The Wrangell sentinel., 1931-03-06
Changes Suggested
 By Education Com.
 In Alaskan System
CONSIDERS OFFICE SHOULD BE APP0INTIVE, NOT ELECT I'VE; DEMANDS STUDY

I'VE. UEmAHUS oIUU1
 Changes in the handling of AL askas educational problems are forecast by certain legislators now in Juneau. That the office of the commissioner of education should be free from politics is the opinion of Leo W. Breur, who was replaced in the last territorial election. He takes the following stand in his re- port to the governor:
 From an educational viewpoint, the changing of the office of the commissioner of education from an appointive position to one elective by the voters, is considered untime- ly and progressive. It is the duty of the department to propose legis- lation that is thought to be bene- ficial to the school system of Alas ka. If the revision of the depart ment would prove beneficial, then it is timely.
 'The Territorial school system is growing and will continue to grow. It is paramount that the system be as efficient as possible; that such growth be stimulated A growing educational system demands con- stant study.
 With that end in view, 1t is paramount that our present territor- ial department be revised to meet future needs. This revision should be centered about the Territorial Board of Education and it's execu- tive officer, the commissioner of ed- ucation.
 "Our present board consists of the governor as ex-officio member, and the four senior senators.
 ''The duty mainly exercised in the past by the board has been the appointing of a commissioner of ed ucation. Beyond that it's work has been limited because they were in the midst of law-making, their pri- mary duty.
 ''It will not be inconsistent to propose that the board be revised such that it will consist of five lay members and the governor as ex- officio member, who can give their time solely to the study of our edu- cational system and it's problems. The members of this board to re- ceive their position by appointment, free from political influence. The object being to get the best quail fled members possible. Conditions tend to put such appointments in the hands of the governor. While it is true that there might be ob- jections to this method, it seems to be the best. Such appointments to be concurred in by the legislature. ''The lay members of the board to be appointed as follows: one each from each of the four judicial divis- ions of Alaska, and one from the Territory at large. for a term of six years, the term of not more than two members expiring in the same year.
 The board at present meets bien- nially at the time of the convening of the Territorial Legislature. of which each is a member. The re- vised board should, also, meet bi- ennially on or about the fifteenth of January preceding the converting of the legislature. This will give the board adequate time in which to complete it's business and have pre- pared necessary school legislation, including the biennial budget, for presentation to the legislature.
 ''The board to have all the pow CTS and duties delegated to the pres ent organization and such other duties and powers necessary to the school system. Among these should be appointing a commissioner of ed- ucation for a term of four years, with power of dismissal; to formu- late rules relative to the certifica- tion of the teachers and the formu- lating of such rules and regulations as would be more feasible than by legislation.
 Members of said board to be re- imbursed for expenses and subsis- tence incurred in attending meet ings of the board at the capital.
 ITO this board the commissioner of education would be obliged to