Evening star., 1951-12-07
d. C.'s Controversial School Fioures
To the Editor of The Stor:

1t is about time that those Of us who
know Adelbert w. Lee challenge the OBJ
viously inspired wave of criticism to
which he is being subjected, the "Get
Lee" propaganda.
Mr.. Lee was told. upon entering into
his duties on the school board, that the
board usually went along with DR.. Corn
ing. Mr.. Lee replied that he would not
be rubber stamp for any one. We
know his sincerity, his forthrightness,
his adherence to high principles We do
not say that his Judgments are always
right, but certainly they are not always
wrong as we have lately been importuned
to believe.
Said the Colorado Springs Gazette of
January 49, 1851, in a lengthy article
headed Former Springs School Head
Under Fire in Washington:
"A move to oust Dr. Hobart NJ Corn
ing as superintendent of schools in
Washington. D. c., was in the making
today, the result of set of circum-
stances similar to those that brought
about his resignation 10 years ago as
head of Colorado Springs public schools
the introduction of textbooks allegedly
'slanted toward Socialism,
The article also noted: HE became SUI
perintendent of schools in Omaha Au-
gust !, 1910, after leaving here but re-
signed that post as the result of a
squabble over textbooks used in the
schools. He went to Washington from
Omaha"
There is an old saying that where
there is much smoke, there is fire.
In agreement with Mr.. Lee as opposed
to DR.. Corning on many controversial
issues are highly placed members of the
school faculties. Some we'll qualified
teachers have even resigned rather than
teach in what they claim is politics
riddled" system, with the politics played
by top officials. Some principals. are
pets of the superintendent. it is al
legged. NEA support for DR.. Corning
does not strengthen his position with
those who know the politics in the NEA.
Teachers maintain that they received
little or no support in attempts to iron
out salary and leave inequities They
had to appeal to Congress about per-
sonal problems when teaching alone
should have had all their energy. They
also say that it is difficult to obtain
necessary conferences with DR.. Corning;
certainly representatives Of civic groups
have found this all too true, especially
If the subject to be discussed is likely to
be critical of his administration.
We do not believe that the judges Of
the District Court would have continued
to reappoint Mr.. Lee had they not been
aware that the local school system left
much to be desired. We believe that.
through his efforts. much has been ac-
complished. and the eyes of the public
are being opened. AS parents and tax
payers, we are entitled to know what
goes on in our schools, and Mr.. Lee and
Melvin Sharpe have helped us find out,
Before their era, the public had little or
no access to board members.
Former Teacher.
Relative to the Adelbert Lee insur-
ance racket, note that Corporation
Counsel West sees nothing wrong in his
performance! OF course Mr.. Lee didn't
-coerce any one into buying his in
surance. 1t wasn't necessary. AS the
loudest witch hunter on the Board Of
Education and the man in charge Of
school personnel, he held the whip hand
over school officials. Although under
stand he is thoroughly disliked and dis
trusted by school officials generally,
they knew on which side their bread
was buttered and naturally came across
with their insurance to Mr.. Lee. If
he hasn't the grace to resign, he should
be thrown out.
J. A. S.
In all my 80 years experience in the
elementary schools, have never known
a principal that did not place the well
fare of the child foremost. Since feel
sure that very splendid organization,
the Elementary Principals Association,
will have too much dignity to defend
itself (even though baited by local
newspaper) I am impelled to protest
the snide reference made imputing to
its members the policy of playing poll
tics rather than conf1ning their interest
to the welfare of the child.
In the storm raging around the
superintendent. it Is clear to any one
that the method being used to evaluate
the superintendent is biased and unfair.
However, should he not be reappointed.
I am reasonably sure he will find
place But what reputable educator
would accept the position here then?
If all could. without dealing in per-
sonalities, work together with the well
fare of the children foremost in every
mind, the system need not suffer.
But this seems to be an ominous
thing-a situation that is becoming
repeatedly familiar throughout the
country. Who is trying to ruin our
schools? 1t is no single individual. You
can bank on that.
Teacher.
Again The Star has resorted to
smearing Adelbert Lee, and many are
asking "Why?" Personalities have no
place in civic work, and most surely,
not in this grave matter. The issues
are: What, how and by whom have our
children been taught? Have they been
given firm foundations in the three Rs
grade by grade, and have their teachers
This and Tn