Wednesday, May 18, 2016

New Superintendent announced

Anonymous wrote:

New Post:v The Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Public Schools just announces its Candidate for Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anthony Hamlet.
Board Decision Unanimous on Superintendent Decision
" I would like to state that I am a true Transformational Leader, not just by words but by action and performance. Transformational Leaders are charged with identifying the needed change and creating a vision to guide the change through inspiration. I lead by allowing others to take greater ownership for their work, understanding of their strengths and helping them with their weaknesses. True leadership is earned by ones actions, not bestowed by virtue of having “Administrator” in your title. I am humbled to be in the service of others, not being served by them. Displaying humility and integrity, not hubris and self-interest. I am one that listens more and talks less, while knowing what questions to ask rather than knowing all the answers. I believe in connecting ideas, people and resources, not controlling them. I strive to create opportunities and remove roadblocks, as we focus on the journey not a destination: for it is a process, not an outcome.
A successful superintendent has to satisfy many constituencies, keeping high achievers in the system while devoting resources to those who need them most. The focus should always be on what the students in our classrooms need to meet the demand of the standards through building the capacity of the teachers within our school centers. As research in the area of education evolves, so should our district-level leadership in order to prepare our school leaders and teachers for the complexity and level of cognitive work our students must achieve in order to become college and career ready.
Additionally I truly believe that if we develop our school leaders, establish school-wide systems of operation, build teacher capacity, use data to drive decisions, provide job embedded professional development, and monitor the fidelity of implementation of the School Improvement Plan, then there will be a positive increase in student performance and the achievement gap will close." Dr. Anthony Hamlet Remarks "

55 comments:

Questioner said...

Finally- not "staying the course" anymore.

Bye Broad.

Anonymous said...

We hope...

Anonymous said...

He was/is an athlete. Maybe he will jump start our athletic program!

Anonymous said...


A seemingly genuine and sincere mission statement.

A good beginning.

Anonymous said...


Dr. Anthony Hamlet's NFL background ( Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks ) distinguishes him from his predecessors in what may be leadership skills that PPS has not seen in quite some time.

Anonymous said...

It would be great to have athletics.....but before any of that school is learning and I hope he creates SAFE schools for ALL kids to learn....I know everyone is entitled to a free public education, but when students cause havoc continuously every day and it causes other students not to learn then there is a problem... I like his three goals....but we need SAFE schools for everyone!!!! I know my school is not safe and it's a struggle every day to teach!!!

Anonymous said...

Not only Dr Hamlet's came here to raise low performance schools but as well increase low self-esteem of those students who are in those schools.Meaning that's not put the horse before the cart.
Enclosing I do believe that he has expertise to bring about change to PPS that is much needed compare what we has in the past .
He also needs all the support from the city of Pgh especially the black community in which have someone who cares about his students in achieving .

Anonymous said...

He seems almost too good to be true...I hope he can be as successful here as he was in Palm Beach.

Anonymous said...

The entire Pittsburgh community is rooting for Dr. Hamlet's success. When the word "transformational" is used to describe a leader, it indicates that this person has the ability to make changes that are both vital AND sustainable that take things to the next level. I'm happy that the Boards sees Dr. Hamlet as such a leader and that Dr. Hamlet sees himself as such, also.

Let's pray that hope and quality leadership for the Pittsburgh Public Schools is on the horizon!!

Anonymous said...

I will be interested to see what he makes of the mess at Milliones. Sala Udin representing the Hill District Education Council stated that Milliones has been a disappointment and that they were promised a high performing school and that has
not happened. Strange if they knew this all these years they are only saying this now. He still didn't say anything negative about Lane for her failures.

Anonymous said...


Sala Udin has been the disappointment in the neighborHOOD with the education of our kids.

Anonymous said...

