Despite Objections, Audenried High School Converted To Charter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Despite vocal objections, the School Reform Commission last night voted to convert Audenried High and Vare Middle schools to charters, run by Kenny Gamble's Universal Companies.
After the announcement, Audenried teacher Hope Moffett -- the teacher disciplined after she publicly opposed the charter plan -- spoke out again.
"In order for Audenried to be considered for school turnaround, the district mislabeled it as a failing school."
But Superintendent Arlene Ackerman said turning Audenried over to Universal was the right thing to do.
"Why do you get a protest? We should be getting shouts and celebration."
SRC chair Robert Archie, who abstained from voting because he sits on Universal's board, did not abstain from publicly pointing out the good Kenny Gamble's company has done -- even shutting down a "house of ill repute"
"They have a track record of basically turning around neighborhoods."
The charter plan was approved 3-0, with the amendment that Universal is responsible to provide school services even if it fails to win a federal "Promise Neighborhood" grant.
Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio
