In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to rename the 400 Block of North Broad Street, between Spring Garden Street and Callowhill Street, as “Dr. Constance E. Clayton Way.”

Dr. Constance Elaine Clayton was a trailblazing figure in Philadelphia history, stewarding the School District of Philadelphia from 1983 till her retirement in 1993, the first African American and woman to do so. She began her career in education in 1955 as an elementary school teacher at the former William H. Harrison School. She later served as a fourth-grade teacher for nine years, then spent five years designing social studies curricula for elementary grades. In 1973, she became the first Director and then Associate Superintendent of the Early Childhood Program for the District, turning it into a national model. Dr. Clayton left an ingrained mark on the hearts and minds of countless young Philadelphians through her unwavering commitment to educational excellence, equity, and social justice. Many civic leaders in Philadelphia, myself included, were educated during her tenure as Philadelphia Schools Superintendent, and benefitted from her focus on overlooked and under-supported students in the school system. 

I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this legislation honoring a giant of Philadelphia, whose work touched so many in the City and continues to today.