One step at a time...one school at a time. The district will without a doubt get better and heal with time and with the wisdom and steady focus of this new leadership. Hey, Pittsburgh is in 100% better shape than the Philadelphia School District. You talk about disappointment. A better word for the situation those students and teachers are in is horrific!

Anonymous said...

If he's not beholden to Gates and Broad, we're in business. Hopefully he will surround himself with his own men/women and get rid of some of the deadwood at Bellefield. PPS needs a fresh start and a new beginning minus all those consultants.

Anonymous said...

I truly wish him nothing but the best. The only thing that gives me pause is that he was moved to the role of "Director of Recruitment and Retention" in Human Resources from his position as "Director of School Transformation I" in a recent reorg in Palm Beach. I can't locate the link easily now but it appeared that there were some changes across that level of the organization in early April, akin to transitions that happen in any public school system at the end of the academic year. Those changes happen for many different reasons, and I'm hoping that it had nothing to do with performance issues in the role that he held supervising schools.

Welcome to Pittsburgh, Dr Hamlet, and I agree with many who post - the talent and passion for serving our students is here, we are equally eager and ready to serve!

Anonymous said...

Have yinz read his resume?

http://triblive.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=vv60wlmdsNCNM5BaR0dwH5M5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAl1wNy0EXrg6d0hOF6rdNlUYFvYJtLALTVU4xRnIdl0TQd75FFq0wwMGY0lFLj3Tq2CntTQg573rVzOhfe3dIuoe$SE7JovEZhFAnhYfMRaAg--&CONTENTTYPE=application/pdf&CONTENTDISPOSITION=ptr-Hamlet-051916.pdf

Fantastic accomplishments as a building principal and lots of responsibilities in his role as the equivalent of a PPS assistant superintendent, but only 2 years of District level leadership experience with no evidence of success with tough operational challenges like managing a portfolio of closed schools or engaging in collective bargaining (and lots of typos!).

Here's hoping he can draft a dream team in the to-be-named deputy superintendent, chief of school performance, chief of HR, and other vacancies that remain to be filled before September. If he surrounds himself with those who can play to his strengths and complement his weaknesses, things will really get going.

Excited for some new blood but a bit nervous that we may be off to a rocky start as he finds his footing.

Mark Rauterkus said...

Some would like to know about the I.B. experiences he has had. Florida is a big I.B. state. Perhaps this hiring is going to be good for Pittsburgh Obama, the IB school in the district, and one of the few in the region.

I am so happy to have an ex-athlete in that role -- and as a big plus, he is a gentleman who is a dad and father of an athlete as well.

I've come to the opinion that there have been some things that Doctor Lane and a few others just won't ever come to understand. The NCAA experiences are welcomed. Plus, I'd not put any weight in the NFL chatter. That is far less of a factor.

My non-sports questions as to the hiring was if the person has some 'construction' experiences. We've got some building issues. That is a skill set that isn't easy to master with on the job training.

Anonymous said...

9:57 I also had some concerns about lack of experience as assistant superintendent/superintendent unlike many of the other final candidates. But, as you indicate, if he surrounds himself
with the right personnel, PPS can definitely move forward. The big question is: Will he know (or be guided in knowing) who those "right people" are?

Anonymous said...


Maybe the "right" people will step forward and offer to serve 1:21 AM?

Who are these "right" people?

As to the big question:He doesn't know what He doesn't know.

The journey will inform and he seems willing to connect people, ideas and resources.

Anonymous said...


Mark,
It would be difficult to discount the rigor, self discipline, high expectations and disappointments that go with any NFL experience as not it's weight in gold in the make up of this individual, Dr. Hamlet.

Anonymous said...

The hire of Dr Hamlet does not give me much confidence. The numerous typos on his 5 page resume scream lazy. I have problems with the fact that on average he has only stayed at any one position for only a year and a half. He received his masters and doctorate from the same school, Nova Southeastern University. People usually go to Fort Lauderdale to get away from school not go to school. Nothing in his modest teaching or administrative background lead me to believe he has the experience to lead the second largest school district in Pennsylvania. It seems a lot of people on this blog are enamored with his introduction. I find him to be a rather mundane speaker that relied on catch phrases rather than specifics as to why he should be our next leader. I suppose we all can hope for the best. I just have a sinking feeling that we are in for more than the same. I find myself longing for the days of John Thompson.

