Edited by Constance Clayton, Ph.D., served as the district's first African American and female superintendent.
The Philadelphia Board of Education unanimously voted to name the Philadelphia School District's main building the Constance E. Creighton Education Center in honor of the district's former superintendent. Constance E. Clayton, Ed.D. served as district superintendent from 1982 to 1993. She was born and raised in the city and attended Dunbar Elementary School, Philadelphia High School for Girls, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Creighton was known for his motto: “I made every decision based on what was best for the kids.”
“It was truly an honor and privilege to know Dr. Clayton as a mentor and friend,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. “She exemplified a true educator and humanitarian through her dedication to improving the lives of children through education. Her contributions to the children of Philadelphia are worthy of our recognition. She is just one of the reasons we should remember her through the naming of our central office building.”
Ms. Clayton began her career in the district as a fourth grade teacher. During her tenure, she held multiple roles focused on curriculum development. Prior to her service as superintendent, she designed the social studies curriculum and led the district's African American studies program. Clayton said she was especially proud of the African American history curriculum she introduced into classrooms across the district. Building on her commitment to Creighton's African American studies, Philadelphia became the first school district in the country to make the class a graduation requirement.
As superintendent, Clayton has provided strong leadership to reduce student services through fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, standardized curriculum across schools, and the ability to negotiate and collaborate with all stakeholders. He was known for tackling difficult school district budgets without much effort. She partnered with local businesses to support the school with better resources and established the school as the center of the community.
“The Board of Education is honored to commemorate Dr. Constance E. Clayton’s visionary leadership by dedicating the district’s central office in her name,” said Board of Education President Dr. Reginald Streeter said. “Her contributions continue to resonate throughout the district decades later, and we recognize her legacy of excellence and dedication to making every decision through the lens of student-centered academic achievement. We are inspiring you to protect and let this building stand as a beacon of all that has been and all that is yet to come.”
“This is a historic time in Philadelphia's history. We recently lost our iconic retiring Superintendent Constance E. Creighton, but gained an uncompromising educational legacy spanning more than 40 years. Having attended every school in Philadelphia, including High School for Girls, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania, this arts honoree, who served as superintendent for the longest time, gives the district's children a chance to see what they can become. It was a diamond,” said Dr. Robin Cooper, president of CASA, the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators. This is not just a victory for the school district, but for his entire city of Philadelphia. ”
“Dr. Clayton had the phrase 'Every school is a good school' written on his letterhead on every memo and letter,” said Jerry Jordan, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. “Dr. It is a perfect tribute to Dr. Clayton, who made people the center of his life's work.”
“Naming the district's headquarters the Constance E. Creighton Education Center helps ensure Dr. Creighton's status as an educational icon,” edited by Deirdre R. Farmbry. Former Special Assistant and Interim Superintendent to Dr. Clayton. “Anyone who asks about that name that enters the building recognizes the visionary whose unwavering commitment to educational excellence has set the bar high for all those who claim to represent the youth of Philadelphia and beyond. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of leadership.”
Clayton was known for her no-nonsense leadership style and fierce advocacy for her students, whom she loved dearly. Her dedication to improving the lives and education of children extends beyond her work in the Philadelphia School District and public schools, where she serves on numerous local and national boards and committees. Ta. She received honorary doctorates from several universities in 1994. Clayton was touted as “this country's outstanding educator.” As a testament to her accomplishments, the University of Pennsylvania established the Constance E. Clayton Professorship in Urban Education under the direction of Marvin Laserson and Gloria Twine Chisholm.
“As co-executors of the estate of Dr. Constance E. Clayton, we hereby name the Philadelphia School District building located at 440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Constance E. Clayton Educational Center. “This honor will help continue Dr. Creighton's legacy in Philadelphia's educational system,” said Wilfretta, co-executor of the Dr. Constance E. Creighton Estate. said Dr. Bo and Dr. Jarvis MacArthur. “Dr. Creighton is a well-deserved recipient of hundreds of awards and more than 15 honorary doctorates from across the United States and other countries. I will continue to mourn.”
Clayton also had a significant impact on Philadelphia's arts community, supporting African American arts and culture throughout his life. Clayton serves on the board of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and founded the African American Collections Committee in 2000. To increase the representation of people of color in the arts community, the Creighton Curatorial Fellowship at the Philadelphia Museum of Art was established in her honor. She also donated works from her personal collection to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Schaumburg.
Clayton was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., served as president of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter from 1959 to 1961, and was a true champion of women's leadership.
“Dr. Constance E. Clayton, a esteemed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., exemplified our glorious sorority principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and social action.” said Penny Sparks Nixon, president of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. “The influence of her leadership is still felt throughout our city's educational tapestry. As a testament to her accomplishments, it is instructive to name 440 North Broad Street in her honor. It's an honor.”
U.S. Pennsylvania State Senator Robert Casey honored Mr. Clayton during Black History Month in 2017, calling him a trailblazer whose career in education positively impacted the lives of countless children in Philadelphia. did.
A formal naming event will be held in the near future.
