Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia School Partnership (PSP) issued the following statement on Mayor Jim Kenney’s appointments to the new Philadelphia Board of Education:

“A school board fulfills a role of great importance, because a city’s children are its future. A successful board will keep its eyes on the horizon and on the interests of its nonvoting constituents—the students—even in the face of myriad, near-term financial, structural and contextual challenges.

“PSP congratulates the nine nominees and applauds their willingness to serve. We look forward to seeing these nine set the academic goals and expectations that will lift our city and inspire its diverse array of 300-plus public schools. PSP will look for every opportunity to work with and support the efforts of the new Board of Education and the Superintendent to improve outcomes for low-income students and respond to the demand of families by expanding access to great schools.

“PSP also wishes to thank the Mayor, his team and the volunteer Nominating Panel for casting a wide net and running a thorough process in pursuit of a board worthy of the families of Philadelphia. Finally, we offer our gratitude to the current and former members of the School Reform Commission, who have put in long hours and true dedication and made many difficult decisions—laying the groundwork for this new board to take the reins on a positive trajectory.”