Anonymous said...

Many here miss the under appreciated JT,but the burgh certainly didnt see how good he was. But in comparison to the last 10 years, he at least he has been a school administrator, and isnt pledged to destroy public education --a Broad goal. The new board seems smart enough to ask education questions. Yes I too have concerns-- too many teachers complaining that administrators refuse to see order in schools as the only way to have students progress. This year does seem worse- I know the union has been hearing words like "unsafe" from what were "good" schools. So welcome Dr. Hamlet- and while you arent yet a known face-- how about some surprise visits?

Anonymous said...

What is a "director of transformation" and what do they do?

Anonymous said...

JT quickly commandeered leadership in PPS. One of his key talents was to identify the knowledgeable, competent, productive leaders throughout the District, gave them responsibility in their areas of expertise and send them into action to accomplish the tasks at hand. He recognized the importance of learning what was important in PDE's system of accountability for standards and achievement and sent PPS educators to Harrisburg to bring back critical information on what our schools and educators would be held accountable for teaching our children through methods that engaged children.

Hopefully, Dr. Hamlet will quickly learn the basic, minimum competencies that are required in PA, using the vast resources available to Districts with adaptations for
our diverse student populations. PDE has its own Standards-Aligned-System with Standards and Assessments that are unique to PA. These have been approved under the national Common Core Standards but are independently designed and administered once per year in order to hold all PA schools accountable for a basic education that meeds the needs of ALL of PPS students.

Let's encourage Dr. Hamlet by recommending those in our PPS system who have been successful in putting in place a process that truly engages and educates our children.

Anonymous said...


For those who haven't experienced John Thompson's leadership:http://old.post-gazette.com/magazine/20001112thompson1.asphttp:

Anonymous said...

Let's not overwhelm Hamlet with all the Standards-Aligned/Common Core/PDE resources arguments, just yet,1:45. That framework is in place so he doesn't have to rebuild...just refine and redirect. First,he has to get a feel for our schools' cultures, the students and teachers who are the heart of them, what's working and what's not working, etc. He has to connect with the communities and gain their trust in his capability fulfilling vision moving forward all the while putting in place those administrators who know curriculum, know school performance protocol, know effective teaching strategies, etc. He has to get a good understanding of his new home.

Anonymous said...

1;45 fully agrees with your point, 4:54! However, if that critical piece had not been deliberately missing from the current Lane/Roosevelt/Broad/Gates regime for the past ten years, PPS students would be leaving our schools with at least adequate skills needed for college and career success.
(Dr. Hamlet will need to identify experts with these skills and bring them in to PPS as vetted, trustworthy members of his team---he does not need to do everything himself. It will be about building a strong, competent team.).

Anonymous said...

!;45 agrees with your point, 5:54! However, the Lane,Roosevelt, Broad, Gates regime did great damage to Pittsburgh kids when they deliberated rejected the PDE system/resources and the culturally enlightening content.

Dr. Hamlet need not do this alone. He needs only to identify and bring on board truly vetted, experienced, trustworthyTEAM of experts to begin the reparations needed in PPS curricula, instruction and (formative) assessment. The ten years of neglect in this area have seriously disadvantaged Pittsburgh students, particularly African American students.

Anonymous said...

Sorry 4:12 I was not able to open the PG link on JT. I know how popular he was among administrative staff and as an active parent during his time in office I saw how he could charm a room but I also saw that if he did not like you, he could look right through you. No matter how many times you raised a hand to ask a probing questioned backed by preparation, he passed you over. He wanted pps to have a Pine-Richland Stadium and many of us wanted our kids to just be able to read at grade level. My memory tells me he was all about image. A debate on superintendents could be intellectually stimulating.

