Haisley, Otto Webster, 1884-1959.

Educator, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Superintendent of Schools, 1924-1953.

From the description of Otto W. Haisley photograph series. ca. 1924-ca. 1959. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 85778206

Otto W. Haisley (1884-1959) was born in Fairmount, Indiana. He attended Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana, the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin, and Columbia University. From 1913 to 1916 he taught high school in San Antonio, Texas, after which he began a long career as a school superintendent, first in Niles, Michigan (1917-1924), then in Ann Arbor, Michigan (1924-1953). In his role as superintendent, Haisley worked toward rounding out the strict academic curriculum with vocational courses. His goal was to expand the number and range of non-academic courses in order to benefit those students not intending to go to college.

One of Haisley's major contributions to his profession was his formula for establishing salaries for superintendents, which was used nationwide. Haisley was active in many associations and clubs, including the Michigan Association of School Administrators, National Educational Association, Elks Club, and Rotary Club.

From the guide to the Otto Webster Haisley Papers, 1917-1959, 1940-1953, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)