Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1756-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more
Image provided by: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Newspaper Page Text
Here’s Partial Text of Stormy School Board Meeting jjkii ik n#> mkh< 77t extent to which the Montgomery County School Board is widely split, with two strongly-united factions militantly opposing each other on almost all major issues and many minor ones, is shown graphically by the follow ing partial text of the May 27 School Board meeting pre pared by Sentinel Reporter Robin Dorr. Conservatives Charles W. Bell, Everett H. Woodward, William I. Saunders and William E. Coyle make up the majority faction and Liberals Mrs. Ely Maurer, Mrs. Samuel J. Keker and Dr. Clifford K. Beck comprise the minority faction. Editor’s Note. Dr. C. Taylor Whit ter: (reads letter addressed to board mem bers regarding development of the Montgomery County Junior College.) At this time I have no recommendation to make on the proposal to sell the present Takoma Park cam pus of the Junior college. I am proposing only that additional information be accumulated and evaluated. Problems of cost, involving also state support, legal considerations and avail ability of facilities ... need be carefully reviewed. Mrs. Ely Maurer: In making a purchase (of the Rockville school) the board of education is required by law to hold public hearings before making a request for funds. Would state aid be forthcoming? Whitter: This is one of the questions I implied on page 2. Everett H. Woodward: These concerns seem to be based on assumptions. We know the initial consideration was the un derstanding of additional facilities to house 1500. Retention of Takoma school is not desirable. I don’t feel we should be concerned Dr. Clifford K. Beck: We are completely ignoring the situation as it exists. We have made a presentation to the state to secure allocations of funds with the clear understanding that the Takoma Park school will continue. We must re-examine the issue before we dishonestly abandon the original plan. Charles H. Bell: There Is nothing dishonest in changing our minds. Mrs. Samuel J. Keker : The state supplies up to 50% of construc tion costs and up to one third of the operating cost. If we sold the Takoma school at two million it would yield less than a quarter of a cent to the tax payer. I can’t see that it makes economic sense, putting this back on the taxpayer. (A smattering of applause and laughter in the crowded audi torium) Bell: I am going to recess the meeting for five minutes and when we reconvene if there’s any more demonstrations we’re going to recess this meeting for tonight, (audience reacts with laughter) William I. Saunders: (after recess) I move we research Dr. Beck's statements, re state and bring the question up at the next meeting. , Dr. Beck: We abandon the original statement to the state if we now trade one good school for another at a greater price. Mrs. Maurer: What happens if you don’t find a buyer? Are there any assurances? Keker: To be more specific, is there a buyer? Bell: The answer is no. Keker: Rockville would have no technical facilities. Saunders: We’ve already discussed possible additional funds. I hesitate to be apprehensive about every little possible thing. Keker: Electronic equipment (for Rockville) would cost at least a million dollars. Saunders: Maybe less. Keker: A quarter million. Saunders: Regardless, your figures are phony. We don’t know what the figures are. Keker: But it is part of the figures .... Saunders: Also superfluous. Dr. Beck: Mr. Chairman, 1 want to point out that .... Saunders: Oh, now, now, now, now. Dr. Beck: Mr. Chairman Saunders: Will you quit making these statements, as usual without merit Dr. Beck: There is one point we have not recognized. We have an Investment of SI3OO per pupil at Takoma ... at Rockville it would be $2600 per pupil. This is the kind of economy which will break the county. We cannot justify this additional ex pense. Our enrollment is going to increase, not decrease. (The Montgomery County Junior college issue was postponed until the June 5 meeting.) Next on the agenda was a proposal to extend the policy for placement of teachers on the master's degree and master’s plus 30 salary schedules. Dr. Beck: We should have some policy on this to take care of the three teachers who petitioned us as well as others. Saunders: Would others be involved? Dr. William A. Early, director, dept, of personnel: There are some 12, and we may have many more. Whittier: I hate to see you make the equivalency here without having a study made as to how many people you're talking about. Saunders: Actually you don’t know really how large a segment of equivalency there may be. Whittier: I asked Mr. Reymore (supervisor, Certification Di vision) the other day how many people we are talking about that can come up with a program of 34 hours. He said closer to 