A Dr. Martin Luther King Day Message from Superintendent Watlington

Dear School District of Philadelphia Families,

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle.” As we observe Dr. King’s legacy through this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, his words resonate deeply with the work unfolding across our schools and communities.

Over the past three years, the School District of Philadelphia has made meaningful, measurable progress – progress rooted in perseverance, collective responsibility, and a shared belief that every child has access to a high-quality education. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), our 4th- and 8th-grade students recovered academically faster than the national average and most large urban school districts, with eighth-grade math recovery surpassed by only one other major city school district. During this same period, the District improved in 8 of 12 academic areas in the 2024-2025 school year and in 10 of 12 strategic plan areas over the past three years. These gains reflect the collective effort of educators, staff, students, families, and community partners who have remained focused on what matters most: student learning and well-being.

This progress is the result of people choosing to serve – showing up consistently for students, making hard decisions, and staying focused on students’ needs. In the spirit of Dr. King’s call to sacrifice and shared responsibility, educators, staff, families, and community partners across Philadelphia have worked together to meet students’ needs and remove barriers to success. Guided by Accelerate Philly, this collective commitment to service, care, and opportunity is translating into real academic recovery and growth for our students, and moving us closer to the equitable future Dr. King envisioned.

As we honor Dr. King, I encourage you to transform this holiday into more than a day off by making it a Day of Service and Learning. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, supporting a local organization, or engaging in conversations about justice and opportunity, each act of service strengthens our communities. You can find meaningful ways to serve through Global Citizen. To deepen your understanding of the MLK Day of Service and share its significance with others, explore its history here, and access teaching and learning resources about Dr. King’s life and legacy here.

May this Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service inspire us to move beyond words and into action. By serving others and supporting our communities, we honor Dr. King’s vision and help create brighter futures for our children. I encourage you to participate in a Day of Service on January 19, 2026, and to carry that spirit of service forward throughout the year.

Together, this shared commitment to service, equity, and opportunity moves us closer to our goal of becoming the fastest-improving, large urban school district in the nation. Have a wonderful Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

In partnership,

Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia