Nicol v. Board of Education , 8 N.Y. St. Rep. 819 ( 1887 )

Barnard, P. J.

No cause is made for a peremptory writ of mandamus. The relators are shown to be children residing in a district in Brooklyn in which the defendants provide public schools. The district is known as No. 24. In 1883, the school became crowded, and the defendants in the manner provided by law caused to be erected a branch school in the same district. This branch school receives a younger grade of scholars, and has a capacity of 616 pupils. It was supposed to be of sufficient capacity when built not only to relieve No. 24, but to receive the children of the entire district. The district has increased so rapidly that the branch school has been crowded to overflowing since it was • built; with a seating capacity of 616, the average attendance lias been over 1,000. Of course it should not be, but the state directs the parent to send his children to school, and fails to provide for the scholar ; but it is apparent that there is no neglect upon the part of the defendants. The board can only determine the number and location of schools, and ask for an appropriation. The common council must assent to the purchase, chapter 143, Laws of 1850, section' 14. It appears that the board have asked for a new primary school in that vicinity, and that the purchase has been made and the building is now being erected. New buildings for schools, including additions , to old buildings, are completed, or in the process of erection, to the number of fourteen. District No 24 has more than doubled since the branch school was built, and the defendants cannot be charged with neglect for a failure to keep pace with its growth in school accommodation. It is not the province of this writ to determine the-propriety of teaching music and drawing. By chapter 143, Laws of 1850, the board of education have entire charge and direction of all of the public schools of the city. The rules and regulations for instructions and discipline are given to the board, subject only to the provision that they be not inconsistent with the laws of the state. The courts cannot determine the propriety of the teaching unless some law forbids it. The discretion of the board cannot be reviewed. This result must equally follow the determination of the board at what point or number, the receiving of scholars in any certain school must stop. This school is oyer full, and it is not the province of the court to adjudge that more could be received by giving a larger rotation of scholars, so as to enable all to be received. That is particularly a question for a board of education.

The order should therefore be affirmed with costs.

Pratt J., and Dykman, J. J., concur.