Nica Jurlando (285)

In December of 2024, Central students began to notice a new face waiting next to the breakfast stand, popping into classrooms, and overseeing class assemblies. That person is Central’s newest staff member: Interim President Edward Koch, filling in for President Davis while she is out on maternity leave. Luckily, Central students and faculty have little need to fret over her absence; Koch is a worthy candidate for the short-term position. A graduate of South Philadelphia High School and Temple University, Koch has extensive experience in educational instruction and administration positions, having devoted his long career to education within the School District of Philadelphia. 

He first began working as an ELL teacher at an elementary school in Overbrook, where he taught for 13 years, teaching kids from approximately 14 different language backgrounds who were learning English as a second language. Eventually, the School District of Philadelphia promoted him to become a supervisor of the District’s ELL program in which he supervised the programs of 17 Philly schools. Following his work in ELL, he worked in several administrative and principal positions in schools throughout Philly, ranging from elementary to high school. Since retiring, he spent 5 years in the field of early childhood education and has held several substitute administrative positions.

When asked what he looks forward to achieving in his temporary time at Central, he responded, “I’m here to continue the existing model and to support success,” which he has succeeded in doing in previous positions. “[While] principal of Fairhill Elementary School, my team and I were able to transform the school from a K-6 model to a Pre-K to 8th grade environment,” he shares pridefully. Because of his experience, Koch says that he transitioned to Central seamlessly, as this is one of the several substitute administrative positions he has held throughout his career.

Out of the several schools he has worked at, Koch believes that Central displays exceptional academic prowess and admirable participation in the community of Philadelphia. “Central is unique to me because of the academic performance, commitment to education, the alumni support, and [the emphasis on] community involvement.” In addition, he praises Central’s “very strong parental and family involvement and commitment.” 

Koch took over President Davis’ role in December and will complete his time toward the end of February.  In his limited yet indeterminate time at Central, Koch vows to support student and staff success through “daily communication, monitoring programs, and commitment to community.” The Central community should have no worries about who will fill the role of President: Koch is up to the challenge!