The district said the decision to close schools to students was made “out of an abundance of caution.” Staff are still expected to report to school buildings on Friday.
Although asbestos is only considered a health hazard when it starts to flake, several school closures linked to the material this year have caused serious concern among Philadelphia parents and others.
Superintendent Tony Watlington has been promising to release a five-year strategic plan since he took office. Almost one year and a $450,000 consulting contract later, that plan is set to go to a vote May 25, but the public knows next to nothing about it.
Cherelle Parker and Tony Watlington haven’t shared details about how big changes to the academic calendar would work.
Parker — who is poised to become the first woman to serve as Philadelphia’s mayor — has big ideas for schools, but the teachers union and other power players will help determine their fate.
Cherelle Parker and David Oh will advance to November’s general election. Philadelphia’s next mayor will have the power to reshape the school board and influence several education issues, including charter school authorization.
The report also includes measures of equity, including a racial breakdown of suspensions and access to Advanced Placement courses.
Jesse Mell, the city school district’s drumline coordinator, wants to grow the program until it’s in every school. This year, for the first time, the district will offer drumline as a summer program.
Leah Wood said she’ll go to great lengths to get her students engaged with what they’re learning
Based on girls’ comments in focus groups, a Pennsylvania advocacy group is calling for more Black teachers and staff, an end to overly harsh dress codes that made one girl feel “sexualized,” and courses that highlight Black achievement.
The Boys’ Latin initiative follows the growing recognition that hands-on job training helps teens build a network and further future careers.
Frankford High School students staged a production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights” at another school, after their building was one of several in the district to close recently due to damaged asbestos.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas wants to discuss creating a new authority to manage school construction and repairs, although a similar approach in New Jersey has fared poorly.
Lillian Izzard and Amanda Jones have won the school district’s prestigious Lindback Award for principals.
C.W. Henry is the fourth school building to close in recent weeks and district officials anticipate more closures could be looming.
The contracts cover everything from prekindergarten and office supplies to HVAC and strategic communications.
The district has come under fire for failing to present a long-term plan for students if more schools shut down.
The mayor has no direct control over the schools, but does have the power to appoint all of the school board members who can then carry out the mayor’s vision regarding charter schools, the lottery admission process, and other education issues. Here’s where the candidates stand.
Fewer than one out of five qualified students offered seats at certain high schools have enrolled in them for the next school year.
Next year’s sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply, and the school board is hoping for a charter school student.
Larry Krasner’s report also found that 95% of girls arrested in the city are children of color.
Philly parents say schools don’t prepare students to thrive, want next mayor to prioritize education
Parents are most concerned about safety, teacher quality, and curriculum.
A March 28 student rally came after Superintendent Tony Watlington announced changes to the admissions system.
Students at the board meeting criticized district leadership for failing to quickly fix asbestos-ridden buildings, a flawed admissions process, and a lack of transparency.
Critics of the district’s lottery system had said it would lead to enrollment declines and staff cuts at certain high schools.
Candidates want to lengthen the school day, offer free transportation, knock down old buildings, and raise teacher pay, among other ideas.
Board President Reginald Streater wants the city to increase annual local funding for the district by $318 million by 2027.
In Philadelphia, 83% of early childhood programs are currently facing a staffing shortage and nearly 3,000 children are on a waitlist.
During a high school visit, Gov. Josh Shapiro also discussed his plans to hire more teachers and increase education spending in his proposed budget.
City officials and others are demanding a quick response and a detailed school facilities plan from Superintendent Tony Watlington.
The school board and city government must reach a deal to manage and fund the facility.
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