Kinsey hosts new School District of Philadelphia superintendent for visit at MLK High School
Rep. Stephen Kinsey October 12, 2022 | 3:31 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 12 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., hosted new School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. for a visit to Martin Luther King High School, which is in Kinsey’s legislative district, on Tuesday.
The visit started off with a tour of the school and concluded with a briefing that included Watlington, Kinsey, state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., students, school administrators, alumni and community organizations.
At this briefing, Watlington answered questions from students about how he plans to help improve schools across Philadelphia like Martin Luther King High School.
The group was escorted by Martin Luther King High School’s Junior ROTC members.
“Education is the building block to a child’s future, and it is important for educational leaders to interact with our children and school faculties to see their needs so they can better be able to address them,” Kinsey said. “I appreciate Superintendent Watlington visiting Martin Luther King High School today, and I will continue to work with him, school administrators, parents and students to ensure our children receive the best education possible.”
Martin Luther King High School Principal Keisha Wilkins offered the following statement on yesterday’s visit.
“We are grateful and honored to have had both State Representative Kinsey and Superintendent Watlington visit King High School today. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character -- that is the goal of true education.’ This visit allowed my Kings and Queens to express themselves, ask pertinent questions, and most importantly, make the connection between home, school and community! School is a safe space for our scholars. Having the opportunity to speak on their concerns about violence, extracurricular activities and community partnerships is a steppingstone for change; today’s visit reminded my Kings and Queens that they are the true catalysts for change!”
You can view photos from yesterday’s event here, and watch video here.