500. Dr. Beck: I have but one request, that we adopt the thing as proposed. Bell: Well, there's a motion on the floor. Do you want to with draw that? Sanuders: I move we approve the amended motion. I carry it one step further. I propose that Dr. Early establish con crete criterion. Whittier: The State sets up the criterion. Bell: As I say, there's a motion already on the floor! Beck: I make a substitute proposal! Bell: Is it possible that we put on the aganda .... I'm ready to vote on it tonight .... a specific request, made three months ago by three school teachers. I'm ready to approve their request. Can we get this on the agenda? Maurer: Is this something we can approve. We set the policy, it is up to the superintendent to administer it. Bell: Well, I don't have any questions about it. Keker: It would be most inappropriate for the board to specifi cally grant a request from three individuals. Saunders: I certainly was under the impression that we were going to take action on this. Bell: Exactly right! Maurer: We have taken action. Sanuders: I mean on this specific question. Keker: This is a misinterpretation of the function of the board of education. to be pleased CALL "KEYS" FUEL OIL • COAL • PAINT BUILDING MATERIAL E. C. KEYS & SON 8404 GEORGIA AVENUE SILVER SPRING. MD. JUniper 9-1771 Founded 1889 74 Years Devoted to Service Saunders: They’re looking to us for some action on their indi vidual cases. Keker: I should think they'd be delighted at the action we’ve taken. This opens the door to consideration of ... . Bell: Let me forestall any further discussion. Whittier: These three men represented others who were not .here. Bll: No? Well I don’t know if they were here or not. Whittier: They've been coming to the board for two years or more. Bell: The only request that we have to consider is by those three. Now, will you bring that before the board. Dr. Early: I can bring my recommendation. (The motion was passed five-to-two with proposed amend ments) (The next issue was a recommendation on the position of the coordinator in operations and safety division) Whittier: The three major responsibilities of the coordinator of this department are: Civil Defense planning, general sup ervision of various groups and organizations that use school facilities, and follow-up and investigation of destruction, theft, and vandalism of school property. Maurer: To what extent is the civil defense planning the key function in this position? Dr. Homer O. Elseroad, Deputy Supt. of schools: I talked to Mr. Paul Henry about this. He said that about 25% of Mr. Renwick's time is devoted to civil defense, 15% to super vision of school facilities and 60% following up and handling construction of buildings and so on. Woodward: It seems to me these kinds of duties could be per formed by some members of the business staff. If we are going to be able to effect the transfer of funds we should effect them towards additional teachers. Keker: Wish I could agree with Mr. Woodward. I would like to see money re allocated for teachers too, but these duties he has we can’t very well push under the rug. Dr. Early: A lot of this is night work. Custodians and janitors would not be qualified to handle these responsibilities. Bell: Any questions? Maurer: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of hav ing a person assigned to civil defense. Whittier: I think this is too important to sacrifice at this time. Woodward: I fail to see why these things are not being per formed to some extent by other people in the system. Dr. Beck: Mr. Chairman, as you recall, shortly after the new board members came on the board, we adopted a policy on civil defense. It would be well worth the money in keeping this policy . Bell: Those in favor? (Four members voted to abandon the function of coordina tor for the safety division.) Mrs. Mary G. Walters, Asst. Secy, to the board: Well, Mr. Coyle, Mr. Woodward, Mr. Bell . . . did Mr. Saunders vote in the negative? Saunders: Mr. Saunders voted in the negative. (Discussion on fingerprinting procedures.) Whittier: The fingerprinting program has been previously rec ommended for adoption by the board of education by a prior grand Jury. Adequate safeguards have been adopted to in sure that undesirable candidates are not employed. (Quotes American Association of University Professors) "Hav ing the police department handle the fingerprinting and in vestigation of teachers reminds one of police-state methods.” Bell: I certainly object to the description of the police finger printing system as a police state. It seems so plain and simple to me that I don’t see that there’s any room for qustions. I would entertain a motion to adopt, in cooperation with the county police department, a system of fingerprinting such as is handled with the county employees. Are there any other amendments or additions to the motion? Coyle: I would make such a motion. Saunders: I would second it. Maurer: You said this