New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-23
MIR. DEBEVOLSE RESIGNS.
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION SURPRISED
HE ASKS TO BE RELIEVED OF HIS DUTIES AS
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL BUILD.

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL BUILD
INGs AT ONCE.
The officers Of the Board of Education were sur
prised yesterday at the receipt of the resignation
of George w. Debevoise, who has been Superin-
tendent of Public School Buildings since 1884
The resignation was read at the meeting Of the
Committee on Buildings which Mr.. Debeyoise did
not attend.
In his short letter the chairman of tho com
mittee, he said that he wished his resignation TO
take effect Immediately. He also expressed the
desire to be relieved from all work except the sign
ing Of contracts until the appointment OF his
successor. He gave his intention to become the
general manager Of the ironworks Of j. B. d
}. NJ Cornell, Of this city, as reason for his de-
termination to withdraw from his work. The
Board of Education cannot act upon the resigna-
tion until week from tomorrow, when it holds
its next meeting. But even yesterday gossip was
rife as to bis successor Candidates have been
announced already, but it is impossible to say
who will get the place. Among those mentioned
is well. known member Of the Department OF
Public Works. The appointment cannot he delayed,
because many new schools are to be built this
summer and many others are to be repaired.
The busiest time of year for the Superin ntendent
of School Buildings is during July and August
when the schools are closed. 1t will take some
time, also, for new man TO become acquainted
with the many details and intricacies of the de-
partment. The superintendents salary is $4,000
year.
A little more than three months ago Mr..
Debevoise secured leave Of absence from his
Onerous duties on account of sickness He
offered his resignation at the time but it was not
accepted He spent his vacation in Michigan
and the Bernudas, and returned to his place on
the first of the present month. completely re-
stored in health. The resignation, therefore, was
a genuine surprise, as it was believed that he
would continue in the service.
The retiring superintendent succeeded David
l. Stagg in 1884, and has held the i'm
portant office since that time. During
Tits administration many large and hand
some school buildings have been erected in various
parts of the city. Mr.. Debevoise had many origi-
nal ideas to school architecture. and has intro
duced number of innovations in the schools Of
the metropolis. Among these are the zinc or tin
ceilings covered with geometrical figures. Many
of the schools erected by Mr.. Dcbevoise are the
largest in the city. Grammar school No. 90. at
Eagle-ave and One-hundred-and-sixty- -thrd-st. is
said to be the largest and handsomest school
building in the United States 1t cost. it
stands to-day, almost 100000. Among the
schools built during his administration are gram
mar schools No. 80. al a cost of $780,
o04; No. SO, s112,ss6; No. z, $4,000; ;
No. ,. S07.0o0: No. 8. Ss5.o00; No
So. S1s7900 No. SO. s1S4,0s6; No. 81
S142 900; No. IS, S127,775; No. sd, $4,000; /;
No. 80 81 $4,000; No. Of, S79,ls1, and No. 46,
$4,000. The amounts in each case cited do
not include prices Of the sites, Of the excavations
of the heating or Of the furniture. Mr.. Debevose
favored the erection OF school at Hester and
Chrystie SITS. to cost S265, ,0N0..-He wished roof
garden upon the building. The Board of Educa-
ton, however, after long and spirited debate
decided that schoo-house costing 100000
would satisfy the demands of that district
Mr.. Debevosc had talent as draughtsman and
drew most of the plans himself. Including those
employed by the contractors, several thousand men
have been kept bnsy, rule, by the Depart
ment of School Buildings during each summer
Mr. DebevoiSe has had many other duties also.
He is president OF railroad in Michigan-the
p O. and N.-and is interested in other enter
prises as well. His friends, who knew OF his
onrrous duties in connection with the schools
often wondered at his ability to attend to so
many other things. The superintendent is a mem
ber of the Harlem Club at present, and was az
one time its president During the war he made
an enviablc record as an officer of the Hawkins
Zouavcs lie received several wounds, which
have caused him considerable suffering since he
was mustered out of service. He is member
of Hamilton Post. and is reported to be wealthy