Philadelphia School District

In Wake Of School Closings, Parents Search For Options

It’s been eight days since the School Reform Commission voted to shutter 23 public schools in Philadelphia. Students and parents at closing schools are wondering what’s next.

2013/03/15

School Reform Commission Votes To Save Four Schools, 23 To Close

The School Reform Commission has voted to save four public schools from closure in Philadelphia.

2013/03/07

Parents And Teachers React To School Closings

There was a lot of disappointment and passion from parents, teachers and education advocates in attendance.

2013/03/07

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 School District headquarters. File photo by Mike DeNardo)

Philadelphia School District Wants Teachers To Work Longer Days For Less Money

In its opening contract proposal, the 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.

2013/02/27

The School Reform Commission approves new policy to ensure businesses with contracts with the school district have all city taxes paid up. (Credit: Mike DeNardo)

Philadelphia School District’s Message To Tax Deadbeats: Pay Up

The new School Reform Commission policy means that vendors looking for school contracts have to have their use and occupancy taxes and other city taxes paid up.

2013/02/22

Superintendent William Hite at a City Council hearing on his school closure plan. (credit: Mike DeNardo)

Philadelphia School Superintendent Set To Announce Changes In Plan To Close 37 Schools

Superintendent William Hite told a daylong City Council hearing on Tuesday that he will announce an updated school closure plan next week.

2013/02/12

Report: Cities Not Prepared To Deal With Closed School Properties

The report by the Pew Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative looked at what’s happened to closed schools in 12 cities and researcher Emily Dowdall says most of them are still sitting vacant.

2013/02/12

Some Schools May Move To Philadelphia School District Headquarters If Closed

Part of the debate over closing 37 Philadelphia schools includes the possibility of moving some schools into the cavernous district headquarters building.

2013/02/03

I-Team: Supposedly Strapped For Cash Philadelphia School District Paying Out Big Checks To Workers

The School District of Philadelphia is strapped for cash, yet the CBS 3 I-Team found it is spending tens of millions of dollars a year – your tax money – on a big perk payout: letting workers cash in on unused vacation, personal and sick days.

2013/01/31

Teachers, Students And Parents Gather To Protest Closing Of 37 Philadelphia Schools

The rally was organized by the Philadelphia Coalition Advocating for Public Schools and Juntos, a non-profit that works for equal rights for the Latino immigrant community.

2013/01/29

Local Community Groups Join Forces To Fight Philadelphia School Closing Recommendation

Philadelphia area community groups are joining together to fight the School District recommendation to close 37 public schools at the end of the school year.

2013/01/13

Public School Advocates Seek Moratorium On Superintendent’s ‘Action Plan’

Public school advocates are already asking for changes in the action plan unveiled today by Philadelphia schools superintendent William Hite. KYW’s Pat Loeb reports they want a moratorium on the school closings Hite as proposed.

2013/01/07

2012 Year In Review: Big Changes For Philadelphia School District

After receiving an independently-funded consultant’s report school district leadership recommended downsizing the central office and turning over school operations to so-called “achievement networks” in the springtime.

2012/12/30