Watlington Targets Academic Gains Amid Planned School Closures
Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. enters his fifth year focusing on improving student achievement while the district plans to close 17 schools. He emphasizes math gains, a new reading curriculum, and community trust-building initiatives.
Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. has begun his fifth year on the job with a focus on improving students’ academic performance. The district also plans to close 17 schools beginning next year, a move that may dominate the conversation for students, families, and staff.
The release of last year’s state test scores remains “delayed by the state,” Watlington said, but previous scores show that while students’ math performance has improved, reading performance has declined. The district’s graduation rate has risen, and the number of dropouts has declined.
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Academic Focus and Math Gains
Watlington highlighted a nearly 13-percentage-point increase in proficiency rates for third-through-eighth-grade math over three years, citing it as evidence that the district’s math strategy is working. He said the district will continue to push for academic achievement as a priority for the coming year. The district’s latest stats reflect these gains.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Occupancy rate | 65% |
| Vacant seats | 35% |
The 65% occupancy rate, with 35% of seats vacant, is cited by Watlington as an inefficiency that taxpayers should not bear.
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Reading Curriculum and Teacher Support
On the reading side, Watlington explained that the district has standardized the curriculum across all schools. He acknowledged an implementation dip but believes the approach is correct. The superintendent stressed the need to double down on teacher support and preparation, arguing that classroom instruction must change to improve reading outcomes. He added that half of the day should expose students to grade-level standards rather than remedial work or tutoring.
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Trust, Closures, and Community Engagement
Watlington said he would be transparent and tell families the truth, especially about the 17 school closures that have caused tension. He plans to keep families and community members at the table, build transition committees, and listen to feedback. The district will also pay some family and community members a modest stipend to become ambassadors for the district, a move intended to strengthen partnerships.
He noted that the district operates at a 65% occupancy rate and that 35% of seats are vacant, calling it inefficient for taxpayers. He emphasized empathy for those who feel strongly about closures and said the district would stay at the table to work together.
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Superintendent’s Vision and Personal Commitment
Watlington said he does not believe the standards for graduation have lowered. He argued that higher graduation rates do not automatically mean lowered standards and that public schools can produce stronger high-school graduates. He also admitted a problem with grade inflation in higher education and K-12.
On why he stays in the role, Watlington said his background as a student who came out of poverty drives his belief that public schools are the path to middle-class stability. He expressed optimism about progress and said he hopes to stay 10 years, one day surpassing former Superintendent Bill Hite’s record.
Chalkbeat reporter Rebecca Redelmeier wrote the interview. She can be reached at rredelmeier@chalkbeat.org. The conversation was edited for length and clarity by Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