was an offer by Mr. Kardy, the state’s attorney. Is that correct? Bell: No . . . well . . . partly. I checked with the police and Mr. Kardy to find out whether or not the equipment was on hand and whether they would be able and willing to do it They said they were. This was on my own Initiative. Maurer: Isn’t Mr. Kardy’s office the prosecuting office that does criminal investigations? How does that tie In to this? Bell: I like to check with all concerned. Beck: Could you tell us what Mr. Kardy’s response was? Bell: He said they would be ready and willing to assist in any manner we adopted. Dr. Beck: Well, what is his relationship to the police depart ment. In what way does he speak for them? Bell: No .... I talked to Col. McAuliffe too. Mr. Kardy doesn't speak for the police at all ... we had a general dis cussion. Dr. Beck: I don’t understand why Mr. Kardy was involved at all. 8011. Perhaps he s not. Perhaps he got into the picture inadver tently. We can exclude him. Montgomery County’s Most Beautiful Theatre VILLA Rockville, M4L PO. 2-9371 Where friends meet end enjoy the finest in movie entertainment In o peaceful and comfortable atmos phere. LAST DAT "OKLAHOMA" IN COLOR GORDON MACRAE SHIRLEY JONES FRI.-SAT. JUNE 7-8 OUT-OP-THIS WORLD ADVINTUREI GIANT SPACE.A-THON’ "THE PHANTOM PLANET" and "INVASION OF THE STAR CREATURES" SUN.-TUR. JUNE Ml ■ROADWAY'S CHOICE COMEDY IS NOW ON THE SCREENI 808 HOPE LUCILLE BALL "CRITICS CHOICE" IN COLOR WID.-THUR. JUNE 9-11 •'LOVER COME BACK” ’’COME SEPTEMBER" I^—l Save up to s==— ———j Bnij If . k , IH through the State Farm "CAR FINANCE PLAN" Hero's how you may save whan you buy your naxt car through the State Farm "Car Finance Plan." You save on financing with the low-cost auto loan I’ll help you arrange through a co operating bank. And you’ll got economical State Farm Mutual automobile insur>* plate details call ,ma todayl INSWRANC^ CHESTER WILLIAMS 11436 Schuylkill Roed, Rockville, Md. WH. 2-8564 XISTATE FARM Keker. There were 6,500 teachers fingerprinted last year. It is not surprising that in one case there might have been a difference ... or something wasn’t caught How do you, Mr. Bell, square your concern with the findings of the grand jury. They say adequate safeguards have been adopted. Bell: I can only repeat what I said. And incidentally I said that all prints would be sent for processing to the police, just as they do with any county employe. Keker: Your suggestion is based on a misunderstanding. It im plies that the board of education is an arm of the county government. This is just not so. The board, through its superintendent, reports by law to the state board of educa tion. The police department is the arm of the county govern ment and yet they are moving in on our personnel. It is per haps illegal. Bell: I don’t see how we can help but be grateful for their offer. Keker: The police have always cooperated but I don’t see why it's necessary to move our personnel files over there. Bell: The files would be sent back here. Keker: We would be doing away with some of our control. Bell: No, I don’t agree. I look on this as additional protection. Maurer: What comes back from the FBI is a list of arrests without information of the case, correct? Dr. Rufus C. Browning, Assistant Director, personnel depart ment.: In some cases there is no disposition shown. Maurer: The one case you mentioned ... this charge was what, Dr. Browning? Browning: This was a disorderly conduct charge of an em ployee who was already in the school system .... and one of the 6,500 you mentioned. Maurer: Was there any disposition of the case? Browning: No disposition on record. Maurer: Any follow-up? Browning: No. Maurer: Was this classified in group “C”, not serious? Browning: Not serious. Dr. Beck: This plan would provide the police with information they would not now have. Is that the only difference? Bell: No. The difference is most significant to me, Dr. Beck. I'm surprised you don’t see it. The person Mrs. Maurer spoke of ... . Browning: That person had a clear record. Bell: I would assume there have been other Instances of non-correlation. This couldn’t happen if the police were re porting to us. Mauer: As I recall there was some request for additional help in the police personnel department. Bell: Now let me ask you this .... is there any objection to this plan? Maurer: I was wondering why you have any doubts about the functioning of the system as it exists, why, after the grand jury has come up with a complimentary report, and why you, after such a short time in office, are so eager to turn over your responsibility that you swore to uphold. Coyle: In answer to the chairman's question, do you object to ... . Maurer: Yes I do object, very strongly.! Coyle: Dr. Browning, isn’t it true that disorderly charges are often homosexual offenses? Browning: I wouldn’t use the word "often”. Coyle: Most homosexual offenses are classified as disorderly conduct. Browning: