Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. will continue leading the School District of Philadelphia through 2030, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Education to extend his contract. His original agreement was set to expire in 2027, falling a year short of his five-year strategic plan.
Under the new extension, Watlington will receive a 3% annual raise on his current salary of $367,700.
“Dr. Watlington, you have led with energy, vision and a deep commitment to our students,” said Board of Education President Reginald Streater during a recent board meeting. “Under your leadership, we have seen measurable progress. The board firmly believes that with you at the helm, we can continue to accelerate progress and deliver on our commitment to Philadelphia students,” he added.
Watlington expressed appreciation to the board for their continued confidence in his leadership. “It has been an honor to work under your leadership,” he said. “We’re going to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We’re going to do you proud.”
Appointed in 2022, Watlington was chosen by the school board from over 400 candidates to become superintendent. He previously served as superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury in North Carolina and is the first superintendent chosen by a locally governed school board since David Hornbeck in the 1990s.
Under his tenure, Philadelphia public schools have seen their first enrollment and graduation increases in over a decade, improved test scores for grades 3–8, and over 1,400 fewer dropouts.
The school district recently finalized new three-year contracts with two unions: the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) and the School Police Association.
The PFT represents approximately 14,000 members, including educators, counselors, nurses, paraprofessionals, and other school staff. The School Police Association represents about 350 School Safety Officers.
Joyce Wilkerson, board member and president emeritus, praised Watlington’s handling of contract negotiations with both unions. “You came from a jurisdiction that did not have unions,” Wilkerson said. “You’ve done a stellar job building relationships with our unions. You’ve encouraged us to focus on our children. There are huge challenges remaining, but I have confidence in your ability to lead us going forward,” she added.
Arthur Steinberg, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said the district is experiencing a level of stability it hasn’t seen in years.
“Superintendent Watlington has demonstrated his respect for our members in the only way that matters: a strong, on-time labor contract,” he said in a statement.
“For veteran Philly public educators like myself who endured politicized, anti-educator and anti-labor leadership under the SRC, the respect and alignment on priorities such as state funding and improvement of staff hiring and retention are a long-fought achievement,” Steinberg continued. “I look forward to continuing to build on a productive and mutually respectful working relationship with superintendent Watlington,” he added.
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https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philadelphia-school-board-extends-superintendents-contract-through-2030/article_255714e5-2956-459c-8605-046b0d28ef79.html