Pittsburgh School Board officially appoints new superintendent, Wayne N. Walters

The Pittsburgh Public Schools made official Wednesday what it had revealed last week — the interim superintendent since October was promoted to superintendent, ushering in what school officials hope will be a “reset period” with a opportunity to recommit to public education in the city.

The school board unanimously approved a five-year contract for Wayne N. Walters, a veteran educator with 30 years of experience in the city schools as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent.

The school board had announced on July 14 that it would make Walters the district’s superintendent, effective Aug. 1.

“The reputation he has earned among teachers, administrators, students, and parents alike over his three decades in the district speaks volumes,” said Sala Udin, board president.

Walters will receive $260,000 in the first year, followed by a 3% increase in 2023 and 4% increases in 2024, 2025 and 2026, depending on receiving good performance ratings. The contract expires on July 31, 2027.

Walters had been earning an annual salary of $210,000 since becoming interim superintendent in October.

The “reset period” the district referred to in its statement is an apparent reference to the circumstances surrounding the resignation last September of former superintendent Anthony Hamlet.

Hamlet resigned after the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission found he submitted “negligent” reimbursements for travel and was improperly paid for days off when he was not working for the school district.

Walters’ contract addresses issues that have arisen in the district over the past several years. His contract includes restrictions prohibiting paid relationships with for-profit educational/technology companies. The contract also ensures any honorariums he receives must conform with the ethics commission rules and regulations.

Walters’ salary and benefits package is consistent with superintendents in other urban schools nationwide with similarly sized enrollments, according to a survey conducted by the American Association of School Administrators, the district said in a statement.

As has been customary, Walters will get a school-provided a security vehicle with a school police officer as his driver when he is working.

Students will return to school on Aug. 29, with kindergarten classes to being on Sept. 1.