1 to 7 of 7
Archive for “School Reform Commission” news
In Hopes of Securing State Funding, Hite Proposes Ending Teacher Tenure
By Simon van Zuylen-Wood 5/17/2013
Comments 0
This ought to boost his popularity with the teachers unions! Philadelphia Public Schools Superintendent William Hite has proposed ending teacher tenure and seniority provisions, in the hopes of receiving $120 million in state funding. (The schools are facing a $300 million deficit, hence the fact that 23 schools are being shut down next month.) House Republicans, who for the most part are not fans of tenure, and teachers unions in general, seemed quite pleased with Hite's plan.
"It's stunning and refreshing to hear from a Philadelphia superintendent," [House Republican spokeman Steve] Miskin said. "I think we would definitely be willing to
Nutter’s Latest Attack on Sin: Raise the Tobacco Tax
By Simon van Zuylen-Wood 5/10/2013
Comments 0
This man does not like fun! First, the ill-fated soda tax. Last month, it was the liquor-by-the-drink tax. Now, Mayor Nutter and Council President Clarke are talking about hiking the tobacco tax. All of it, of course, to help raise $60 million in city funds to close a $300 million education budget shortfall that could leave schools without assistant principals, counselors, and extracurricular activities next year. When you pit cigarettes against schools, it might not be so tough to gain popular support for a tax after all. [Daily News]
Hundreds of Philly Students Walked Out Of School Today. Here’s Why.
By Simon van Zuylen-Wood 5/09/2013
Comments 4
Protesting looming cuts to school programs and staff that many have described as disastrous, hundreds of Philadelphia students marched to City Hall, and then up Broad, to School District headquarters today.
Mayor Nutter, meanwhile, was at a high school in South Philly this morning, rallying for $300 million in education funding the School Reform Commission needs from Council, from the state, and from union concessions to close the district's budget shortfall. Some council members seem irked that he chose to do it while they were in session, suggesting the mayor was trying to send a message. Council President Darrell Clarke, meanwhile,
Free Twinkies at Sixers Games?
By Timothy Haas 11/20/2012
Comments 0
Hostess and Bakers Union Ordered to Take a 24-Hour Twinkie Break. A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge yesterday scolded the foodstuff feuders for skipping a major step in the negotiation process. If they can't come to an agreement during private mediation sessions throughout today, the company's liquidation hearing will resume tomorrow morning. [6ABC]
And If Mediation Doesn't Work, Romney-Supporting 76ers Owner Is Ready to Pig Out. Marc Leder, the co-owner of the Sixers who hosted Mitt Romney's "47 percent" debacle, told Fortune yesterday that his firm, Sun Capital Partners, is willing to put a "labor-friendly deal" on the table if Hostess goes
School Reform Commission Imposes Cap on Charter School Growth
By Timothy Haas 11/16/2012
Comments 0
Saying it needs flexibility and predictability in a time of dire financial distress, the SRC last night voted unanimously to override state laws governing the ability of charter schools to expand without commission approval and the amount of time allowed for comment before a public school is closed. SRC chair Pedro Ramos promised that the commission won't "abuse" its state-granted powers. [Inquirer]
School Reform Commission Floats $300 Million Bond to Keep the Lights On
By Timothy Haas 11/08/2012
Comments 0
The fun times continue at the year-old Philadelphia School Reform Commission. With just weeks to go before the release of a report calling for the closure of up to 20 percent of the district's schools, SRC chairman Pedro Ramos yesterday announced the sale of $300 million in bonds to keep the district running through the end of the school year. On the upside, investors lapped up the offering — which will add $22 million a year in debt service to the district's budget beginning in 2014 — after the state agreed to guarantee the debt if the district can't pay
We Need a Whole New School District in Philadelphia
By Brett Mandel 2/15/2012
Comments 1
As the School Reform Commission struggles to close its most recent budget gap, I am not sure how we should measure their success. Even if the bean counters manage to reduce spending enough to make financial ends meet, we are far from delivering a desirable system of public education in Philadelphia.
I am the product of Philadelphia's public schools and was able to attend one of the nation's finest colleges—as the first in my family to graduate college. I am a parent of three public school students who are receiving superior educations. I am a passionate supporter of public schools. But I am also aware that for far too many, Philadelphia's public schools are not avenues of opportunity. When the SRC closes this year's budget gap, that reality will be unchanged and if the wrong cuts are made, things could be much worse.
