PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council had a special guest at its meeting Friday.
Connie Clayton, former superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, was invited to speak on a resolution recognizing the 175th anniversary of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, her alma mater.
“While I am not 175 years old – although there are some who may think that – I am a proud alumna,” Clayton said.
Clayton, 89, said Girls High prepared her to take a leadership role, despite the limitations gender imposed on her generation.
In 1982, Clayton became the first woman and first African American superintendent in Philadelphia. She inherited a mess from her controversial predecessor, Michael Marcase, who had weathered budget deficits, three teacher strikes and a grand jury investigation.
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During her time as superintendent, Clayton balanced the budget, improved test scores and brought a spirit of possibility to the district.
She retired in 1993, but the reverence that city council showed her made it clear she is still a powerful inspiration.
“The lessons that I learned while at Girls High will be a significant part of my legacy to the service of Philadelphia,” she said.