Just days ahead of Wednesday’s vote on new charter school applications, another organization has asked the school reform commission to stay objective in reaching its decision.
Opinions about the best course moving forward varies widely. The latest group to weigh in, the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools contending no approvals would be punitive to the thousands of students on waiting lists for admission to quality schools.
Speaker of House Mike Turzai announced his expectations at a forum in West Philadelphia, stating no fewer than 16 charter schools should be given the green light by the state-controlled panel overseeing the city’s public school system.
In a one-page statement, the coalition stated the district’s financial crisis still appears on its radar, “however, the district needs to develop a resolution to that crisis in a manner that does not prevent Philadelphia’s most vulnerable children access to public school choice that for many of them will open the door to high school graduation, higher education, and success in life.”
The Philadelphia School Reform Commission plans to vote on each of 39 charter school applications at a special meeting starting Wednesday afternoon. There will be opportunity for final statement by applicants and public commenting by no more than 39 speakers who registered in advance.
Philadelphia’s teachers union and the advocacy group Public Citizens for Children and Youth oppose approving any of the applications for new charter schools until the state comes up with a method for funding Pennsylvania’s public schools more fairly. According to local critics, school districts that educate higher numbers of students from low income households, speak languages other than English and special education are not adequately compensated for the higher costs typically incurred.
Philadelphia School Partnership has offered to donate $35 million in support of charter school approvals but the executive director Mark Gleason steered away from calling for a specific number, saying approvals should be decided on the merit of each application.
Fernando Gallard, a spokesperson for the school district, has said the commissioners are guided by the state’s charter school law and would remain objective, only approving charter schools based on their merits.
He said financial considerations will be given to charter school application
The Pennsylvania General Assembly used a tax on cigarette pack sales in Philadelphia County in support of its public school district in a carrot and stick approach.
State lawmakers voted on an extended sales tax in September after leaving for summer recess without taking action. The SRC is now considering new charter school applications for the first time in seven years.
Gallard estimates it will take six hours for the SRC to wrap up its business.
The Philadelphia Tribune – February 17, 2015 – Read article online