The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1920-03-03
ISCH0O[BOARD
| EXPOSE TODAY
Van Setback Makes Last Min
ute Switch in Time From
4 to 3:15 p. N.

The promised expose OF practices
and methods OF the Board or Educa-
ton during the past three years VIII
come this afternoon when Ernest l.
Thurston, superintendent OF schools.
delivers an s,000-word address DEFEND
ing himself on charges or inefnclency
and Sinking responsibility, made by
the board.
-Four o'clock was the time an
nounced for the meeting but John
Van Schaick, president OF the board.
sal dlate this morning that the public
session OF the board would be held
about 315 d. m. Official notices to
the effect that the meeting would be
held later, therefore. are incorrect.
Startling revelations are expected at
this afternoons meeting. While II Is
not known definitely what the super
iptendent will say, II is believed he
will score several members OF the
board who are believed to be an
tagonistic toward him.
Star Chamber Sessions.
Proceedings in the informal secret
,onferences OF the Board OF Educa-
ton. in which Thurston took part,
may be disclosed by the superin-
tendent
Superintendent Thurston feels con-
fident that the revelations he VIII
make today will convince the public
OF Washington that his administra-
ton was a successful one and would
have been more so had not the Board
Of Education continually interfered
with him in his work.
This Is what Mr.. Thurston's state
ment today Is expected. among other
things unknown, to reveal:
int
ously handicapped in his work by GER
tain members OF the board who con-
tinually showed antagonism toward
him.
That he could not carry out sue
cessfully all Of his plans, because
many Of his recommendations were
vetoed by the board.
That he took no part in the famous
Wood and Bruce cases, which one
| member of the board indirectly
charges he Is is responsible for.
That he has sought to take re-
sponsibility rather than shirk II.
That he did not have pleasant re-
atoms with the board because OF
| PERSONAL prejudices against him by
| certain school board members
Range of Authority Narrow.
That he could conduct highly sue
! cessfuI administration II he was given
q wider range Of authority and not
been forced to ask approval OF near
ly every important educational move
he desired to make.
The board room will be crowded
this afternoon by men and women
! interested in the case. AS the super
intendent appears to be backed by
the school teachers, it is expected
they will be represented in large num-
| bers.
| A bill providing for the direct cleo
ton Of members Of the Board OF Edu-
cation was introduced by senator
Sherman of Illinois yesterday in the
Senate. The bill was Endorsed by
thirty-three civic associations.
Maurer May Head Central
| Charles /. Corby, chairman of the
National School Betterment Council,
| has appointed a committee to urge
Congress for immediate remedial &C
ton for the local school system. The
committee is headed by Ross j. An
drews, and includes Jerry G. south,
vice chairman; Jesse c. Suter, george
E. Hamilton and w. d. Hoover.
The appointment of Robert A.
Maurer, acting principal of the new
| Central High School, as principal.
probably will be made by the Board
of Education today. He is slated to
succeed Emory Wilson, who died sew
eral weeks ago.
For more than a year Mr.. Maurer
has acted as head OF this institution.