The Washington times., 1922-03-05

bOaTO OI CuuCdJiOH WOuiu dC-
uuiesce at the assertion. Yes,
There is something wrong with
the administrative structure of
our schools, very likely a me-
chanical flaw in the way in which
they are run, that is taking an
important place in the thoughts
and discussions Of parents Of
Washington school children.
CONGRESS INVESTIGATES.
The feeling OF dissatisfaction
with the existing system has been
growing to a head for years, and
only recently has resulted in the
appointment of a committee to in
vestigate the situation by Con
gress. However, as John Tigert,
commissioner Of education, points
out. this is not necessarily Ito be
construed as a reflection or criti-
cism OF any individual or group OF
individuals" holding the executive
reins. The system involves such
attenuated lines and devious paths
OF administrative functioning that
even the greatest effort and the
highest ability on the part OF
those charged with the RESPONSE
bility cannot bring about efficient
and economical management" he
says.
But, anyway. wherever lies the
defect, it is there and q veIy real
one-one that should be searched
out and remedied at the earliest
possible moment; for every day OF
delay is acting TO the direct disad-
vantage Of the great body of fu.
ture American citizens in Wash.
ington schools. II is hoped that
the investigation by Congress
will bear real fruit. not fizzle away
as has been the case more than
once.
Washington has had he. share
OF educational difficulties during
the past two years, two Of which
the resignation OF a very promi.
nent school board executive. pre-.
ceded by astonishing accusations.
and the arraignment of Muzzey's
history as "soCialistic"-have Dor.
dered closely upon the sensational.
However, authorities think the
trouble lies deeper than these
surface squalls" that ii IS ema.
mating from the very system OF
government for the schools now in
effect here
Mr.. Tigert. upon being asked
TO prepare statement for Chair.
man Capper, OF the investigating
committee, makes himself very
plain. He would place D. c.
public schools under the direct
control OF the people. The people
pay the taxes which support the
schools. and therefore should
have a potent voice in determin.
ing matters OF school policy. he
says. He also earnestly recon-.
mends the appointment OF the
school board by the President,
TO be ratified by the Senate.
His most important recommen.
dations were, in effect:
PEOPLE WANT VOICE.
!. Independence OF the Board OF
Education in money matters and
their responsibility TO the people
instead Of to Congress:
,. Appointment Of the board by
the President, subject TO confirma.
ton by the Senate;
3. Appropriation by Congress Of
lump sums for the maintenance
and carrying on" Of the schools,
without specification in detail as
TO its use.
Commissioner Tigert's proposals
will receive serious consideration
by the Senate committee, and
there is much probability that
they will form the basis for future
legislative action. For everyone IL
agreed that action OF some kind
will and must be taken.
Popular voice in the control Of
, Washington schools will no doubt
meet with general approval. 1t is
one of the privileges that expo.
nents of D. c. suffrage have in
mind. and would give mothers and
fathers really direct say as to
how and under what conditions
their children arc to be educated.
The plan proposed by Tigcrt
provides for a board Of nine lay
members, and that the positions
| should be honorary and non.
remunerativc. He also stipulatcs
that these members should not be
professional educators, but promi.
nent citizens who have proven
their judgment and powers of dis.
erection.
(Editors Note flames B. As
WeU. jr., the author Of this ar