-
tions have been laid for even larger
things and under right conditions
vigorous growth would undoubtedly
continue.
II am a very strong believer in
the cooperation of the public with
the schools. have sought in every
way possible, during these years OF
service as superintendent, to keer
the public informed of develop
ments within the school system
and to encourage that close per-
sonal contact betweerf the school
and the home which by partner
ship of effort results in, the fullest
development of the child. Probably
no other large community has de
veloped a clearer and more intelli
gent interest in its schools than has
Washington.
~ Grateful to People.
"I owe a very deep debt of graft
tude TO the people OF washington
During these weeks of stress youl
cordial support and Incorporation
based on your very clear under.
standing of the issues involved
ave brought happiness and strength
to me. AS l have come to feel the
real heart of our community,
have felt that 1 have been passing
through one of the wonderful ex.
periences of life. Especially during
these last few weeks when you
have given me your greeting and
expression of confidence in public
assemblies, through the action OF
civic and other associations, and
through the personal words of thou
sands of individuals. 1 have come
to feel that I have had from you
the greatest reward that. can come
to a mantle real confdenc and
good will of great community. 1t
has been, a labor of love to serve
you. Should the call ever come to
me to again serve you, in a public
capacity. it is my earnest hope that
l SMALL be free to answer Il.
ERNEST L. THtIRSTON "