New-York tribune., 1922-12-28
School Chiefs
Clash in Open
Board Meeting
Eningcr AssaIls Ryan for
Giving an ''Erroneous Re
port" 20 Press ON Over
crowding In Classrconis
New Inquiry Is Ordered
Officials Findings in Con-
fIict, Seating Accommcda.
tions VIII Be Investigated

The Iong-standine disagreement BE-
tween George ]. Ryan. President Of the
Board Of Education. and william L
Ettingsr, Superintendent Of schools
reached a climax in a meeting Of the
board yesterday afternoon when DR.
Ettinger publicly sssailed Mr. Ryan
for the publlcation Of letter dealing
With the pArt-tims problem before pro-
sentinR Il 70 the member Of the board
For several months the two have dif-
fered widely on methods for improving
school accommodated and eliminating
crowding.
DIR. Ettinrsr ehsrseterises The pres'-
dents action ss ~dlseeurteous sna IN
businesslike," and said the release Of
the communicates 10 the newspapers
war deserving Of severe eensore.r In
reply, Mr.. Ryan ssid the Investigation
Of the causes and responsibility Cor che
alleged increase IN the number Of part
time pupils would be continued re-
gardless Of any personal attacks that
might be made on him.
Critici1es Ryanf Investigation
DR.. Etingsr said he did not con.
slider Il fair that statements impugn-
ing his administration should roAck
the press hrst particularly when ths
conclusions drawn were clearly erro-
neous."
"If the Superintendent Of Schools
made incorrect reports to the presi-
dert Of the board on any question he
should be impeaehed," remarked DR.
EttinEer.
Mr. Ryan flushed and his Esvel fell
with a thud as he checked the speaker.
This is getting q little too broad,
he said. IL must ask you, DR., Ettin-
ger. 90 conine yourself 70 educational
statistics and not to deal IN personali-
I ties" ,
II an not dealing IN personalities"
was the retort. II Am merely stating
what should expect to happen TO me
II ! made untrue reports"
Continuing, Dr.. Ettinger severely
criticized the Investigations conducoed
by Mr.. Ryan, with The view Of fixing
responsibility for the growth Of crowd
1 ing IN the schools. He said the pro
csedings were In conflict with the
state education Law, az was the reso-
/ iution Of the board authorizing ny.
1 RYAN 70 make his Investigations.
Seating Reports Conflict
"NeIther the Board OF Education nor
the Superintendent of Schools has been
advised OF the identity Of Mr.. Ryan'S
so-ealled investigators" he continued.
"What eontractual relationship they
bear to the board we know not. No
evidence has been submitted as 20
their honesty or competency.
"Up 10 the present have not failed
! 10 cooperate with the president in con-
/ rection with his numerous and, trust
! Illuminating Investigations. Need
remind you that according 70 the facts
1 youched for by principals, district su.
perintcpdentb and division superin-
tendents the conclusions set forth In
the presidents report were clearly er-
roneousP
In closing the superintendent said
much OF the time Of himself and his
associates was being spent in PROVING
incorrect Conclusions paraded In th'
public press" He said there was dis
erspaney Of I0,s4s seats between hi'
report to the board and that OF thi
president on the new sittings during
October, 1921.
Mr. Ryan jumped 10 his feet the mo
ment DR.. Ettinger finished and briefly
but emphatically stated his position
saying that while "the Superintenden
Of Schools has direct power, the presi
dent can look into the various depart
ments when the board gives him tn
aothority."
HyIan Makes Usual Attack
In Ms investigation the superin.
tendent, he said, had not been ig
nored, but that when he discovered .
discrepancy IN the reports he felt th'
public had q right 20 know about It.
1T Is not a question Of the persona
opinions Of the board members, but Il
Is one dealing with million children
Of the city, and lack Of cooperation
will not result In any improvement II
the school system" remarked Mr.. Ryan.
mo caTnouhege Of language that re
fleets on the president viii have an
effect with members Of the board. bu
we must deal with cold business fact
and methods"
After Mr.. Ryan and Mr.. Ettinger ha
| finished the board adopted unanimous
~ calling for an investigation of seat
4 ing accommodations In the schools.
DR.. John L. Ferguson introduced tn
resolution, which provides for an In
vestigation By the Superintendent q
schools and the Board Of Superir
tendents. with a view particularly 10
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