The Washington herald., 1922-10-15
SCHOOL PROGRESS
MD.C.SLOW, SAYS
BALLOU in REPORT
Operating Under Same
Organic Act Since 1906,
He Declares.
ASSAILS CONGRESS
Leading Educators of U. s.
Deeply Concerned, Ayers
: Superintendent.

Characterizing educational pro-
gress in the District of Columbia
as SLOW" the final section of Su-
perfntendent OF Schools Frank w.
Ballou's annual report, made public
yesterday, attributes to Congress
alone the responsibility for holding
back the normal development of the
public schools through neglect OF
schooI legislation and parsimonious
handling Of school finances.
In support of his assertions, Su-
perintendent Ballou points to the
fact that for sixteen years the pub
lie schools have been operating
under the same organic act. Not
since 1906. he declares, has Congress
given serious consideration to a
comprehensive plan of development
for the Washington school system
As further evidence the superin-
tendent points to the present condi-
tom Of the schools in practically
every section of the city. A mig
gardly handling Of finances for the
schools of the nations capital. the
report points out, is testified to by
the physical condition of a large
ma atority of the buildings
Congress Attitude Negligent.
That the existing conditions have
come about because of a negligent
attitude on the part of Congress.
and not because of a desire to
cramp educational progress, is the
belief expressed in the report. For
nearly two decades. the report
states. Congress has disposed of
washington's school problem In IA
''left-handed" manner.
Declaring that educational pro-
rress can be re-established in the
District of Columbia only through
a serious attempt to study the prob
lem, the report declares that the
following two prerequisites are
fundamental: First, a COmprehen-
sive, accurately defined, educational
program. Second. the financial re-
sources with which to put that pro-
Erau: into operation.
Despite the desire OF Congress to
sconomize. the report points out, IL
must be recognized that a slashing
Of school appropriations can only
result IN direct losses to 10000
children Of washington. The super
Congress has ample proof in the
present condition Of the schools to
show that an efficient public edu-
cational program can not be main
tanned without generous financial
hacking.
Attacking the weak spots in the
present school machinery. the
superlntendents report shows that
the division Of authority and re-
sponsibiIity between the Board OF
Education and city and nationa
officials is one OF the worst fea-
tures extant. Whereas the District
Commissioners have no connection
with. the schools which can supply
them with a knowledge of the
needs. IL Is pointed out. yet the
law compels them to pass upon the
school budget that is prepared by
educational experts.
Moreover. Il Is shown. the eX-
penditure Of funds for the routine
work of the schools, such as teach
ers' salaries. etc. Is ultimately
subject to approval Of the Comp
trOller of the Treasury. The
Clumslness of existing laws is fur
ther shown. the report states. by
the fact that the auditor for the
District OF Columbia is vested with
discretionary powers as to whether
certain teachers shall receive A
salary increase when promoted by
the Board Of Education.
Throughout the entire organic
act under which the schools now