Exclusive: Superintendent Watlington discusses state of Philly schools; improvements and challenges
The Brief
The School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington delivered his State of the Schools address Thursday.
FOX 29's Jeff Cole spoke to the superintendent in advance of the address to get the latest on Philly schools.
PHILADELPHIA - While admitting Philadelphia public schools have a long way to go, Superintendent Tony Watlington sees important improvements in student performance.
He answered questions from FOX 29 in advance of his celebratory State of the Schools address.
What they're saying
"We are really excited. We think when all the data is verified across the country, we'll be declared one of the fastest improving, large school districts in the country," said Watlington.
That has been Tony Watlington's goal since the day he took control of Philadelphia schools.
In a State of the Schools message, Watlington said, "more students are coming to school and staying. Reading and math scores are up in grades 3rd through 8th. And the dropout rate is down by 14 hundred."
Watlington reports, "the School District of Philadelphia, the nation's 8th largest, has increased enrollment by 1,841 students. That says to me parents and the community have greater confidence in the school district."
The superintendent believes challenges remain, including no improvements in algebra, a coming plan to close schools and grinding poverty.
In his third year of a five-year contract, he said, "I believe poverty provides a level of significant challenge. As a child of poverty myself, I know firsthand the power of a highly qualified, well-supported, stable teacher."
The district's four and a half billion-dollar budget will see an infusion of more than two hundred thirty million in new state money, the result of a successful lawsuit claiming unequal state funding and more city dollars as well.
Watlington said with the increased funding he plans to, "double down on what's working. High impact, high dosage tutoring, doubling down on professional development supporting teachers."
The superintendent has a challenging teachers' union contract to help negotiate in the fall and plans to stay put.
"I intend to be here as long as the mayor and board will have me. I'm absolutely committed to Philadelphia, yes," said Watlington.
The Source
The information in this story is from The School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington.
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