Evening star., 1920-02-19
Supt. Thurston's Dismissal.

SupI. 4nufSton OlSH1lSSa1.
In notifying Supt. Thurston that
they "will not be able to vote" for his
reelection in June the members Of the
board of education who, after holding
an informal conference, have an
nounced their position through the
president Of the board are acting en-
tirely within their rights and with eyi-
dence of consideration for the super
intendent. The board is vested with
the power to name the superintendent.
1t is not obligated to renew the COM
mission of the incumbent. 1t can, if
it desires, name q new superintendent
every three years.
But this action is none the less a
shock to the community and the school
system. It indicates either a strong
personal prejudice, or conviction that
the superintendent is incompetent or
unworthy. No explanation is yet
forthcoming that justifes the virtual
dismissal of Mr.. Thurston, to take ef
feet four months hence. No charge of
ineficiency has been brought against
him.
In 1917, when an effort was made, in
advance of the end Of the term, to
declare the superintendent ineligible
for reelection by voting him out with
out proposing his successor, public
opinion was so aroused, in the absence
of specific showing Of incompetence
and in the face of Mr.. Thurston's
fine record as a competent, con-
scientious school head, that the board
rejected the motion. The considera-
ton that led then to a general de-
mand on the part Of the citizens for
continuation Of Mr.. Thurston in Of
fee prevails now as strongly. The
dominating desire Of the people Of
Washington, for whom the schools are
maintained and who have a direct,
keen interest in their welfare, is that
there should be minimum of change.
It is particularly important now that
nothing be done to disrupt the school
system further, with the teaching force
unsettled BY reason of inadequate
and overburdening duties
and with the building equipment heav-
lily in arrears.
There is time for the members Of
the board to reconsider their precipi-
tate action, 90 long in advance Of the
election of a superintendent for an
other term. Doubtless full statements
will be forthcoming from the board
members and from the superintendent
bringing to light any specific causes
for friction or dissent and disapproval
that may exist.
During the past three years Supt.
Thurston has labored necessarily and
effectively to keep the schools going
against the most Encouraging and at
times menacing conditions. With a
depleted force, with shortened supplies,
with inadequate equipment, with great
congestion and for a period in the
face of epidemic disease he has man
aged not only to keep the schools in
operation, but to maintain them on
the former high standard of efficiency.
He has been ready in emergencies, as,
for an example, in the case of the
night schools, just kept open largely
through his efforts. For these serv-
ices the public is appreciative, and it
will at least demand to know the rea-
son why in the face of this excellent
record members Of the board now
seek to anticipate the election in June
by an informal negative vote, which,
if verified by the full board in open
session, will mean another era Of ex-
pertinent and continued school tuF.
M oil