Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-30
DISTRICT SCHOOL HEAD
MAY co TO PITTSBURGH
Offer of Superintendency to
Or. Davidson Said to Be
Probable.

DR. William NJ. Davidson Superintend-
ent of the public schools of the Dis
trfct, may become the superintendent of
the Pittsburgh public schools. to fill the
vacancy caused by the deposing of S.
l.. Heeter, the former superintendent.
DIR. Davidson has received formal
offer from Pittsburgh board of cduca-
ton. as far as can be learned, but dis
patches from that city say that his name
Is under consideration by the board of
education there. DR.. Davidson today was
out of the city.
Henry 2. Blair, president of the board
of education of this city, declined to
make any statement regarding the af-
fair. saying that DIR. Davidson had re-
ceived no formal offer. Ernest III. Daniel,
vice president of the board. was also out
of the city.
$1,000 Additional Salary.
1t was learned today that three MEM
bers of the Pittsburgh board of educa-
ton were in Washington last week Ito
compare the schools of Washington with
those of Pittsburgh At that time. it
was said today. no intimaton was made
to DIR. Davidson that his name was being
considered by the Pittsburgh board
INT FittSDuIS pOSftiOH pays 1t salary
of 5000 year, whereas the Washington
superintendency carries a salary of only
$b,OOO. This salary went into effect only
at the beginning of the fiscal year. the
salary having been only 5000 yearly
prior to that time.
According to dispatches from Pitts
burgh the members of the board of edu-
cation there, although they have not COM
mitted themselves publicly are in favor
of DIR. Davidson for the position. The Sc
lection of a new superintendent is to be
made before the last of November and it
is certain. say the dispatches, that the
choice will be made from outside of Pitts
burgh.
Two Years in Washington.
DR.. Davidson has been at the head of
the Washington schools for more than
two years. having come here from
Omaha. Neb.. where he held the position
of superintendent for several years. Dur
ing his term of office in Washington he
has inaugurated several innovations and
has made large number of changes.
Two of these changes have affected the
entire school system, one being In the
administration end. while the other has
mad to do with the educational features.
The first change. being complete res
vision of the methods OF carrying on the
requisition. accounting and statistical
work, has only recently been put into
effect.
The work of revising the courses of
studies is now i'll progress. Some OF the
courses have been completely changed
and others are now in the process of re-
vision. under committee of teachers
and officials. These two changes are
said TO be the most important which, have
been effected i'll recent years.
Serious Loss to Capital.
Capt James +. Oyster who was pres-
dent of the local board of education
when DIR. Davidson was chosen to fill the
vacancy here caused by the resignation
of Alexander r. Stuart said today that to
lose the present superintendent would be
very serious for Washington.
We searched the country over when
We We're looking for man to fill the su-
perintendency," said Capt Oyster today,
and ] do not believe we could find a
better man. ] do not believe that Dr.
Davidson is a candidate i'm any way for
the position in Pittsburgh. and / do not
believe the difference i'm salary will be
taken into his consideration If the offer
IS made.