Jerry Jordan « CBS Philly

Philadelphia Teachers, School Officials At Odds Over How To Close Budget Gap

Superintendent William Hite’s budget relies on labor concessions — including teacher pay cuts from 5 to 13 percent, and an end to teacher seniority.

2013/05/17

Donna Cooper announces the formation of the coalition outside school headquarters yesterday. (credit: Mike DeNardo)

New Education Coalition Asks For Teacher Contract Changes

The group endorses full site selection in the next teachers contract — that is, letting principals pick teachers, rather than having teachers with seniority choosing the schools where they want to work.

2013/04/11

(Proponents of a moratorium for school closures listen as Quanisha Smith of Action United speaks outside City Hall. Credit: John Ostapkovich)

Nutter Says He Won’t Back a Delay in Philadelphia School Closure Plan

A coalition of groups is asking Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter to pressure the School Reform Commission to put a one-year moratorium on the plan to close dozens of schools.

2013/03/04

School District Proposal Asks Teachers To Work More Hours For Less Money

In its opening contract proposal, the Philadelphia School District wants teachers’ work days extended from seven to eight hours with teachers at the top of the pay scale taking a 13-percent salary cut.

2013/02/28

(Philadelphia schools superintendent Dr. William Hite told a City Council hearing on Monday that the pay increases for certain district employees were not raises but rather salary adjustments for additional duties. Photo from City of Phila. TV)

Philadelphia Schools Boss Defends Pay Increases For 25 District Employees

Superintendent William Hite defended the salary increases, saying they coincided with additional responsibilities for employees in the district’s IT, finance, and human resources departments.

2012/11/26

Local Officials Discuss Education And The Role Of Teachers

During the recent teachers strike in Chicago and throughout the nation, there is a continuing conversation about levels of teacher accountability.

2012/10/07

Student Kiara Garcia speaks while parent Kia Henson -- far right -- and Teachers Union President Jerry Jordan -- next to Henson -- listen. (credit: Pat Loeb)

Group To Develop Plan Countering School Closures Study

A group of students, parents and teachers — unhappy with a consultant’s report that called for the closing of one-fifth of Philadelphia public schools –announced they’ll launch their own effort to develop a strategic plan.

2012/08/16

Jerry Jordan (file photo by Mike DeNardo)

Teacher’s Union President Slams School Reorganization Plan

“If you really want true input from the Federation, from parents and from other stakeholders, then we need to be a part of it at the beginning, and not at the end,” Jerry Jordan said.

2012/05/10

Group Vows To Fight Philadelphia’s Plan For Public Schools

On the second day of City Council School budget hearings, a new coalition met outside city Council chambers, vowing to fight the School Reform Commission’s “blueprint” to transform the city’s public schools.

2012/05/09

Philadelphia Teachers’ Union Charges School District Mishandling Student Medications

The Philadelphia teachers’ union has filed a complaint with the state, saying the school district is now using non-medical personnel to give medications to students.

2012/02/01

Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president Jerry Jordan announces contract extension at Temple University (credit: Cherri Gregg)

Philadelphia Teachers Vote To Extend Contract Through August 2013

“We’re not giving to the district, we are really giving to the children of Philadelphia because we do care about what happens in schools and what happens to the kids,” Federation president Jerry Jordan says.

2011/10/14

(The new West Philadelphia High School building. Credit: Jim Melwert)

A Fresh Start For A Philadelphia School District Steeped In Controversy

After a tumultuous summer that saw the buyout of Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, a new school year begins today for Philadelphia public school students.

2011/09/06

Thousands Attend Labor Day Celebrations, Local Leaders Cite Need For Unions

Philadelphia’s annual Labor Day parade and picnic drew a large and mixed crowd — celebrating the movement that gave the holiday its name.

2011/09/05

(PFT president Jerry Jordan, in file photo. Credit: Mike DeNardo)

With Ackerman’s Departure, Sighs Of Relief From Many Quarters

PFT president Jerry Jordan admits he won’t miss her.

2011/08/22

Philadelphia School District Backs Off Special Treatment For ‘Promise Academy’ Teachers

It’s a win for the teachers’ union, who said all along that their contract called for layoffs by seniority and that no group of teachers should be bypassed.

2011/08/16