By Karel Kilimnik
Educators and defenders of public education across the city were shocked to see Dr. Hite and the Mayor as guests at a press conference called last Wednesday by Philadelphia School Partnership Director Mark Gleason. Unknown to anyone but a few insiders, the Hite administration had entered into an agreement with PSP in which that private organization would direct applicants for teaching positions–district, charter and private–to a website created and controlled by PSP.
Why is the Superintendent of a public school system handing over control of one of its most important functions to a private organization? Is the District Office of Talent now accountable to the Board of PSP? PSP was created in order to carry out the privatization and charterization of the district. The news media unquestioningly repeats PSP’s identification of itself as a “non-profit” that funds schools. PSP is on record as saying the district’s teachers make too much money. PSP lobbied then-Governor Corbett to WITHHOLD funds from the School District unless PFT members took a substantial pay cut and surrendered long-held collective bargaining rights. Did the Board of Education give its OK for this move? We’ll be asking that and other questions about this latest PSP power grab at this meeting.
The Board’s website continues to present hurdles. The Agenda may number each Action Item, but click on it and you are delivered to a page bearing no identifying number. Whenever an additional Action Item is posted, it automatically changes the numbers of all of the Action Items below it. The SRC at least would add a Resolution with an entirely new number. They also listed the Resolutions according to topic (e.g., Operations, Donations). Hopefully the Board will change this practice. Each Action Item needs its own number and every reference must include that number. We await the return of Contract Summaries as posted in August and September, then discontinued for some reason, as the Board continues its journey into becoming more transparent.
Seeking Equity Across the District
While the Hite administration invokes the term “equity” in City Council and Board meetings, the ongoing issue is the lack of equity. Some schools have Home & School Councils (Action Items # 42 and #43) able to raise large sums of money. Philadelphia retains its position as the poorest of the country’s ten largest cities. Our rate of deep poverty (those living at 50% of the poverty line or less) has actually risen. Given these statistics, what is the District’s Plan to ensure that every school gets support, not just those in more affluent neighborhoods? How is the District planning to level the playing field for all schools? The SGS initiative has targeted “underperforming” schools with long histories of lost resources, leaving them with no choice but to accept unrequested professional development services from businesses with a foothold in the district. In the past two years, SGS schools have seen the imposition of vendors and the forcing of all teachers to reapply for their positions without due cause–things no parents have said they wanted. This only leads to destablization of already struggling schools without providing resources the school’s community has said they need.
The APPS articles on the SGS Focus Schools provide a detailed list of what parents, staff, and community members at the three schools in this year’s SGS cohort have said they want for their schools. As we review this month’s Action Items we see other ways of providing financial support to individual schools such as contracts with non-profits (Action Items # 44–Steppingstones and # 30–Playworks) and/ or universities (# 29 and # 38–Drexel).
Relationships, Not Data Collection, Will Lessen Bullying
The District seeks to purchase a program to track complaints of bullying and harassment. . Action Item #32 says that “HIBster will enhance the District’s ability to collect, organize, evaluate and generate reports for bullying and harassment incident”. And after they list the incidents, then what? A serious commitment to building stable school communities with well-trained and experienced leadership would really cut back on bullying. Blaming teachers for “underperforming” schools by forcing them to reapply for their positions creates instability and severs relationships between teachers and students. That does not build safe and institutions of learning. Providing every school with a stable workforce and adequate school staff lays a foundation for building a place where students, staff, and parents feel welcome and connected.
Short-Sighted Outsourcing Must Stop
This Administration surpasses previous District leaders in outsourcing District work to private vendors, non-profits, and universities, thus ending public accountability for that work. The latest example: schools used to have Noon -Time Aides, full-time NTAs (Non Teaching Assistants), SSAs (School Support Assistants); among their duties was overseeing recess.
A certain pattern has been established. Initially, the organization may donate its services or find a foundation or non-profit to underwrite the first year or two. Eventually that money dries up and the vendor/non-profit/university applies for a contract from the District. It may start out small but is usually renewed and often balloons into substantial amounts. This practice represents another strategy in union-busting because staff supplied are not union members, they may even be interns, and usually do not stay long. This does not lead to the building of relationships that schools need to thrive. Trust is a major issue for our students. They need staff that respects and understands them and is able to return year after year.
December Action Meeting: Thursday December 13 at 5 PM.
January Action Meeting: Thursday January 17 at 5 p.m.
To register to testify, call 215-400-4010 by 3:30 PM the day before the meeting.
Equity Across the District?
