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The Philadelphia School District will now be led by Tony Watlington, the superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools in North Carolina, the district announced Friday morning.
Watlington will take over the role from outgoing William Hite on June 16, SDP Board of Education President Joyce Wilkerson said. In the intervening period, Watlington will finish up his term at Rowan-Salisbury but will travel to Philadelphia on weekends and some weekdays, as well as work remotely at times, to acquaint himself with the city, he said.
“Tony is an individual who boasts classroom experience, success in instructional leadership, closing student achievement gaps, organizational efficiency and fiscal management, working in partnership with diverse communities, and who can deliver equity in education,” Wilkerson said of the incoming district head.
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Watlington’s contract will be for five years, with the option of a one-year extension, Wilkerson said. He will earn a $340,000 base salary, Wilkerson added. The school board will take up the approval of the contract during a meeting next week.
Watlington will go from leading a school district of around 20,000 students to one with about 115,000.
His appointment brings to an end a monthslong search for a new superintendent, after Hite announced last year that he would not renew his contract and would vacate his position this August following a decade at the helm.
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Watlington was among three finalists for the post, none of whom had ties to Philadelphia. He also has served as chief of schools in Guilford County, which includes Greensboro.
Watlington said he will undertake a “listening and learning tour” and be visible and “learn Philadelphia,” including parents, grassroots organizations and elected officials. He promised to get “knee-deep” into understanding the “challenges” in the district’s facilities – including the issue of asbestos in classrooms – and to identify next steps to “significantly improve academic achievement for our students.”
“I’m excited to be here. I’m looking forward to listening and learning. I bring a passion for student achievement and working with students in our communities,” Watlington said.
In a written statement, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan said the school board "made the right decision" in appointing Watlington.
"Dr. Watlington showed a seemingly very sincere commitment to working in a truly collaborative and transparent fashion. He is hailed, in every forum I have seen, as an excellent educator," Jordan said.
Mayor Jim Kenney said Watlington is “the right person to lead the work ahead and ensure that every child has the opportunities and supports that they deserve and can reach their full potential.”