I really don’t know. Bell: Dr. Browning this is one reason why I wanted the police Rock Creek Sewer Contract Awarded A $324,545 contract for con struction of a new section of the Rock Creek Relief Sewer was awarded last week to Canova Bros., Inc., College Park, by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Designed to increase the sew age flow capacity of the Com mission’s Rock Creek Inter ceptor Sewage System, the project includes installation of more than 12,000 feet of 48 and 42-inch sewer pipelines along Rock Creek from Joseph’s Mill Branch to Veirs Mill Road. EVERY 1960 CHRYSLER WINDSOR 4-dr. sdn. V-8, Auto. Tram., Radio, Hatter, Power Steering end Brakei. *1693 1957 PLYMOUTH SAVOY 7 dr. soden. V-B, Auto. Tram., Radio, Heater. *228 DAY IS 1961 OLDSMOBILE SUPER II 4-dr. Hardtop. V-B, Auto. Trane., Radio, Heater, Power Steering B Brakes, Factory Air Condition. *2487 1956 RAMBLER CUSTOM 4-dr. sedan. 6 Cyl., Auto. Trans., Radio, Heater. Factory Air Condition. $ 393 SAVINGS 1952 BUICK SPECIAL 4-dr. sedan. 8, Auto. Trans., Radio, Heater. *49 1962 CHEVROLET WAGON. A Chav. 11, 9 Pass, with 6 Cyl. Auto. Trans, Radio, Haatar. *2292 DAY HILLER 1 BUICK l’rd Cor Shopping . . Saving Center “WHERE LOWER PRICES ARE BORN . . . NOT RAISED! Showroom 30* N. Wahlngton Street OA. 4-4363 Used Car Lot 1343 Rockville rtke TO. 2-4307 Open Dall.v 8:00 A.M. to 4:04 P.M. Sat. 'til 6:00 P.M. Making home loans to fit your particular needs is our specialty! Try one of our "fittings" before you finance elsewhere. There is no obligation. Tell your friends about our service. We doubt if our terms can be beat, either! OIksTIk)EBAL jg/avinpL and SBoan uduccicUio* OF WASHINGTON 610 13th STREET, N.W. • DI 7-2370 hthri. Branch: 8216 Wkcwh Am • OL 64928 Chmttrti kj m tfmtcj j tk*r*imwl Ctwwnrnttm I to check this. We'll be relieved of this. Browning: I don’t see that we would be relieved of anything, Mr. Bell, by virtue of the system you have proposed. Dr. Beck: We must use great discretion in the way we treat confidential information. We are not turning over to the police the responsibility for judgments. Coyle: I've learned something here this evening. The board doesn’t even know the status of supervision. The only person who has any knowledge about the situation is Just one In dividual on this staff. Browning: We believe the staff is carrying out the policies and criterion established by the best judgment we could bring to bear on the subject. Coyle: Then I can’t see why the addition of the recognized law enforcement agencies of this country are going to weaken the situation. Maurer: Mr. Chairman, what do you think is the purpose of the police in having the cards of all our employes .... Bell: I submit that this filibuster has gone on long enough. Can we have a question on this now? Maurer: I have a question! Bell: Mrs. Keker? Keker: I think the board is taking this action without hearing from our attorney or from the personnel people who will be involved. It is a very precipitous thing for us to da Maurer: I request that we have a ruling from the state super intendent of schools on our responsibility before we take any action. Bell: There’s a motion on the floor. Maurer: As chairman you have a responsibility to this county to conduct this meeting in a fair manner. Bell: Well, I’m going to go into .... Maurer: Objection! Keker: Aren’t you concerned? Don’t you think it would be good to ask an attorney whether or not there are any pssibilities that it is contrary to state law? Bell: Mr. Simonds, do you have something you want to say? Arthur D. Simonds, executive secretary Montgomery County Education Association: I presume you would like to know whatever indication there is on the part of the teachers on this question. The executive committee met yesterday af ternoon and voted 19-0, requesting that you leave this prer ogative in the hands of the proper personnel and not trans fer it to the Police. Woodward: I do not go along with the debate or conversa tion on this. If anyone else wants to talk about it, it’s within the prerogative of the chairman but unless they do ... . Maurer: I protest the autocratic manner in which you are con ducting board meetings. It is totally unbecoming to this county, this kind of undignified procedure and I wish to enter this into the record. Keker: Do you know whether or not Mr. Whittier has some thing to say? Would it not be courteous to ask? Bell: I’ve read his recommendations. I call for a motion. Maurer: Mr. Chairman. I would like to enter into the record that you refused to recognize a request for information. I made a request that you ask the state superintendent for a ruling and I would like to enter into the record, please, that the chairman refused to recognize that request Bell: It’s in the record, for the second time. (In a four to three vote, the board chose to send teacher fingerprints to the police department.) SENTINEL 2S m md t Thu ” d ** J- *• '*** A6