PITTSBURGH—Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Hamlet brought to the Board his appointment of Anthony Anderson to serve as the Deputy Superintendent of School Support and Accountability. The position will supervise the Chief of School Performance, the Chief Academic Officer, and the Executive Director of the Program for Students with Exceptionalities, whose reporting structure Hamlet elevated to ensure proper school-level support for the program. When Hamlet became superintendent, pre-planned retirements resulted in five vacant cabinet positions. Efforts to swiftly but effectively fill the positions began in June.
[pullquote]“I charged the District’s human resources team with advertising the positions locally, regionally and nationally and we received more than 40 applications for Deputy Superintendent,” Hamlet said.[/pullquote] “An internal committee vetted all candidates rigorously and Anderson rose to the top. I’m extremely pleased that he accepted the position. His proven leadership in working with teachers and principals to drive change that improves student outcomes, school culture, and ultimately increases focus on the whole child, is exactly what our students need.”
Since 2014, Anderson served as the region superintendent for 16 middle schools in Duval County, based in Jacksonville, one of the largest urban school districts in Florida. In this position, he led principals in the implementation of district-wide student achievement and development goals for the schools with varying demographics and populations from 300 to 1,450 students.
Among other academic, operational and cultural measures, Anderson created professional growth opportunities for school-based leaders and evaluated administrative personnel. In just two years’ time, he worked with school leaders to improve student algebraic achievement, reading proficiency and overall school letter ratings, according to the state’s grading system. Understanding the importance of accountability and collaborative progress monitoring, Anderson led quarterly data analysis sessions with each school-based leadership team to identify areas of need and implement effective support structures.
Prior to Anderson’s educational leadership in Duval County, he was principal of Glades Central High School Belle Glade for five years, one of the state’s most at-risk schools. Under his leadership, the school increased its letter grade to its highest in recent academic history. In addition, the school was chosen as a “model school” for the implementation of Lee County’s 2012 reading program. Anderson also served as principal at two other Palm Beach county elementary and middle schools, spanning nearly 11 years in educational leadership positions.
In addition to widely advertising the five vacant positions, the District was able to reach 10,000 administrators in the Northeast and South through an Education Week e-blast. Of the more than 40 applicants for Deputy Superintendent, 19 candidates were invited to conduct a pre-interview analysis of the District. A panel of six administrators including Hamlet then interviewed eight of those candidates. The robust interview process consisted of a presentation highlighting their work accomplishments, a writing exercise, and an oral interview. The District is currently interviewing candidates for Chief Human Resources Officer. It has begun pre-interview activity for the positions of Chief of School Performance and Chief Academic Officer, and is reviewing resumes for Executive Director of the Office of Equity. Candidates for these positions will undergo the same thorough vetting process.
“We’re very lucky to be welcoming Anderson to the Pittsburgh Public Schools,” said School Board President Regina Holley PhD. “We look forward to his collaborative work with principals and educational leaders to improve student outcomes.
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Hamlet appoints Deputy Superintendent
