The office of district superintendent was created by law in 1910 (effective January 1, 1912) to replace the position of school commissioner as the local official responsible for supervising the operation of a school district. District superintendents were elected by local boards or school directors, two of whom were elected in each town. Passage of an examination and possession of a teacher's certificate valid in any school in the state were required for election as a district superintendent.
From the description of Background statements of candidates for the position of District Superintendent of Schools, 1911. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 81975695