The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-06-09
OUR SCHOOLS IN THE BALANCE

Kentucky's public schools will hang
in the balance on the sth Of Novem-
Der next. They are not to be weighed
but upon the result Of the balloting
that day will depend the development
of public education for generation. IL
the people ratify the two educational
amendments 10 the constitution sub
mitted to them, and send TO Frank
fort q legislature which will support
the Educational Program started in
1920. and to be completed next win
ter, our State will be placed among
the most progressive Of the Nation,
so far as the form Of our school or
ganization is concerned. II they do not
do these three things, our schools will
be held in the grip OF an antiquated
and inefficient organization which
will hold us where we are today, near
the bottom Of the list of states, edu-
cationally.
What are these amendments which
the people are to pass upon! Why
are they Of such vital Importance to
our schools, and as consequence to
our children and our future? These
questions should be asked by every
man and woman holding the right, Of
suffrage, and the answer diligently
sought until il is found. Let me at
tempt to answer them briefly.
The first amendment removes the
State Superintendent Of Schools from
the list Of elective Offices named in
the constitution, and makes 1t posi-
bic for the Legislature to provide for
his appointment in such a manner as
will secure a man Of high profes.
sional ability, and keep him in office
80 long as he is making good. At
the present time our State Superin-
tendency appeals to a politician
rather than to an Educator. Thru
a combination of unusual circum-
stances we now have a really great
educational leader in the Office, but
under our present law it is impossi-
bic for him to remain in Office more
than two years after this, no matter
how successful he may be. Our cities
and towns elect Boards Of Education
with the power to 60 upon the mar
ket and secure the best talent their
funds will buy, and keep such per-
son as long as he is successful. As
result many of our cities are build
ing up great school systems under
the leadership of men Of marked abil-
ity who are given freedom and time
to accomplish results. A number OF
states, also, have the appointive SUI
perintendent and find that the scheme
works well. Why should Kentucky
put its schools under the control o.
a man who necessarily must be q
politician, and who cannot possibl.
stay in office long enough to worl
out a policy, no matter how eficien
he may be?
II every thinking citizen of the Stat
will vote yes on the first amendment
submitted, laws will be enacted by
the next General Assembly to provide
in November for the appointment Of
a head for our school system as near
ly politics proof, and "fool proof" as
such law can be made.
The second amendment proposed !:
almost as vitality important as the
first. At present our school fund, Of
more than s4,00O,0O0 must, according
to the provisions Of the constitution
be distributed to the several countie:
Of the State according to the mum
Der of children in the county between
the ages of six and eighteen. 1t doe:
not matter whether these children
ever see the inside Of the schoolhouse
whether they may have completed the
course provided; whether they may
be married, and parents of children
whether a school house is provided
fit for their needs and with adequate