“A life or death issue,” is how Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. describes the seriousness of students dropping out of secondary school, especially for Black and brown kids. That’s why he’s so determined to get to the bottom of why over 700 students were “inappropriately” removed from the School District of Philadelphia’s enrollment rolls for the 2026-27 academic year. Watlington talks to KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo about the importance of accurate enrollment rolls, and what’s at stake if the numbers are off.
00:00 What’s going on with enrollment discrepancies?
03:37 Enrollment this year vs. previous years
06:56 Update on crowded classrooms at Girls High, and new hires made at the school
Have a question for Dr. Watlington? Email us at afterschool@kywnewsradio.com or comment on our social media channels, and listen for a response on future episodes of "After School!”
Oct 07, 2026
