of public education required the cooperation and joint support of State
and local governments under a kind of partnership arrangement.

I said that, in the executive function of appointing members of
boards of education, State and local, the Governor is charged with the
responsibility of appointing persons with the very highest qualifications—
men and women of intelligence, integrity, initiative and with a real and
abiding interest in education. A year later, I reaffirm these principles
and remain dedicated to their fulfillment.

We have in Maryland, I believe, kept partisan politics out of public
education as far as it is practically possible. We should never relent in
that purpose. The question of State and local support and participation
in education is more complicated and less well-defined, and there remain
many problems yet to be solved before we have achieved the perfect
partnership to which we aspire. There are areas of disagreement, for
example, on the amount and the extent of participation, although there
is very nearly common consent that the localities cannot bear the burden
alone and that substantial contributions on the part of the State are
required if we are to maintain our high standards of public instruction.
These areas of disagreement can be wiped out, I am convinced, if those
of us who are engaged in finding a solution to the problem will bury
every semblance of antagonism and keep our eyes focused on the main
objective. This means, among other things, fostering a respect for one
another's opinions, motives and judgment. We will get nowhere if we
proceed at cross purposes and if we are secretive in our action and
suspicious of the aims of the other person.

It is a situation which demands mutual understanding, mutual respect
and joint responsibility in a common undertaking. With regard to
appointments to boards of education, State and local, I can say in good
conscience that every selection I have made has been based purely on the
fitness and qualifications of the persons chosen to serve in these important
positions. I am convinced—and I think you will agree with me—that
the men and women I have appointed are eminently qualified for the
positions.

I should like to review with you some of the events which have
occurred since we met together in this hall a year ago. I think I should
point out, first of all, that for the first time in many years your State
House in Annapolis has provided a genial and comfortable atmosphere
for representatives of the State Department of Education, of city and
county Departments of Education, of school teachers and of others who
are interested in public education. This atmosphere of cordiality I

213