Candidate approved as new Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Public Schools has found a new superintendent in a man who was announced hours earlier as a candidate by the Board of Directors.

During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Anthony Hamlet was named as the candidate to take over for the district’s soon-to-be former Superintendent Linda Lane. His appointment as superintendent was approved by a vote during the board’s Special Legislative Meeting Wednesday evening. %

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Lane announced in September that she would not seek a contract extension after it expires in June. She served as superintendent since December 2010.

Hamlet is currently director of school accountability transformation in the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida. The five-time principal of the year previously played in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks.

As superintendent in Pittsburgh, Hamlet faces challenges taking over the underperforming school district, which is losing students to private and charter schools. He acknowledged that performance and student retention are top priorities.

In the wake of fights at University Prep, Hamlet said security issues within the district also need to be addressed.

“We're looking at bringing in all our stakeholders, our principals and talking to our students as well. We need their voice as well to come up with clear, sound decisions of how we can wrap our heads around better security measures in particular schools to reduce the safety issues that we're having,” he said.

The board said Hamlet was picked as one of three finalists for the superintendent position because he has worked as a teacher, a principal and a behavioral specialist.

“I've done the work. I know how to do the work, but more importantly, the work is focused on what children's needs are,” Hamlet said.

Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers President Nina Esposito-Visigitis released the following statement in response to the selection of Hamlet as the new superintendent:

“Dr. Hamlet brings a tremendous wealth and diversity of experience to our district, and the PFT whole-heartedly welcomes him. It was wonderful to hear him speak to the primary importance of a positive and supportive school culture, and we look forward to working with him, and introducing him to the great work of our teachers, our students and our union.”

Cox Media Group