The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-03-30

of the manual training high school
and the Quincy school i'll North Fo-
peka, being in the course of construc-
ton the services of an experienced
superintendent are needed at once,
otherwise the board might delay in
choosing a successor.
The only Topeka principal so far
seriously considered by the members
of the board is John Mcbride, principal
of the Branner school. Many members
of the board feel that his experience
in Topeka, with his past experience as
superintendent of Rice county and
superintendent of the schools of Blue
Rapids fits him for the position. Ar
other point in favor of Mr.. Mcbride is
that he is at the head of the manual
training work in the Topeka schools.
Mr.. Mcbride, however, is not making
any effort to secure the election as
superintendent and he is not over anx-
ious for the position. He has been en-
gagged in perfecting and developing the
manual training system in the schools
for the past five years and for a lons
time the board members have looked
upon him as the proper man to be Sc
Iected as superintendent of the manual
training school and that is the posi-
ton which he really desires.
Unless Mcbride is made superintentl-
ent the position will probably go to
an out of town man. So far but two
men are looked upon as candidates for
the position. They are Frank Smith,
superintendent of the Lawrence schools
and Superintendent Kendrick of the
Leavenworth schools. Smith will be
an active candidate only in the event
that the board decides to elect some
one from outside of Topeka.
Frank Nelson, formerly state super
intendent of instruction and one OF
the best known educators in the west.
is looked upon as a possible choice OF
the board. Mr.. Nelson has made no
application and it is not known that
he would accept the position were 1t
offered him. Mr.. Nelson is graduate
of Howe's academy, Mt. Pleasant, Ia;
the Southern Iowa State normal school
and the Iowa State university. He
came to Kansas in 1892 and was elected
dean of the normal department at
Bethany college, Lindsborg. lie is
hard worker, forceful writer, a lee
turer of ability and made an enviable
record as state superintendent. Should
Mr.. Nelson announce himself as a can
didate he would have the support ef
several members of the board.
w E. Bushey, superintendent of the
city schools at Pittsburg. Kas., is men
toned He is well known in educa-
tional circles, and is at present presi-
dent of the Kansas State Teachers as
ISOLATION.
John Macdonald. editor of the West
ern School Journal, is one of the best
known educators in the country. He
has been thonght of in connection with
the superintendency. His qualifca-
tions are unquestionable, but it is
doubtful If he would accept such
position.
Eli G. Foster, principal of Harrison
school, is also mentioned for the su-
Derintendency.
The Omaha Bee gives the following
account of Mr. Davidson's election:
w M. Davidson of Topeka, Kas., was
elected Superintendent of the Omaha
public schools by the board of educa-
ton last night. He was chosen by
unanimous vote of fourteen on the first
Ballot, Member Funkhouser being alb
sent The members previously held an
executive session lasting more than an
hour, during which the endorsements
and qualifications of The various
twenty-seven candidates were dis
cussed Ten members were for Mr.
Davidson from the start and four for
A H. Waterhouse. principal OF the
high school. These latter votes were
changed as soon as the majority mad
expressed its will.
No doubt is entertained by the board
but that Mr.. Davidson will accept the
place The salary was left at $500.
to take hold April 2 the date Superin-
tendent Pearse leaves for Milwaukee, or
as soon thereafter as he can arrange.
MIR. Davidson was elected to serve until
August l. 1905, when superintendent
Pearse's term would have expired.
DAVIDSON'S RECORD.
w. NJ. Davidson has been superintend-
ent of the schools at Topeka, Kan. for
about twelve years. He is a graduate
of the Kansas State Normal school and
from the Kansas State university. which
conferred upon him the degree of bach
elor of arts. He has had about twenty
years experience in school work, most
of it being in Topeka. He is a promi-
nent member of the National Educa-
tional association and member of the