This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
In an unusual move, the School District has assigned one of its top, veteran administrators, Marilyn Perez, to serve as principal of Edison High School next fall. Perez is currently regional superintendent for the Central Region.
Perez grew up in the neighborhood served by Edison, and has previously served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant to the chief academic officer in the District.
Perez was introduced and the appointment announced at the opening of today’s SRC meeting.
"The Edison High School students and families are a tremendous asset to the city of Philadelphia," Perez told the assembled audience, speaking in English and then in Spanish. "I believe Edison High School can stand for excellence and be a great school."
Superintendent Arlene Ackerman described Perez as "someone who well understands the community" and "an educator who has a history of success with everything she does." Ackerman praised Perez for her willingness to make the move in what has been an upward career trajectory.
Edison serves over 1,500 students. During the 2009-10 school year, 82 percent of students were Latino, 16 percent African American, 1 percent White, and 1 percent Asian. Edison did not make AYP in 2009 and is in Corrective Action II, 7th year.