Philly School Superintendent William Hite Leaving Position

Philadelphia PA

28 September, 2021

11:05 AM

Description

PHILADELPHIA — The School District of Philadelphia's Superintendent William Hite is leaving his position. In an announcement Monday, the district said Hite will leave the district at the end of the 2021-22 school year. Hite will remain in his role as superintendent until the end of his contract — Aug. 31, 2022 — which will enable a smooth transition for staff and students. "As I continue to serve the students, families and staff of the School District of Philadelphia throughout this next year, I do so with deep pride and humility," Hite said. "We have come a long way since 2012 but there is still much more work to do. This school year will be a challenging one as we focus on keeping our schools safely open for in-person learning and helping all of our young people to heal and grow. I remain 100% committed to leading this important work in the year ahead." Hite joined the School District of Philadelphia in June 2012. Since then, Hite's administration has doubled the number of higher-performing schools; cut in half the number of Intervene schools; more students taking AP and dual-enrollment courses and earning industry credentials; increased graduation rates; modernized early literacy classrooms in 48 schools; infusing schools with more teachers, early literacy coaches and innovative Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports; and brought the total number of certified Lead Safe schools to 100. The district said its search for a new superintendent will begin with a robust and inclusive public engagement process. Details on the process have yet to be released. A new superintendent will be announced in early spring 2022. "We have had nearly 10 years of Dr. Hite's strong and stable leadership, which has been transformational for the School District of Philadelphia," said Joyce Wilkerson, president of the Board of Education. "Through his work, we have been able to return the District to local control, usher in a period of fiscal stability, and put the academic achievement of our students at the forefront. We are grateful that he will continue to lead the District this year, keeping school buildings safely open for our students, and helping us as we begin the search process for his replacement."