Moments ago the PA Senate confirmed Bill Green and Farah Jimenez to the School Reform Commission, and this morning, Governor Corbett called for $10 billion toward public education in his budget address. Governor Corbett was thoughtful and deliberate in selecting Bill Green and Farah Jimenez for the SRC; they are both dedicated public servants who …
Tag: School funding
We applaud the SRC appointments
The new commissioners are dedicated public servants who have shown commitment to results for students and families rather than any one particular ideology, and reflect the governor’s emphasis on ideas and leadership over partisan credentials. Each has made a weighty commitment to the enormous challenge facing our schools and our city, joining those already made …
Mark Gleason testifies before PA House Democratic Policy Committee and calls for funding and policies that produce outcomes
Today, Mark Gleason, executive director of PSP, testified before the PA House Democratic Policy Committee at the invitation of Representative Brian Sims. Here is his full testimony: Good afternoon. I would first like to extend my appreciation to Representative Sims and the other members of the Committee for holding this hearing today. There is no …
Strings attached to Phila. school grant rankle many
When it comes to educating Philadelphia's public school children, what constitutes "reform" of the system?
Opinions vary, but the ones that matter right now reside in Gov. Corbett's administration.
Important updates on Philly school funding crisis
Last week we called for immediate action from Philadelphia’s leaders to ensure our public schools are prepared to open in September. We’ve recently seen signs of movement in the right direction: Mayor Nutter guaranteed at least $50 million needed to open schools on September 9; the District can now begin hiring back critical school staff …
Open Letter to Mayor Nutter, Council President Clarke and Members of City Council: Our kids deserve to go to safe, high-quality schools next month. In a city with many challenges, there is no more important or immediate crisis.
Dear Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Honorable Darrell L. Clarke and Members of City Council: We applaud your commitment to ensuring that Philadelphia schools open on time, with enough staff and resource to provide a proper education for the city’s children. We know you also share our conviction that securing the long-term sustainability and improvement of …
A path forward for Philly’s schools
With district schools set to open in less than four weeks, we have clearly arrived at a time for action. Superintendent William Hite has called for at least $50 million in additional funding just to open schools. But we know the bar must be set higher: The goal must be opening schools that are rich …
PSP calls on City Council to invest in what’s working in Philadelphia schools
Today, Mark Gleason testified during City Council Budget Hearings to Support the School District’s request for additional city funding as part of reform package. Here is the full text of his testimony: Good afternoon Mr. Chairman, Committee Members, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and Council members. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today on the critical subject …
Philadelphia Inquirer Op-ed: Build on district’s improvements
With a $304 million budget gap, the School District of Philadelphia faces a financial crisis. Superintendent William Hite and the School Reform Commission have requested a combination of new revenues and savings. But these requests are about more than closing a deficit.
Two must-reads
We want to be sure you catch two “can’t miss” commentaries that ran in the Inquirer this week: This morning, School Reform Commission chair Pedro Ramos explains that the District’s request for more funding isn’t about saving the status quo; when coupled with meaningful reforms, the funding will help to build on the transformational change …