At our September Action Meeting, the Board welcomed and officially appointed De’Naiza Watson and Cavance Snaith as the Student Board Representatives and Doha Gassem as an Alternate for the 2023-2024 school year. In this advisory role, they represent the interests of their peers and advise the Board on the impact of Board policies on students…
At the February Action Meeting, the Board of Education passed a resolution opposing federal cuts to K-12 funding. These cuts would have a devastating impact on our most vulnerable students—reducing support for low-income families, English language learners, and students with disabilities. What do students in the School District of Philadelphia stand to lose? Education Funding…
The Board recently appointed Peng Chao as the permanent Chief of the Charter Schools Office (CSO.) During the past two years, Mr. Chao has served as Acting Chief of the CSO and has demonstrated his leadership, commitment and passion for this work. “I am simultaneously excited and humbled at the opportunity to continue to lead…
The Philadelphia Board of Education voted at a special action meeting tonight to approve a new three-year contract agreement with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT). The agreement, reached a week before the August 31 deadline, provides greater stability for the District’s educators and ensures students’ learning continues uninterrupted. Under the new agreement, approximately 14,000…
Congratulations to Board Member Joyce S. Wilkerson, who was nominated for the Green-Garner Award, the nation’s top award in urban education leadership, sponsored by the Council of Great City Schools and Scholastic. The award is named in memory of urban school leaders Richard R. Green and Edward Garner. Ms. Wilkerson, former President and current Member…
This fall, the Board established a Goals and Guardrails Committee to track progress on our goals for public education in Philadelphia. During these meetings, Board Members had more time to engage with data, track progress towards improving student achievement and discuss areas they would like to explore further. For instance, Board Members said they are…
This fall, Board Members’ calendars have been packed, not only with attending meetings but also with visiting district and charter schools, attending School District celebrations and hearing public testimony. During the school year, Board Members plan to visit more than a dozen schools to learn more about school communities, their challenges and opportunities. Visits include…