The School District of Philadelphia is reorganizing its student support services to cut costs and boost innovation. (Credit: Heckendorn Shiles Architects)
On Thursday, the School District of Philadelphia announced a new reorganization of the Office of Student Support Services to cut costs and improve the unit’s efforts.
The District plans to eliminate the Chief of Student Support Services and Assistant Superintendent of Student Life roles, while simultaneously appointing a new professional to the Associate Superintendent of Student Life and Innovation position.
Superintendent Tony B. Watlington appointed Dr. Brenda Elliot, a former Tennessee Department of Education’s State Superintendent for School Turnaround, to the new position. She also has experience working for DC Public Schools, where she led improvements in the district’s lowest-performing schools that resulted in a 24% increase in schools’ star ratings.
Through this role, Dr. Elliot will supervise consolidated student services job functions that are currently split between the Office of Student Support Services and the Office of Student Life. She will also aim to increase innovation by improving community outreach and building partnerships with neighborhood organizations, businesses, and higher education institutions.
“As we reorganize the Office of Student Support Services, we will better maximize our limited resources while continuing to provide the support that our students need,” said Superintendent Watlington in a release. “I have great confidence that Dr. Brenda Elliott, who has been a battle-tested leader in multiple states, will bring a wealth of experience and a demonstrated track record of driving positive student outcomes.”
The two cuts in senior leadership roles are spearheading the cost savings for the District.