Anonymous said...


Try this link 11:54PM:http://old.post-gazette.com/magazine/20001112thompson1.asp

I'm sure there are many who share your comments on JT. Some of which you speak of is woven into the article.

Anonymous said...

Thanks 6:41.

Anonymous said...

I'd have been happy to hear attendance, discipline, disruptive behavior and rigor.
Please speak to these!

Anonymous said...

Attendance is not a problem when the school environment engages students with relevance and rigor that challenges the curricula and instruction not currently meeting the needs, the interests, the technology and prospects for productive futures (and presents).

There is little need for external discipline when the environment precludes disruptive nature by meeting the needs of students and building viable relationships.

The adults set the tone. Just look at successful schools and classrooms!

Questioner said...

Which schools and classrooms specifically should we look at?

Anonymous said...


Not only which schools and classrooms but identify for us the "truly vetted,experienced,trust worthy TEAM of experts to begin the reparations"

Anonymous said...

7:44 you seem to speak from a position of experience and I wondered about your familiarity with high school students specifically. Could your experience be in earlier grade levels? I only wonder because I work with many high school students who regularly skip school to work extra hours. The company would never condone this but the kids seem to get away with it by using , 1/2 day for seniors, in-service, etc. Add to that it's prom season and there are dress fittings and spray tans to get. For the record my co-workers who are high school students are about 80% suburban and 20% pps. Some kids who are in "successful schools and classrooms" will skip a day of school to stay home to work on a project or paper or to do serious prep for a big test.

Anonymous said...

Yes 7:44... in what schools and in which specific classrooms have there been these types of successes IN RECENT YEARS in PPS? Is there perhaps a list of model schools in successful districts across the state?

Anonymous said...

7:44- Good Lord, That's some ivory tower talk there. Everyone wants you to address the specifics of your heady rhetoric. "The adults set the tone" sounds like psych. 101. Who's in the classrooms now if not adults? Please name the PPS schools that you refer to.

Anonymous said...

Everybody seems to want a model rather than the elements of good practice for differing and diverse groups of students. We need teachers who are professionals who understand their own student populations. Not all children are the same, not all students are the same. Approaches are as diverse as the students. The work of the professional is to understand the need for outcomes that serve students and provide those in unique and diverse ways. There are basic competencies that schools are expected to provide for students, all students. Again, the pathways to "promise" or success are as diverse as those who travel those pathways in PPS. Unfortunately, in PPS, it seems to be all about "control" and "tests" as opposed to engagement in an educational process that develops individuals. Scripts and models lose sight of the students and yes the blogger above is citing
successful schools,classrooms and experiences for high school and middle school student rather than the little ones.

Questioner said...

Still it would be useful to have a few diverse models, comparing what the successful schools tend to do in the same way and how they diverge and adapt would in and of itself be helpful.

Anonymous said...

Such models are ABUNDANT. Who are your students, teachers? What do they know? What do they want to know? What will engage them in an educational process that moves them forward (not someone else). If any "diverse" model will do what you are looking for, they are everywhere. Pick one "diverge" and "adapt" as you believe to be effective for the students you care about. Create, design, develop, engage students, find a way to KNOW your students and then CARE enough to be relentless in searching out what works best for those students sitting in front of you!

Do you know how to use the internet to find the hundreds and hundreds of successful schools who have found/created ways to reach the "impossible' students? "Diverge". "Adapt."

Questioner said...

A lot of things on the Internet are marketed really well but it's spin. More helpful would be specific local schools and classrooms.

Anonymous said...

7:44 Instead of sending all of us on a wild goose chase, you seem to be knowledgeable about what a successful classroom and school culture look, feel, smell, and taste like so therefore you are beholden to provide the names and locations of these successful schools to which you refer. Seriously, we get what needs to be done to achieve success. We'd like to have examples or even proof of where these strategies have been implemented with the results you mention. Is this so hard?

