Vashon Island news-record. [volume] (Vashon, Wash.) 1919-1954, 1925-08-14
vAsHoN SCHOOL MATTERS

"A very liihpoTtaul IlecllIb VI tHc
school board, parents, and it is to
be hoped Mr.. Lewis, the principal,
will be held Monday evening, Aug
ust 18th, s p. m. Mrs. Preston
state superintendent Of public in
struction is expected to be present
Parents and citizens generally
were very much surprised to learn
that Mr.. Lewis was reappointed
as principal for the coming year,
but ever since his return early III
July have hoped to have him meet
them in an open session at the
school, with the idea of clearing
up some very ugly impressions
which have been current concern
ing his management of the school
There can be no question that an!
and all parents will be glad to have
Mr.. Lewis talk to them at an open
meeting, review his years work
and explain any Of the causes Of
satisfaction with the idea in
view of having a constructive and
cooperative spirit for the coming
year. 1t should have been Mr.
Lewis's pleasure otalk with the
parents if all things went salts
factorily, even more so if his meth.
DDS or government were question
ed.
A great many parents did no.
feel that Mr.. Lewis record Tor
last year warranted his re-appoint
ment. The school board claimed
that they knew nothing whatever
which justified replacing him with
a new man. 1t is hard to under
stand this but it is several weeks
since our Editor pointed out the
utter impossibility of any man as
suming the direction of school
successfully without the present
situation being taken up in a ser
ious and Intelligent manner and
cleared up beyond question.
1t is perfectly admissible that
any principal has a right to have
business interests outside Of the
school. 1t is only justice to the
people who employ him as prin-
cipal that he should not expect
tc put the boys and girls that he
is supposed to teach in charge Of
lis work time after time in order
that he have the liberty to take
care of these business interests.
Mr.. Wallace Beall stood squarely
upon this complaint and made
himself clear. Mr.. Lewis claimed
that it was good practice. This
practice was carried to such an ex.
tent that one girl in particular had
insufficient time for her own stud
les.
One of the most important qua
lifications necessary for a man in
authority at any school is that he
have the confidence of those with
whom he comes in contact, that he
be an example to the boys and
girls of his school, not only in
keeping appointments and beng
accurate in his statements, but
that his conduct at all times be a.
bove reproach and an inspiration
to pupils and teachers alike. No
position which a man can hold de
mands such high standard of
character unless it be that of a
minister of church.
Mr.. Bragg, chairman of the
school board, while regretting that
more complaint was not brought
to him before Mr.. Lewis was en-
gagged for the coming year, is very
emphatic in his stand that the sit
uation must be cleared up before
school starts. This has been a
forced meeting. 1t should have
been called before Mr.. Lewis was
reelected. Mr.. Lewis has refused
to come to an open meeting. He
has been officially notified to be
present Monday evening.
1t may be that aside from leav-
ing the school in charge of stu
dents that many of the other
things were the result of careless
ness. This is to be hoped but not
excused. 1t may be that Mr.. Lew
is will make such a good impress
sion at the coming meeting that we
can believe we are safe in having
him at the head of our school for
the coming year. At least we will
.give Mr.. Lewis an opportunity to
discuss the question that comes
first with every parent Of Vashon
school, the conditions which will
surround our boys and girls this
coming year. No parent can be
,h,o,+ Grow, +bo nnaofipu Mon day