School Boards
Keystone Opportunity Zones are supposed to help commercial developers while providing career opportunities for kids. There’s a dispute over whether that bargain is actually fair.
Reginald Streater stressed that district leaders will seek out community input as officials develop a plan for school facilities.
The school board also approved extensions for three charter schools and funding for the city’s year-round school initiative.
The board voted to reelect Reginald Streater as its president, but its members’ pick for VP surprised even the winner.
The City Council will not vote to confirm Joyce Wilkerson’s appointment to the school board. But Mayor Cherelle Parker plans to put her on the board anyway.
The new school board, nominated by Mayor Cherelle Parker, will be seated on May 1 and have its first action meeting May 30.
City Council gave their final approval to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s eight school board picks on Thursday, but Joyce Wilkerson’s nomination is still deferred.
Former Board President Joyce Wilkerson’s nomination by Mayor Cherelle Parker was deferred, and city officials expressed displeasure about the district’s charter school policy.
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s picks include the current board president and two people with strong ties to charter schools. If the City Council confirms her nominees, they’ll start their terms May 1.
Philadelphia school board adopts $4.5 billion 2025 budget
The Educational Nominating Panel released its list of 27 finalists for the school board Tuesday night. Mayor Cherelle Parker will forward nine to the City Council for public hearings.
The mayor’s Education Nominating Panel is expected to release its list of recommended names for future board members at a public meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
Mallory Fix-Lopez, the only educator on the board, said her resignation is due in part to the time commitment and workload that comes with the volunteer position.
The board of education has not approved a new charter school since 2018.
The board’s vote follows claims that the district has exhibited a systemic bias against Black-led charters.
At a six-hour meeting, the board also nixes a charter renewal, spends $205 million, and mandates Juneteenth instruction
Board members approved millions in spending on technology, summer programming, and curriculum. They also denied a charter school application.
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 contracts cover everything from prekindergarten and office supplies to HVAC and strategic communications.
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.