Dr. Tony Watlington Named National Superintendent of the Year

Recognition of Dr. Tony Watlington as National Superintendent of the Year amidst educational progress.

News Summary

Dr. Tony Watlington has been recognized as the National Superintendent of the Year amidst challenges faced by the School District of Philadelphia, including funding issues and facility conditions. Under his leadership, the district has improved graduation rates, attendance, and enrollment, achieving a first increase in student population in a decade. However, budget cuts are looming, prompting efforts for innovative solutions to support struggling students.

Philadelphia – Dr. Tony Watlington has been named the National Superintendent of the Year for 2025 at a time when the School District of Philadelphia, the largest school district in Pennsylvania, faces significant challenges including funding issues, deteriorating school conditions, and a shortage of staff. The recognition was awarded to Watlington by the District Administration Leadership Institute on January 13, 2025, highlighting his accomplishments in improving student outcomes despite these hurdles.

Currently, Watlington is the highest-paid superintendent in Pennsylvania, with an annual base salary of $340,000. He began his tenure as superintendent on April 1, 2022, officially being sworn in on June 16 of that same year after signing a five-year contract for his role. Under his leadership, the district has made strides in enhancing academic performance, leading to improvements in graduation rates and student enrollment.

One of Watlington’s notable achievements includes the increase in the graduation rate, rising from 74.1% during the 2022-23 school year to 77.5% in 2023-24. The district has also observed improvements in attendance and enrollment figures, with a total student population now reaching 117,956—the first increase in a decade. Additionally, there have been increases in scores for students in grades 3-8 in both math and reading.

Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist. A report from the district anticipates serious budget cuts beginning in the fiscal year 2027 due to financial constraints. To sustain current programs, 40% of the district’s “rainy day fund” was utilized in the 2026 fiscal budget. Furthermore, subjects such as algebra are a concern, with only 27.2% of students passing the state Keystone exam. To address this issue, the district has introduced a new math curriculum and professional development for educators.

In a bid to further support struggling students, the district is planning to incentivize those who previously failed the algebra Keystone exam to retake it after attending a refresher course. The recently launched pilot program for year-round schooling is being supported by a $24 million city budget allocated for extended programming.

Dr. Watlington, originally hailing from Fort Dix, NJ, has been involved in the field of education since 1994. Prior to his current role, he served as the superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools in North Carolina, bringing valuable experience to the School District of Philadelphia.

While expressing a commitment to inclusive education, Watlington has indicated that students should not be excluded from learning opportunities. Despite the progress made under his leadership, issues related to underfunding and the overall state of school facilities remain concerning. The district has also encountered friction with the city, notably involving a lawsuit in 2023 centering on school building safety.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has pledged to collaborate closely with Watlington and the school board president to find solutions that bolster public education in Philadelphia. In light of the ongoing challenges, the collective efforts from the city and school district aim to ensure that all students receive a quality education and have the resources needed to succeed.