Action Item 42: Acceptance of Donation from Penn Alexander Home and School Association Schools – Grants/Donations
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to accept a Donation as follows:
From: Penn Alexander Home and School Association
Purpose: Penn Alexander Art Program
Donation Start Date: 1/1/2019; Donation End Date: 6/1/2020
Value of Donation for an amount up to: $105,000.00
Justification of Donation: The Penn Alexander Home and School Association is funding the Penn Alexander Art program to ensure students have access to full time Art teacher and materials.
Location: Penn Alexander School;
Renewal Options: No
Description: The Penn Alexander Home and School Association is funding the Penn Alexander Art program to ensure students have access to full time Art teacher and materials. Ninety percent (90%) of the donation ($94,500) will go towards the cost of the Art teacher and 10% ($10,500) will go towards the cost of supplies.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 1 – 100% of students will graduate ready for college or career
Office Originating Request: Schools
Action Item 43: Acceptance of Donation from the Masterman Home and School Association for SY 2018-2019 Grants/Donations
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to accept a Donation as follows:
From: Julia R. Masterman School – Home and School Association
Purpose: To purchase books, materials, technology, and equipment at the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School
Donation Start Date: 12/14/2018; Donation End Date: 12/2/2019
Value of Donation for an amount up to: $100,000
Donated Items: Funds
Justification of Donation: The funds will allow the school to update student textbooks, teaching materials and technology, to provide an enhanced educational experience.
Location: Masterman, Julia R. High School
Renewal Options: No
Description: This action item seeks authorization to accept a donation of up to $100,000 from the Masterman Home and School Association, to be used to support Masterman’s instructional curriculum. The funds will be used to purchase textbooks, workbooks, teacher resource materials, instructional aids, and technology for student and teacher use.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 1 – 100% of students will graduate ready for college or career, Anchor Goal 4 – 100% of funding for great schools is secured with zero deficit
Related resolution(s)/approval(s): October 18, 2018; Action Item 21
Office Originating Request: Schools
APPS Analysis: As we have said many times, it is wonderful to see parents engaged with their school’s Home and School Council. But it raises the question of what the District is doing to help schools in less affluent areas. These funds are not for “extras” such as class trips; they will provide for basic resources including textbooks and resource materials. Since the onset of local control in August, three other Home and Schools have donated funds to cover staff positions, materials and supplies, as well as after-school programming. There are over 200 schools in the District. Thus far this year the District has accepted large donations from Home and School groups in just five of them. How will the Hite administration address the issue of inequity with the approval of these Action Items?
Action Item 44: Contract with Steppingstone Scholars – STEAM Partnership Coordinator – High School for Engineering and Science
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a contract, subject to funding, as follows:
With: Steppingstone Scholars, Inc.
Purpose: To partner in the payment and use of a STEAM Partnerships Coordinator.
Start date: 1/1/2019 End date: 6/30/2019
Compensation not to exceed: $30,000
Location: High School of Engineering and Science – Carver
Renewal Options: No
Description: Steppingstone Scholars is a non-profit educational organization located on Temple University’s campus, offering a range of programming from a Pipeline program to support high achieving students around the city to a middle grades academy where they support STEM programming in a few schools in Philadelphia.
Carver High School of Engineering and Science (HSES) aims to partner with Steppingstone Scholars to provide partial funding for and share the use of a STEAM Partnerships Coordinator in an effort to provide a comprehensive educational experience for all of its students and to offer greater support for enrichment opportunities. The STEAM Partnerships Coordinator delivers services by working with Carver students to coordinate external programming and by supporting students in accessing a wide variety of opportunities. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, academic enrichment programs, university partnerships, mentoring, internships, and summer work experiences. Given the capacity of current staffing, these opportunities would otherwise often go unfulfilled.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 1 – 100% of students will graduate ready for college or career, Anchor Goal 4 – 100% of funding for great schools is secured with zero deficit
Related resolution(s)/approval(s): January 18, 2018; B-6 [$30,000]
Office Originating Request: Schools
APPS Analysis: There are many District schools with STEAM /STEM programming. Will the District be taking steps to ensure that they can also hire a STEAM Partnership Coordinator to move their program ahead? Is this only available for District schools located next to universities (Steppingstones is housed at Temple University)? If the Board and District are truly committed to equity across the city, what are the plans for ensuring that this actually happens?
