Community speaks in favor of interim superintendent
The Pittsburgh school board continues to make progress on its national search to find a new superintendent to take the helm of the district.
But according to some in the community, board members do not have to look far to make the best choice.
Several former students, parents and colleagues of interim Superintendent Wayne Walters offered glowing reviews of the longtime district employee at a public comment session before the board Tuesday, lauding him for his character, vision and deep knowledge of the school system and saying he would be the ideal superintendent.
“I’ve worked with many principals and countless administrators in my 27 years of teaching. Simply put, Dr. Walters is the best administrator I have ever worked for,” said Barak Naveh, a teacher at Obama 6-12 and an Allderdice High School parent. “He is completely dedicated to his work. He is 100% supportive of students and good teachers. His focus is on the improvement of education and giving back to the district that he has worked in for so many years.”
The school board is expected to select a superintendent next month from a pool of about 30 candidates from 13 states who applied for the job. Mr. Walters has been the interim superintendent since October.
It remains unknown if Mr. Walters wants the job permanently. He has not said whether he would apply for the position, and a district spokeswoman declined comment Tuesday.
Asked in a February interview if he would accept the superintendent job fulltime if the board chooses him, Mr. Walters said, “if, given the opportunity, I will continue to serve the Pittsburgh Public Schools.”
School board President Sala Udin said in March that board members were “very happy with the work that Dr. Walters has done and is doing, and we would hope to keep his work in the Pittsburgh school family if possible.”
Mr. Walters has served in numerous capacities in a career that spans more than three decades in the city schools. He’s been a teacher, school principal, central administrator and now the interim superintendent.
Aastha Singh, a recent graduate of Obama 6-12, where Mr. Walters was the principal for a number of years, said the interim superintendent’s grasp of how the district runs makes him perfect for the role.
“Dr. Walters has served the district for 30 years in a variety of different teaching and administrative roles, so he has a thorough knowledge of the district on multiple levels,” Ms. Singh said. “He knows how the district functions and will therefore be able to guide us towards the best and most effective solutions to any problems we may face.”
Mr. Walters took over the district at a time of turmoil with the resignation of former Superintendent Anthony Hamlet amid fallout from a state ethics probe, student transportation difficulties, an uptick in unruly behavior and violence in schools, and continued challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Walters’ most notable
achievement during his time in the interim role was the implementation of the “Fresh Start for the Head and Heart” initiative, a campaign that allowed schools to implement positive school culture ideas and practices that could elevate teaching and learning. The initiative, which was supported by the teachers union, used non-traditional processes of academic support and provided spaces for the wellness and emotional health of students and staff.
Angela Eagle, the parent of an Allderdice student, said it is important for the district to have a leader that takes the voices of parents, students and staff members into account.
Mr. Walters, she said, listens to what district stakeholders have to say and works to address their concerns.
“I’ve noticed changes for the better over this past year, and I believe some of these changes are a result of parental input,” Ms. Eagle said. “Dr. Walters listens and is present in the daily activities of the district. With his attention to details, he is able to make the best decisions for PPS.”
Former students described Mr. Walters as a charismatic, capable and energetic figure who was widely-beloved in the district.
As the principal of Obama, Mr. Walters fostered a welcoming environment that made the school one of the best in the city, said Arhan Badjatia, a recent graduate.
He said he and his classmates were “elated” when Mr. Walters was named interim superintendent because it gave them hope that the district could be repaired.
“Dr. Walters is who we need to restore PPS,” Mr. Badjatia said. “His ability to bring the community together, his ability to lead and desire to elevate students, makes him more than qualified to do so.”