Ernest Omeria Ames.—There are very few persons who are not interested in the public schools, for the
majority of them have acquired a part if not all of their educational training from them; many have children
who are pupils, or prospective ones, and those who have no direct connection with the system are
beneficiaries from these schools because in them are, and have been, educated the people with whom they
are associated. Without the training of the public schools present-day civilization would not be possible. It
was not until the public school system was properly inaugurated that the people began to emerge from the
dusk of ignorance into the bright light of knowledge. There are many ramifications and details with reference
to the conduct of a number of schools in any of the cities of the country. Not only is it necessary to provide
excellent instructors and courses of study, but even more important than these are the buildings in which the
children are housed for so many hours. If they are not kept in the best of repair and provided with adequate
equipment the health, and many times the lives, of the children suffer, and, therefore, those in authority are
exceedingly careful with reference to the kind of man they place in a position of importance to see that the
proper means are taken to insure the welfare of the pupils. Since 1903 this very responsible position with
reference to the public schools of San Bernardino has been filled by Ernest Omeria Ames, the efficient and
experienced city supervisor of public school buildings.