Philly Supt. wins Canton race

Philadelphia Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Shannon Whitehead has won the Ward 2 alderman race in Canton, where she lives.

Whitehead secured the position by defeating Fred Esco Jr. with nearly 70% of the vote.

On Facebook, Whitehead shared several plans for her ward, which include a seasonal beautification club, neighborhood watch nights, summer tutoring, senior citizen holiday outings, workforce readiness workshops, and much more.

“I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your incredible support,” she posted. “Together, we’ve created a powerful sense of community, and I can’t wait to light up our city with neighborhood unity.”

Though many have shared their congratulations on Facebook, some residents have expressed concerns about Whitehead’s residency, questioning the residency requirements for city superintendents now that she has been elected to office in Canton.

There is no residency requirement in state law for municipal school superintendents.

Attempts to reach Whitehead have been unsuccessful for weeks.