FLOWER, Otis P.

FLOWER, Otis P. (Unknown--Unknown). The announcement that Otis P. Flower would succeed James H. HARRIS as Dubuque's superintendent of schools was made on May 21, 1925. The board's plans including the introduction of the junior high system and the extension of the manual arts and domestic science program departments of the senior high schools made it "seem wise to select someone with actual experience in those fields."

Sixty applications for the position were received. Flower was a graduate of the Miami, Ohio university with a bachelor's and master's degree. His professional courses had been taken at the State Normal School at Oxford, Ohio; Chicago University and the University of Iowa. He had eighteen years of experience in school work including elementary teacher, high school teacher, elementary principal, high school principal, and city superintendent in Oskaloosa, Iowa since 1913. During his time as superintendent, the high school population had more than doubled. (1)

On May 25, 1925 after the room was cleared by police, the board of education asked for Flower to resign. In its resolution the board stated:

            For the purpose of eliminating the spirit of sectarianism
            which has found its way into our schools, rebuilding the
            morale of our teaching force, reviving the old spirit of
            good feeling among our people, and promoting the interests
            of our school generally, the board of education deems it
            a necessary prerequisite towards that end that the services
            Mr. O. P. Flower as superintendent be terminated. (2)

At issue appeared to be whether Flower, as superintendent, had hired Catholics as teachers. Notes of the closed meeting indicated that at a previous meeting a board member had stated that Flower had never hired a Catholic. In looking into the records, however, another board member found that Flower had hired five. This was "argued for some time." A request for Flower's resignation was issued.

Two days later, the board members chose to rescind their request. (3)

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Source:

1. "O.P. Flower to Succeed J. H. Harris," Telegraph Herald, May 15, 1921, p. 20

2. "Supt. O. P. Flower Asked to Resign School Post," Telegraph Herald, May 25, p. 4

3. "Discharge of O. P. Flower is Rescinded," Telegraph Herald, May 27, p.1

[[Category:: Educator]]