The Philadelphia Tribune features “Good News” from The School District of Philadelphia each week in its Learning Key section. In addition to SDP’s “Good News,” every Tuesday, the Tribune names a District school as School of the Week. Every week, one of our schools is highlighted for the amazing work they are doing with our students. We’re excited to announce Paul L. Dunbar School as School of the Week in The Philadelphia Tribune’s Learning Key. Read Dunbar’s feature article in the Tribune here.

Before winter break, students at the School District of Philadelphia received a special holiday surprise when The Philly Specials (Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Jordan Mailata) in partnership with The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, distributed holiday gifts to students at Francis Scott Key Elementary School, Kirkbride Elementary School, and Benjamin Franklin High School as a part of Operation Snowball.

For the past two years, the Philly Specials have donated over four million dollars to various charities that support children in the Philly area and beyond. This year – the third and final year – they went bigger. Much bigger! This year, every Philadelphia public and charter school student will receive a gift through Operations Snowball.

Superintendent Watlington joined Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Mural Arts to announce the events of the 30th Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service! This year’s theme celebrates Dr. King’s vision of The Beloved Community and the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Congratulations to Senator Vincent Hughes on winning the Harris Wofford Active Citizenship Award! The event also featured the unveiling of a powerful student mural.

Congratulations to our exceptional Superintendent, Dr. Tony Watlington Sr., on being named 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the District Administration Leadership Institute! Since joining us in 2022, Dr. Watlington’s strategic leadership has helped our district flourish, with rising enrollment and graduation rates for the first time in a decade. As he humbly says, “This recognition belongs to our entire school community” – and we couldn’t be prouder to have him leading our Philadelphia schools toward a brighter future for all our students.

Congratulations to Jacob Rice, whose exceptional work as a Special Education Teacher at Swenson Arts & Technology High School has earned him the Instructional Excellence in Special Education Award from the Office of Diverse Learners. In his role as an English co-teacher, Mr. Rice transforms everyday challenges into stepping stones of success, inspiring and empowering each student who walks through his classroom door.

The School District of Philadelphia’s Operations Division is celebrating an exciting wave of well-deserved promotions from this past fall. Congratulations to each of our newly appointed leaders who have taken on expanded roles in our mission to create exceptional learning spaces. These promotions honor both seasoned veterans who’ve dedicated years to our schools and rising stars bringing fresh energy to the team. It’s significant that many of these leaders started their careers within the District, proving that dedication and talent create growth opportunities.

Paul Bonewicz, Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Paul Bonewicz, a lifelong Philadelphia resident and Drexel University graduate began his tenure with the School District in 2016 as Assistant Director of Maintenance. He played a key role in developing the District’s PA state-registered apprenticeship program. Promoted to Director of Maintenance in 2020, Paul expanded the apprenticeship program and led significant renovation projects. In 2024, he became Executive Director of Facilities Management Services and later assumed the role of Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer. Paul’s leadership prioritizes team building, customer service, and ensuring District facilities meet the needs of students and the community.

Vernon Palmer, Interim Executive Director of Facilities Management and Services

A product of the Philadelphia school system, Vernon Palmer began his career with the District’s Operations team through a career and technical program for recent graduates. Over nearly three decades, Vernon has held several key roles, most recently serving as Director of Special Projects, where he spearheaded initiatives such as the “One Philly, A United Citywide Clean and Green Program.” Recently promoted to Interim Executive Director of Facilities Management and Services, Vernon now oversees facility and maintenance operations, ensuring a safe and supportive physical environment for the District’s educational mission.

Patrick Osei, Executive Director of School Facilities Planning and Space Management

Patrick Osei brings extensive expertise in capital improvement, strategic planning, and environmental sustainability to his role as Executive Director of School Facilities Planning and Space Management at the School District of Philadelphia. He oversees the development of the District’s Facility Plan, collaborating with stakeholders to align infrastructure with the evolving needs of students and staff. Previously, Patrick contributed to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and PennDOT, focusing on transportation and climate initiatives. He also lectures part-time at the University of Pennsylvania and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Drexel University.

Dr. Kwame Grove, Interim Director of Facilities and Management Services

Kwame Grove, Interim Director of Facilities and Management Services, has dedicated over 15 years to the School District of Philadelphia. Starting as a per diem School Police Officer, Kwame transitioned to Facilities and Maintenance, steadily rising to Senior Regional Manager. A graduate of Glen Mills Schools with multiple degrees, including a Doctorate in Organizational and Change Leadership, Kwame is passionate about education and community service. Outside of work, he leads a non-profit mentoring young males and teaches GED classes, furthering his commitment to empowering others.

Jeff Scott, Director of Maintenance and Resource Scheduling  

Jeff Scott has been a vital part of the School District of Philadelphia since 2000, beginning his career through the Building Engineer in Training (BET) program. Over two decades, Jeff has built a distinguished career, serving 10 years as a Foreman in the Maintenance Department, six years as a Facilities Training Manager, and three years as Director of Facilities. Currently, as the Director of Maintenance and Resource Scheduling, Jeff leads a skilled team of Schedulers, Forepersons, and trades mechanics committed to the upkeep and repair of district facilities.

Tejal Pandejee, Executive Director of Operations Budget & Finance

Tejal Pandejee, a proud Temple University graduate and long-time Philadelphia resident, has been with the School District of Philadelphia since 2009. After over eight years as Finance Director for the Office of Facilities Management & Services, she now serves as Executive Director of Operations Budget & Finance. In this role, Tejal oversees operating and grant budgets, manages vendor payments and contracts, leads the finance team, and implements policies to strengthen internal controls and enhance operational efficiency.

Keith Guess, Senior Regional Manager (North)

Keith Guess, a proud graduate of Overbrook High School’s Class of 1992, has over 20 years of experience in facilities management. His career includes 21 years as a Building Engineer and 8 years as a Facilities Area Manager, overseeing operations and maintenance across multiple sites. Keith is now serving as the Senior Regional Manager for the northern section of the City.  Keith’s educational background includes the University of Wisconsin-Madison Engineering Summer Program, Lincoln University’s Laser Program, and locksmith training through the Thomas Shortman Training Fund. His combination of hands-on expertise and formal training positions him as a leader in the field.

Stephen Manna, Senior Regional Manager (South)

Stephen Manna joined the School District of Philadelphia in 1990 as a Fireman Trainee and steadily advanced through roles including Licensed Building Engineer, Assistant Manager, and Facilities Area Coordinator. Stephen was recently promoted to Senior Regional Manager this year after leadership roles as Regional Manager and Senior Facilities Area Manager. With 35 years of experience, Stephen has been instrumental in completing complex, time-sensitive projects and continues to share his expertise with the South Region Facilities Area Managers.