PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Members of the Philadelphia School Board heaped praise upon Superintendent Tony Watlington Thursday night as they extended his contract through 2030.
Board President Reginald Streater said since 2022, under Watlington’s leadership, the school district has begun to tackle the problem of chronic underachievement.
“I believe we are seeing signs of winning. I’m not saying we’re a Super Bowl team yet, but we’re seeing signs of winning,” he encouraged.
The board unanimously approved a three-year contract extension that would keep Watlington in Philadelphia through June 2030. Streater pointed to several of Watlington’s accomplishments, including national recognition as the 2025 Superintendent of the Year, awarded by the District Administration Leadership Institute, and the March of Dimes Service to Humanity Award.
Board members said the extension is a vote of confidence as the district faces tough choices ahead. It is preparing to present a facilities plan that will likely see some schools closed.
“We commend the progress that you’ve made, the impact that you’ve had on the system, and we’re really excited for you to continue with us,” said board member ChauWing Lam.
Watlington thanked the board while acknowledging that there’s more to do.
“Thank you for supporting public education and me. This team, we’re going to roll up our sleeves. We’re going to work hard. We’re going to do you proud,” he said.
Watlington is paid $368,000 a year and will get annual 3% raises.
In other actions Thursday night, the board approved a three-year contract that gives 3% raises to its school security officers. It also renewed six charter schools and gave the OK for a new one, the Early College Charter School of Philadelphia.