The New York herald., 1922-02-26
FAVORS MEYER BILL
ON SCHOOL CONTROL
Public Education Association
Points Out Benefits of Pro-
posed Changes.

The Public Education Association has
| indorsed the Meyer-Ullman bill for the re-
organization OF school control in New
York city. which has been introduced at
the suggestion of the Meyer Legislative
Committee. After pointing out what II
considers the four important points to
be achieved, the statement issued by the
association yesterday says:
mo one can doubt the sincerity of the
motives which have inspired the prepara-
ton OF this important measure, and it is
doubtful whether any fundamental pro-
posals moro likely of favorable consider
alton by this Legislature can be sug-
ge.ted. But il there are any amend
ments. whether major or minor. that will
enable Senator Meyer to achieve better
the purpose lie has in view they should
be offered promptly In the spirit in which
they are invited.
"rhe essential thing Is that the best
possible measures to save the schools
from their present plight be enacted at
this session of the Legislature. The sit
uation is critical and action Is impera-
tive A long stride forward now Is
what the schools need most Delay
means disaster. Progress toward the
goal which this bill has In view means
salvation" ;.
"should the merit system be extended
In the schools?"' Is the first question
asked. II is answered.;
",The recent success in securing ex-
aminers in tits way would seem TO
demonstrate conclusively that this is
not only possible but highly desirable.
What single thing would do more TO
strengthen the morale OF the profcs-
sional staff than an unfettered oppor-
tunty for any one in the system to
rise TO high positions solely on the
basis Of demonstrated merit? One Of
tho most dsadening influences IN a
huge staff like that In our city schools
is the feeling that advancement is pos
sible, not primarily because of fitness
and enthusiasm for service. but be-
cause Of influences or favoriti3nl OF one
sort or another"
"The second point" the statement
decloras, lis. should full responsibility
for the administration Of the schools
bo vested In the Superintendent OF
Schools?" 1t is answered:
This proposal Is in accord. not only
with sound school administration else
where in the country. but with sound
administrative procedure In tho entire
Another point raised the statement
declares. Is whether the Board OF Edu-
cation should have control Of all funds
provided FOR school purposes, as provided
In the bill. THE present dual respon-
sibility. sharing the responsibility as It
docs between tho city authorities and
the Board of Education" the statemen.
goes on to say, has not only lee to coz
troversy and ineticiency. but has left
the public at a loss to determine who
is responsible for failure. Tho wonder
is that our school system has ooen ablc
20 do as well as It has in tho faco ~
this handicap"
TIE last point taken Up is whether
the Board OF Education should be ap-
pointed by commission comprising the
Mayor and the residing Regents.
"It Is essential that the personnel of
the board DO OF high character" the
statement says, land that political
domination or influence be reduced to a
minimum. 1t is contended by some that
this can be best secured by popular
election OF the board. 1t is the general
feeling. however, that such would not be
the case In New York city, where size
and other considerations would tend to
place the election at the mercy Of the
dominant political party"