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 * Benchmark Name: Bill of 1896 Abolishing ward Boards**


 * Basic Summary of Benchmark: After a long battle between traditionalists and reformers, a bill was passed in 1896 abolishing large ward boards that controlled school districts. This was a stepping stone in the fight of reformers to centralize schools. This allowed appointments and reduced the amount of the members of the boards. This in time also gave the superintendent more authority in chosing staff, curriculum, text books and every day schooling.**


 * Key Manifestations: In 1897 the legislature passed strict laws obtaining to the appointment of the board members to keep "politics and bias" out of schools and add trained professionals to the boards.**


 * Key Personnel: Mayor Strong and the Public Education Association**

This allowed reforms within the schools themselves to take place instead of decisions being made because of traditions or local politics. This helped the students for the fact of having a more stable and well put togther education.
 * Why/How a Benchmark? After the ward boards were abolished slowly but surely the power and decisions began to be placed in the hands of trained professionals and or the superintendent.**


 * Links:http: //books.google.com/books?id=-oDp4vfnOZ0C&pg=PA96&lpg=PA96&dq=1896+abolishing+ward+boards&source=web&ots=VvZig5z8Rd&sig=AJswCPL4pPGXMhxMAQQNA3TKTxU**