Evening star., 1911-08-24
PROBLEM ON HANDS
Dr.. Davidson Studying Uses
for School Buildings.
THREE WILL BE VACATED
Predecessor Did Not Think High
School Structures Suitable for
Graded Schools.

With the object Of recommending what
use shall be made of the buildings now
occupied by the Central Eastern and NJ
Stseet high schools, when the new struc-
lures to be erected for those institutions
shall have been completed, Superin-
tendent of Schools Davidson today an
nounced that he shortly will make an
inspection of the buildings.
Accompanied by Municipal Architect
Snowden Ashford, DIR. Davidson, this
afternoon, is inspecting the new school
buildings which recently have been COM
pleted or are in process OF erection with
prospect of being finished before Novem-
ber. The inspection of the high school
structures will be conducted probably
within few days
schoolhouse commission was that the
buildings of the Central. Eastern and NJ
Street high schools be converted into
grammar schools. This recommendation
architect, but. at the time it was made.
1t received the disapproval Of former
Superintendent of Schools A. T. Stuart.
Has Reached No Decision.
DR.. Davidson has not decided whether
he will give the recommendation his
approval. It is his plan to investigate the
situation thoroughly so that he will be
able to make an early report to the
board of education.
The next annual estimates of the board
1t is understood, will include items for
commencing work on the Central and
NJ street schools. sites for which al
ready have been purchased. This ans
that the problem of what to do with the
present buildings must be decided at no
distant date.
Municipal Architect Ashford today said
that the expenditure of $4,000 on re-
pairs to the Central High School would
make that building adaptable in every
way to the uses of a grammar school,
Expenditures of smaller amounts on the
two other buildings, he said, would
bring about similar results
At the time he expressed his disap-
proval of the suggestion Mr. Stuart
stated that no good reason existed for
supposing that secondhand high
school building would meet the require
ments of a grammar school.
DR.. Davidson this morning said that
not only are the accommodations af-
forded by the buildings to be considered
but the question of the location of the
buildings also will play an important
part in whatever decision is reached.
Plans Under Way.
It was learned today that plans for the
new Central High School building. which
Is TO Cost III the H0iSuUOIuOOQ OI
already have been considered in the mu-
nicipal architects Office. Considerable
information has been collected. 1t was
stated, which will facilitate the prepara-
ton of the plans when the work finally
is started.
The policy OF the board of education to
provide in its next estimates for only a
part of the entire appropriation needed.
in order to get the work started. will
meet with the approval Of District OFF,
cials, It was announced.
Excavation work was commenced this
morning for the new school building ir
Burrville, near Deanwood. This structure
will be of the four-room type and will be
calls for it's completion in March.
A building Of the same type is to be
| built on Military road, west of the inter
| section of Georgia avenue and 14th street.
Excavations for this structure will be
| commenced probably within a couple of
| weeks The building will cost $34 OGO: