Women’s History Month 2025

Rhonda Miles | Secretary 1 at the Office of Early Childhood

1.  Years served at the School District of Philadelphia

52 years

2. What initially drew you to SDP, and how has your role evolved over time?

What initially drew me to the SDP was the fact that there were so many various types of positions available to apply for according to educational backgrounds. Also, the various choices of locations in the SDP that needed additional staffing. Finally, the number of employees that were available to assist with most professional questions and guidelines. My role over time has enabled me to remain dedicated to student’s education and well-being.

3. Why have you served the School District of Philadelphia for 50 years? 

I have served the SDP for 52 years because it has been proven through time that if an individual would like to advance in knowledge/position it is one of the best organizations to be affiliated with.

4. What’s your favorite aspect of our company culture?

My favorite aspect of the SDP is that it diligently works with parents/teachers/principals to educate the children at a maximum level regardless of culture, which must be a part of life for future survival.

5. What is your proudest accomplishment during your 50 years at SDP?

My proudest accomplishment is: When employed as a personnel assistant I had the privilege of pre- hiring SDP teachers. When many of them were told they were hired they yelled thank you/cried because of joy/any location was great as long as they were pronounced (SDP teacher employees). Those were extremely proud moments to witness individuals preparing to educate our children

6. What are some outside activities that you participate in that you’d like most people to know? 

N/A

7. What advice would you give to new employees joining the SDP community based on your experience?

Advice for new employees based on my experience is to begin your new career with dedication and determination. When those two aspects of life are attached endurance/appreciation/respect will follow them as they role model it on a daily basis.

Theresa Fries | School Operations Officer at the Office of Grants Compliance

1.  Years served at the School District of Philadelphia

53 years

2. What initially drew you to SDP, and how has your role evolved over time?

I took Commercial/Academic courses at Kensington High School. Several teachers helped find positions for students. One steered me towards the Nonpublic Program Office, which receives federal funds for Nonpublic schools. They were looking to hire a recent grad for their office and I was offered the job as a substitute at first. I took the Secretary 1 test shortly after and was hired immediately. It was a great beginning right out of high school. The duties I have now have greatly increased from when I began. More involvement with payroll and personnel.

3. Why have you served the School District of Philadelphia for 50 years? 

A feeling of doing a good job to support the teachers and children of the School District. I have also had some great bosses who appreciated my work. The benefits package was also a good incentive.

4. What’s your favorite aspect of our company culture?

Trying to make sure every student is given the same opportunity no matter where they attend school and fighting State and Local government to ensure that happens.

5. What is your proudest accomplishment during your 50 years at SDP?

Having my work appreciated and valued by my superiors. Having helped parents in resolutions for their problems. Getting to know a lot of fellow employees and become friends outside of work.

6. What are some outside activities that you participate in that you’d like most people to know? 

I volunteer at our North Light Community Center whenever they need help. I also volunteer at Old Academy Players. I have done acting, directing, producing, stage managing, light and sound, set building, etc. I have also done some extra work on films in the past.

7. What advice would you give to new employees joining the SDP community based on your experience?

Once you find a good boss who values and appreciates you stay with them. Don’t be so quick to jump from one place to another. It doesn’t look good on your employment record if you are constantly changing jobs. Hang in for a bit. It might be worth your while.

Kathleen Ohanlon | Teacher at Bridesburg Elementary School

1.  Years served at the School District of Philadelphia

50

2. What initially drew you to SDP, and how has your role evolved over time?

My Aunt Philomena O’Hanlon was a teacher in the SDP for 45 years and I wanted to be a teacher just like her.  My role evolved from being “the new kid on the block” to someone who other teachers ask for advice and also how I went from chalk and blackboards to smartboards and the internet.

3. Why have you served the School District of Philadelphia for 50 years?

I love being a teacher and every year is a new experience. What’s your favorite aspect of our company culture?  The way new technology has made its way into the curriculum.

5. What is your proudest accomplishment during your 50 years at SDP?

Seeing many of my former students become teachers because of how much they enjoyed being in my class and saw how teaching can be fun and rewarding.

6. What are some outside activities that you participate in that you’d like most people to know?

I am President of the Bridesburg Historical Society, serving on the Board of the Bridesburg Boys and Girls Club, volunteering at the Glen Foerd Mansion, Director for 18 years at the Bridesburg Recreation Center Day Camp, and being the chairperson for the Bridesburg Community Mother and Daughter Banquet.

7. What advice would you give to new employees joining the SDP community based on your experience?

They should always have a positive attitude, a sense of humor, a rapport with their students, parents, and school community, and be open to new ideas and accept compliments as well as suggestions for improvement.

Denota Eilene Watson | Parent Engagement Coordinator at the Office of Early Childhood

1.  Years served at the School District of Philadelphia

50 years

2. What initially drew you to SDP, and how has your role evolved over time?

I was an actively involved and engaged parent volunteer in the Prekindergarten Head Start Program, and I had the opportunity to experience leadership roles in the organizational structure required by Head Start Program Performance Standards. When the job opportunity became available, I applied, received an interview, and was selected as the top candidate. At that time, I was the first Parent Involvement Coordinator hired in the District.

Attributes of this position have afforded so many experiences to develop professionally, enhance my leadership capabilities, and strengthen my social and emotional interpersonal relationships. I have had the privilege to explore states and cities bee Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in various capacas a staff representative.

3. Why have you served the School District of Philadelphia for 50 years?

I sincerely love the work! It gives me the latitude to create and develop programs, activities, and experiences to engage, enrich, and empower families. It also encourages parents to become advocates for their children.  As they progress towards economic self-sufficiency, my training and support help develop transferable skills that are useful for enhancing their child’s development and advancing their career opportunities. The work I do helping families achieve self-sufficiency is the legacy that I leave.

4. What’s your favorite aspect of our company culture?

My favorite aspect of working with the District has been the strong relationships and support from both program management and colleagues. There’s a true sense of “family unity” that is diverse, inclusive, and empowering. And let’s not forget the holistic benefits package—it’s definitely a bonus!

5. What is your proudest accomplishment during your 50 years at SDP?

A proud accomplishment for me has been to realize the impact of my work through the successful outcomes of family empowerment. Over 85% of our program staff are former or current enrolled families employed in positions that range from executive director, service area managers, teachers/teacher assistants, family and parent engagement liaisons in the office of early childhood and other positions in offices within the DIstrict. Many other families have become employees in City government offices and created their own non-profit or for-profit businesses as entrepreneurs.  I have personally obtained a National Family Services Credential, a Trauma Enformed Trainer Certificate as well as college credits. I’ve engaged in mentorship and research initiatives and served on national panels with University professors and researchers. Our policy council has also served as a national model.

6. What are some outside activities that you participate in that you’d like most people to know?

During my 50-year tenure, I have had the opportunity to represent SDP as a member of many organizations at the local, state, regional, and national levels. I have served on the United Way Success by Six Committee; officer positions as President of the PA Head Start Association and Region III Head Start Association; member of the Board of Directors and officer on the National Head Start Association; and Chairwoman of the Regional Fatherhood Initiative. My additional accomplishments include positions as a National Office Head Start Bureau Consultant, compliance monitoring peer reviewer, parenting curriculum developer, and reviser for the Head Start Program Performance Standards. I have also served as a trainer for the implementation of a parenting curriculum and a fatherhood curriculum and as a task force consultant for the development of the National Head Start parent, family, and community engagement framework, which serves as a model for family engagement across various pre-K funding sources

I have participated in the Barnes Foundation Youth Art Math Challenge competition as a judge for the last three years, and I serve as senior vice president of Royal Little Sisters, a non-profit youth mentoring organization for girls 5 to 18 years old.

I love utilizing my artistic talent to consult as an interior decorator and event planner.

7. What advice would you give to new employees joining the SDP community based on your experience?

New employees should always strive to be team players and be open-minded to changing circumstances. They should bring their best assets, skills, and knowledge humbly to the table. Foremost, they should build trusting relationships throughout the District and community.