Tony Watlington, leader of The School District of Philadelphia, was named Superintendent of the Year at this week’s 2025 District Administration National Awards Program ceremony.
Watlington has been a transformative leader in the nation’s eighth-largest district since he took the helm in 2022. Under his Accelerate Philly strategic plan, attendance and graduation rates have grown by 3% while teacher attendance rose by 7% and dropouts have decreased significantly.
He also launched a $4.2 million “Grow Your Own” program through which more than 100 paraprofessionals have become certified teachers debt-free.
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“This recognition belongs to our entire school community. The progress we’ve made would not be possible without the collective dedication of our staff, parents, and students. Together, we are shaping a brighter future,” Watlington said.
DA’s Superintendent of the Year finalists included Shari Camhi (Baldwin Union Free School District), Joel Coleman (Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind), Xavier de la Torre (Ysleta ISD) and Albert Vazquez Matos (Middletown Public Schools).
Woman of the Year
Nikki Woodson, superintendent of Washington Township Schools, was named District Administration’s Woman of the Year. Woodson has prioritized educational equity and empowering educators.
Woodson was one of DA’s six Women of Distinction, a list that also included:
- Laura France, Putnam County School District
- Zandra Jo Galvan, Greenfield USD
- Sallie Holloway, Gwinnett County Public Schools
- Frankie Skinner, Sumner Schools
- Andrea Stolar, Chicopee Public Schools
Leaders of Distinction
DA’s Leaders of Distinction category honors individuals spearheading groundbreaking initiatives and inspiring educational progress within their districts:
- Anna Marie Candelario, CUSD 308
- Lori Gonzalez, Lamont Elementary School District
- Neil Gupta, Oakwood Schools
- Jeff Horton, SouthWest Metro Intermediate District 288
- Kellee Merritt, MSD Washington Township
- Doug Straley, Louisa County Public Schools
- Shaniece Williams, Montgomery Public Schools
- Wayne Vickers, Alabaster City Schools
- Jermaine Dawson, The School District of Philadelphia
Districts of Distinction
This year’s Districts of Distinction awards recognized visionary leaders who are driving student achievement with initiatives that can be replicated in other districts. The winners in DA’s six key categories are:
- Future Focused-Career Pathways: Christopher Nesmith, Elma School District
- Academic Excellence: Xavier De La Torre, Ysleta ISD
- Special Programming: Ella Musser, Cocalico School District
- Future Focused-STEM: Cristian Carranza, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
- Ed-Tech Innovation: Compton USD
- Wellness: Michelle Carney Ray-Yoder, Central Regional School District
- Safety: Chadd Springer, Lake Dallas ISD
