The Survey, volume 30, number 7, May 17, 1913

In May 1913 a bustling Pittsburgh finds its public schools at the centre of a heated controversy. A new, centrally appointed board is overhauling dilapidated fire‑trap buildings, introducing modern curricula and boosting attendance, while entrenched ward boards and political factions fight to reclaim control. The piece unfolds against rumors of a massive children’s strike, accusations against a superintendent, and a looming legislative push to make the board elective.

The article offers listeners a vivid snapshot of Progressive‑era reform battles, revealing how civic leaders, businessmen and clergy navigated media hype and genuine concerns for student welfare. It balances detailed accounts of budget upgrades and program expansions with the personal rivalries that coloured the debate. As a window onto early‑20th‑century municipal politics, the narrative invites you to hear the voices that shaped a city’s education system.