Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-11-04
SAY DR.. DAVIDSON
WILL RESIGN POST
His Friends Believe District
Schools Will Lose Super
intendent's Services.
is LIKELY TO ACCEPT
OFFER FROM PITTSBURGH
Board Of Education Adopts Resolu-
tons Commendatory Of His Work.
Talk of Successor.

DIR. William NJ Davidson. superintend-
ent of public schools of the District for
two years and half, will leave his po-
sition and accept the superintendency
now vacant in Pittsburgh. Such is the
belief of several persons high in the
ranks OF the school system and in educa-
tional circles mere, as we'll of a num-
Der of his personal friends. DR.. David
son himself is keeping entirely quiet upon
the subject, saying he is as yet unde-
cided.
Dr. Davidson could not with justice
to himself and his family, decline the
Pittsburgh offer, according TO his friends
here, on account Of the salary Increase
year. Further than this, the board of
education of that city, 1t is pointed out,
has full power in educational matters
and raises it's own funds for salaries, for
erecting new buildings and for all other
items of expense, levying its own taxes.
If DIR. Davidson does resign from his
position here, as it is confidently believed
he will do, it Is probable that strong
competition may arise over the filling OF
the vacancy At the same time it is be-
lieved strong opposition will be developed
should any attempt be made to get an
outside man for the position.
Board Holds Meeting.
A special meeting Of the board of edu-
cation was called yesterday afternoon to
consider the prospect of the superintend-
ent resigning and at this meeting reso1u-
ticns of a highly complimentary nature
were adopted.
1t is understood, however, that GER
tain members of the board have given
up all hope Of DR.. Davidson remaining
In his present position.
While it was at first stated that his
resignation at present might greatly dis
turb the school system because of cer-
tain changes which are being made in
the system, it Is now believed that DR..
Davidson will be able to straighten these
matters out so that another man will
be able to pursue the lines which have
been drawn until the work is completed.
Regret has been voiced in all parts OF
the school system that DR.. Davidson has
even considered making such change
At the same time 1t has been felt that he
could not in justice refuse an offer such
as that coming from Pittsburgh. All seem
agreed to do all within their power to
keep the superintendent here, but they
likewise agree that the hands OF all are
tied
The last hope of increasing the super
intendent's salary thereby eliminsseing
this feature from the equation. was de-
stroyed yesterday, when 1t was learned
that many influential members of Con-
gress would not consider the proposition
Resolutions Adopted.
Following are the resolutions adopted
at the special meeting of the board yes
terday and signed by all but one mem-
Der, Dr. Charles II. Marshall. who was
absent:
Resolved. That We, the members of
the board of education, do hereby ex-
press our deep appreciation of the serv-
ices of DIR. William NJ. Davidson, render
ed to the public school system of the Dis
trict of Columbia, and we hereby assure
him of our personal friendship and our
belief in the ideals which he has planned
for the development Of our schools, that
they may be of the best in the land.
Resolved, further. That We suggest
TO our superintendent the serious PROB
lens which would arise in our schools
by the separation from them of his
guiding and directing mind at this
time.
Resolved, further, That we desire TO
make public record Of the esteem in
which he is held by the community,
and of the affectionate regard which
officers, teachers. employees. pupils and
board members alike entertain for him.
Resolved. further, That his departure
would be a grievous detriment to the
schools and that this expression be
presented to DR.. Davidson, through the
president of the board. as evidence of
the loyalty and devotion of those whom
we represent and ourselves toward him
and his splendid, effective work for the
children of this community, in the nope
that he may not accept any proposition
to sever his connection with the public
schools of the National Capital.
Resolved. further. That this board
pledges to DR. Davidson its hearty sun
port. individually and collectively, in
every possible way, should he remain
in Washington, that his cherished ideals
which now show in his school work
may be brought to full fruition.
(Signed)
.'ERNEST ii. DANIEL,
.'W. T. GALLIHER.
SUSIE ROOT RHODES,
JOHN B. I.ARNER
EDITH KINGMAN KERN,
CAROLINE w. HARRIS,
SC. w. CHILDS.
"HENRY r. BLAIR.