School District of Philadelphia narrows superintendent search to 3 finalists

The School District of Philadelphia on Friday named John L. Davis Jr., Krish Mohip, and Tony B. Watlington Sr. as the candidates vying to become the leader of Philadelphia's public schools. The new Superintendent will take over a system of 115-thousand students attending more than 200 schools.

PHILADELPHIA - The search for a new School District of Philadelphia superintendent is now down to three finalists, according to district officials.

Davis is the current Chief of Schools in Baltimore and has spent 30 years working in large urban school districts, specifically in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Mohip rose through the ranks of Chicago Public Schools and is now the Deputy Education Officer for the Illinois State Board of Education. Watlington is the Superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools and has a well-rounded background in education.

The candidate's full biographies can be found on the district's website.

The district will hold three roundtable discussions for each candidate next week that will be livestreamed on the district’s social media pages. There will also be a public town hall.

We are thrilled to have candidates who have the passion and expertise necessary to carry this plan through," Philadelphia Board of Education President Joyce Wilkerson said. "I know the public will be as excited about these inspiring individuals as Board members are."

The Board says it expects to make a final decision during the week of March 21st.

Last fall, Superintendent Dr. William Hite announced that he would not seek to renew his contract and the end of his term in 2022.

"After a lot of personal reflection, I decided not to pursue a renewal of my contract and that’s my choice so I had informed the board of that choice," Hite said at the time.

Hite arrived in the city in June of 2012 when schools were being buffeted by cost-cutting and layoffs. During his tenure, the school district was returned to city control with a school board appointed by local officials.

Hite, who earns more than $330,000 yearly, will depart in August. He said he plans to remain in the region.