Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr., now in his third year leading the Philadelphia School District, is making big plans that could change how students learn and live in the city.
Leading one of the largest and most challenging school systems in the country—with a $4.5 billion budget, 331 schools, nearly 200,000 students, and over 18,000 staff members—Watlington’s mission is no small feat.
But his journey from an outsider to a leader making real changes shows just how much potential there is for Philadelphia’s schools.
In his early days, Watlington faced doubts about his ability to lead such a big, complex system. Philadelphia is known for being tough on newcomers, and the district has seen many superintendents come and go.
But now, as he begins his third year, Watlington proves real change is possible. He’s introduced new curriculums and has an ambitious plan for year-round schooling that could make a big difference.
Notably, one of the biggest changes Watlington has made is rolling out Illustrative Math across all schools.
This new way of teaching math is designed to better prepare students for more advanced topics, similar to the methods used in Singapore, known for excelling in math.
While some teachers had concerns, most have embraced the new curriculum, and Watlington is ensuring any bumps in the road are smooth. This consistency is key, especially in a district where students often move between schools.
In addition to the math curriculum, the district is launching a new reading program based on the science of reading.
For many parents who don’t have access to private tutors, this shift to a proven, evidence-based approach is a big win.
Also, Watlington is looking ahead and preparing for future challenges, particularly with the growing teacher shortage in Pennsylvania.
To tackle the teacher shortage, Watlington has implemented several strategies to fill vacancies and build a stronger teaching workforce.
Currently, the district has filled 96% of its teaching positions for the new school year despite fewer people graduating with teaching degrees.
To address the shortage, the district offers free programs for current staff to become licensed teachers. Additionally, they are pushing for easier ways to transfer teaching licenses from other states.
One of the most exciting parts of Watlington’s plan is the year-round school pilot program, a big priority for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.
This program will offer before–and–after-school programs and activities during school breaks starting in 20 elementary schools.
For working parents, this could mean saving a lot of money on childcare and could be a reason to stay in the city rather than moving to the suburbs. Plus, it addresses the need for safe spaces for kids, especially after the rise in youth violence during the pandemic.
Watlington knows that changing the school calendar is a huge task, and there are questions about costs and how service providers are chosen.
But he’s committed to making it work. He will closely monitor attendance and gather feedback from parents and students, which will help make sure resources are used wisely.
Safety is another big focus for Watlington. With violent incidents near schools making headlines, he’s taken steps to ensure students’ safety.
In response, the district has installed 150 new cameras and expanded programs that help kids get home safely.
They’re also investing in mental health resources, like the Kooth online platform, to support students dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, or bullying. Watlington knows that education and safety go hand-in-hand, and he’s making sure both are top priorities.
Looking back on his first two years in Philadelphia, Watlington has learned that building trust takes time.
Sure, Philadelphia can be challenging, but once people see you’re committed to the community, they’re some of the most welcoming folks around.
With a focus on long-term goals, Watlington is dedicated to staying if he continues to have the support of the mayor and school board.
One ongoing challenge is getting all schools adequately air-conditioned. Although progress is being made, with seven schools upgraded this summer because of a donation from Jalen Hurts, 63 schools still need better cooling systems.
Thankfully, Watlington is committed to improving these conditions and informing parents when early dismissals are necessary due to high temperatures.
As the new school year begins, the district is 96% staffed, but with nearly 400 teaching positions still open, Watlington is preparing to shuffle staff around to cover these gaps.
This includes sending district staff and using non-teaching personnel with the proper credentials to enter classrooms.
Despite the challenges, Watlington remains focused on ensuring every classroom has a competent and caring adult on the first day of school.
Amazingly, you can already see his leadership making a real impact on the Philadelphia School District.
His focus on consistent, proven curriculums, innovative year-round schooling, teacher recruitment, and student safety is a comprehensive approach to addressing the district’s complex needs.
With strong political and financial support, Watlington is well-positioned to build a better school system. In doing so, his goal is to fulfill the promise of a quality education for all students in Philadelphia.
