The School District of Philadelphia has named William R. Hite Jr. as its new superintendent, which caps a search process that began in January and gives the district a full-time head for the first time former superintendent Arlene Ackerman left last August.

Here are excerpts from the official news release:

The Philadelphia School Reform Commission (SRC) today announced its selection of William R. Hite, Jr. as the next Superintendent/CEO of the School District of Philadelphia.  Hite is the current superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). PGCPS is Maryland’s second largest school system, and the eighteenth largest in the nation with 135,000 students, 200 schools, and a budget of $1.6 billion. 

Announcing the SRC’s selection, Chairman Pedro A. Ramos said, “Today, we take a giant step toward providing safe, high quality educational opportunities for all Philadelphia children. Dr. Hite is an eminent educator and a proven transformative leader.”

“I was very impressed with Dr. Hite’s passion and commitment to educating children, support for the professional development of teachers and principals, and his dedication to working with the broader Philadelphia community. He understands that a high performing, high expectation system of schools is critical to the future of the city of Philadelphia," Mayor Michael Nutter said in the release.

“Philadelphia is one of America’s greatest cities, and I am excited about the opportunities that it offers. I look forward to working with the leaders and families of this city as we work to improve the lives of our youth,” Hite said in the release. 

While details surrounding the transition are still being determined, Search Team Chair and SRC Commissioner Wendell Pritchett reiterated the SRC’s commitment to an open and transparent process.

“We will make Dr. Hite’s contract public as soon as it is finalized,” Pritchett said.

What do you think of the selection? Let us know in the comments.