Constance Clayton

Constance Elaine Clayton (October 23, 1933 – September 18, 2023) was an American educator and civic leader. She was the first woman and the first African American to serve as Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia from 1982 to 1993. The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education established the Constance E. Clayton Professorship in 1992. This was the first professorship established in the name of an African American woman at an Ivy League institution and the second such professorship in the United States. Her parents separated shortly before she reached the age of two and were subsequently divorced. She was raised by her mother and maternal grandmother, Sarah Harris.

Clayton was the national social action chairman of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Superintendent of schools In 1983, Clayton defeated 83 other candidates to become the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. She served in the position from 1983 to 1993. She also became president-elect of the national Council of Great City Schools.

Clayton was a moral voice in support of children in the education system, emphasizing that "Somebody had better step forward and be the advocate for kids." She retired in 1993.

Awards and honors 17 honorary doctorates Rev. Jesse F. Anderson Memorial Award from Widener University Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania Award

Death and legacy Clayton died on September 18, 2023, and was interred at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

The Constance E. Clayton Professorship in Urban Education was established in 1992 at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. It received support from the William Penn Foundation, Cigna, The Vanguard Group, and PNC Bank.