Anonymous said...


And the approaches are as diverse within the African American student classroom as there are students in that classroom so that any model or script for culturally and contextually congruent applications risks the same outcomes .

The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-trust. He guides their eyes from himself to the pathway that lies within each student.

There in lies the challenge.

Questioner said...

The comment at 7:44 advised to look at successful schools and classrooms. If there is something to see, please specify the schools and classrooms.

Anonymous said...

Next subject...

Anonymous said...

Agree. 7:44 has nothing specific to support the claim of ABUNDANT successful schools besides search the web.
Interested in more insightful comments about incoming super, Hamlet.

Anonymous said...

We need to have SAFE schools where learning can occur for all!! I realize that everyone learns differently, but one person ( classroom teacher) cannot provide individualized instruction for 20 students in a 45 minute period.....they need to teach the lesson and modify and adjust. Society does not meet everyone's individual needs....we need to adjust to society just like kids have to adjust to the lesson ( with teacher assistance). Our schools are not safe when kids leave classes and run the halls and into other classes hitting students. These students refuse to listen to any redirection and will cuss back!!! Parents have been called and referrals have been written and modifications have been made but NOTHING happens. This behavior would not and should not be tolerated in any school.. Elementary kids are afraid to come to school and that is WRONG!!!

Anonymous said...


Interesting how safety is relative. For many of these students the school is the safest place in the community. No one is packing a piece. Fights and scruffs will only go so far within school walls. Backyards and alley ways have a darker side to them.


Hopefully Dr.Hamlet and Daniel Matsook ( heading the transition of Wilkinsburgh students into Westinghouse ) will enjoy a hamburger lunch together and bond as they all 'build a new team' going forward in this partnership.

The students will write their own narrative here. They will set the tone.

Anonymous said...

@5:53... I'll agree with hat schools are safer than the streets and alleys that our children live in, but school needs to be the place for learning. We need to bring that " tone" back for all kids!!! When kids are afraid to come to school because of other students or because of problems on the bus....our schools aren't safe. When kids have full out brawls and come back to class with a bag of chips....there's a problem. We need discipline back!

Anonymous said...

Seriously, a bag of chips?

Anonymous said...

Yes chips. or pizza-- or after a brawl- an adminstrator putting a student back into your room.
Please believe -- there are NO consequences-- it is what teachers have been literally begging gort for 10 yearx. Students need to know that whgen a cvrtical incident happens, they have an answer when a parent says "what did the teacher do?" No amount of engagement can help if disruption is constatantly permitted

Anonymous said...

05:53- Are you an educator in any of these schools? If so perhaps you are the one to tell us WHY students have not written "their own narrative" up to this point. WHY have students "set a tone that has put them in a position that is noe serving them well at all? Can you share those insights and/or information with us? What will be different? Wilkinsburg taxpayers sitting on their upper middle class porches saving taxes and/or collecting consultant fees? Students have not written their own narrative at Wilkinsburg ot Westinghouse and others in that same category? WHY? Why? Why?

Anonymous said...


The students have and will continue to write their own narrative. Many of the narratives don't read very well. The story lines are troubled. But every now and then we have a student or students who's life story will read well and they will pay it forward.

Anonymous said...


Seeds have been sown for the Partnership between Wilkinsburg and Westinghouse.
Careful preparations have been ongoing and covered extensively in both the PG and Trib.

The students have been introduced and they are locking arms in play, rapping with each other in song and deciding quietly with anticipation and ambivalence whether they want this to work.

They will write this 'story' and the teachers ,if they're fortunate enough, will be footnotes.

Stay tuned.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, 9:16! We all should anticipate the success of the Westinghouse/Wilkinsburg merger because the adults who are a part of the transition team are ALL ABOUT KIDS!!!