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Timeline Set For Formation Of Board To Control Philadelphia's Schools

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The timeline is set for the formation of a local board to control Philadelphia's schools.

Mayor Jim Kenney has unveiled the names of the 13 people who will give him a list of nominees for a local school board. That panel meets for the first time this Friday, and is expected to recommend 27 names to the mayor by Feb. 28.

"I'm very happy with the diversity and talent on the selection committee, and I expect the 27 names that they will send over to the mayor's office will be quality names," he said. "As much quality as they are as selectors."

The timeline calls for the mayor to appoint nine of them to form the new local school board in March. The board will officially assume control of the school system on July 1, replacing the state-run School Reform Commission.

"Even though the charter requires the mayor to make the appointments, this should not be a mayor-centric action or process. We need as much of the public involved as possible," he said.

Among the names on the nominating panel: Parent activist Kendra Brooks, AFL-CIO head Pat Eiding, Citizens Bank President Dan Fitzpatrick and Penn provost Wendell Pritchett. The city has scheduled seven public information sessions to explain the return to local control:

Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Parkwood Civic Association, St. Anselm Church, 12670 Dunks Ferry Rd.

Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6:00 p.m. at Mantua Civic Association, Grace Lutheran Church, Haverford and North 36th St.

Monday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 p.m. at T.M. Peirce Elementary School, 2300 West Cambria St.

Monday, Jan. 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman St.

Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Philadelphia Home and School Association, 440 North Broad St.

Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Community College of Philadelphia, Center for Business & Industry, 18th and Callowhill, C2-28

Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 6:00 p.m. at Southwest CDC, 6328 Paschall Ave.

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