Category: Mayoral influence

Parker’s Choice of Education Advisors Raises Questions

January 2, 2024

The following commentary was written by APPS co-founder Lisa Haver and published in The Philadelphia Hall Monitor on January 2, 2024

The most striking feature of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Sub-Committee on Education is its dearth of educators. Her selections raise questions about who will have more influence on education spending and policies in her administration. The list contains just one public teacher and one principal, and no one is identified as a parent or student. There are numerous representatives from businesses and nonprofits but none from grass-roots community groups. In contrast, there are several charter administrators and investors. One of the four vice chairs, Dawn Chavous, is a charter school lobbyist and consultant. Some representation from the charter sector is expected, but Parker’s selection of those whose schools have performed so poorly that they face non-renewal is puzzling, especially those cited for questionable financial practices and sexual harassment.

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Cherelle Parker can restore hope for Philadelphians with real educational reforms | Opinion

The following commentary was written by APPS co-founder Lisa Haver, and published in  Billy Penn on May 25, 2023

Students at McCall School in Center City in 2022. (Nathan Morris for Billy Penn)

What does Cherelle Parker’s nomination for mayor, and likely election in November, mean for the future of public education in Philadelphia? At this point, it’s hard to say.  

During the many quick-fire forums and debates leading up to the primary,  Parker’s responses on public school questions were similar to other candidates, with promises to fill the Board of Education with people who share her vision. 

As the details of her vision come into focus between now and the general election, Parker should make clear her commitment to hearing from the public — in particular, district stakeholders. 

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