Action Item 38: Ratification of Contract with Drexel University – Professional Development to 38 Reading Specialists
Academic Support – Other
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to ratify the execution and performance of a contract with Drexel University, subject to funding, as follows:
With: Drexel University
Purpose: Professional development for 38 reading specialists
Start Date: November 1, 2018 End Date: June 30, 2019
Compensation not to exceed: $30,100.00
Locations: All Elementary Schools
Renewal Options: Yes Number of Options: 2
Duration of each option to extend: Years: 1
Maximum compensation authorized per option period: $38,700.00
Description: The Board of Education recently approved the acceptance of a grant from the William Penn Foundation to cover the costs of professional development for all 38 reading specialists. Drexel University, a local accredited partner, is authorized to conduct authentic Wilson professional development and can support schools and district-wide implementation. Due to delayed finalization of pricing and deliverables from Drexel, we are requesting a ratification to ensure teachers receive initial Wilson professional training, before the end of the next term, to learn how to use new strategies with students who are not making sufficient progress through their current intervention. Ratification of this contract will ensure that all reading specialists will receive critical training on implementing the Wilson Reading System, an evidenced-based intensive Tier 3 program for students who require more intensive structured literacy instruction.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 2 – 100% of 8-year old children will read on or above grade level.
Related action item(s)/approvals: October 18, 2018; Action Item #17
Funding Source(s):
FY19 William Penn Foundation Grant
FY20 William Penn Foundation Grant
FY21 William Penn Foundation Grant
Office Originating Request: Academic Support
APPS Analysis: For some reason, all materials from Action Items from July through November 2018 have been deleted from the District website. That means we cannot check the Board’s October 18 Meeting Materials to check on which schools are part of this grant. This is what the Board means by “transparency”? Again, the question arises of what happens when contracts with outside agencies expire? What will be put into place when these trained Reading Specialists transfer or leave the District altogether? How will their knowledge and expertise be shared?
Can Collecting Data Stop Bullying?
Action Item 32: Contract with Educational Development Software, LLC – HIBster Bullying and Harassment Database
Student Support Services – Contracts
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a contract, subject to funding, as follows:
With: Educational Development Software, LLC
Purpose: Bullying/Harassment reporting and data management system
Start date: 1/1/2019 End date: 12/31/2022
Compensation not to exceed: $80,000.00
Location: All Schools
Renewal Options: Yes Number of Options: 2
Duration of each option to extend: Years: 3 Months:
Maximum compensation authorized per option period: $30,000
Description: The District seeks authority to purchase HIBster, an anti-bullying web-based software package, from Educational Development Software, LLC. The District takes allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously, and strives to protect children from becoming victims or perpetrators of bullying and harassment, as part of the effort to improve school climate and safety. Used in conjunction with the District’s continuing efforts and strategies to combat bullying and harassment incidents in schools, and consistent with relevant policies and procedures relating to bullying and harassment, HIBster will enhance the District’s ability to collect, organize, evaluate and generate reports for bullying and harassment incidents. The program will further help the District comply with policies and procedures relating to bullying and harassment and, in turn, improve strategies and practices to address and combat, with the goal of reducing, such instances. The Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Safe Schools uses HIBster for their bullying reporting. HIBster is also widely used in New Jersey and acclaimed by many school districts.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 1 – 100% of students will graduate ready for college or career, Anchor Goal 2 – 100% of 8-year olds will read on or above grade level
Funding Source(s): FY 19-20 Title I Set-Aside
Office Originating Request: Student Support Services
APPS Analysis: We have to question the District’s spending money on data collection as a serious approach to ending bullying. Again we say that there is a need for positive leadership in building a strong school community where all–students and staff–are respected and where bullying is unacceptable. APPS members attended every System of Great Schools(SGS) Focus School meeting this Fall. One of parents’ greatest concerns at all three schools was bullying. It is an ongoing problem that needs constant attention, not simply a few sessions of professional development or more technology. Destabilizing the school community by forcing out teachers only leads to a rending of the school’s fabric. Strengthening relationships, not data collection, will lessen incidents of bullying.
More District Outsourcing, Less Accountability
Action Item 6: Contracts with Various Vendors – Temporary Staffing to Support ERP Project
Finance – Contracts
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a contract, subject to funding, as follows:
With:
Abacus Service Corporation
Appleone Employment Services
Careers USA, Inc
Cogent Infotech Corporation
Genesys Consulting Services, Inc
Kelly Services, Inc.
SoftHQ, Inc.
Software Information Resource Corp. (SIRC)
Techlink Systems, Inc
Worldgate, llc
22nd Century Technologies, Inc
Purpose: Temporary staffing to support administrative offices.
Start date: 1/1/2019 End date: 12/31/2020
Compensation not to exceed: $1,450,000.00 [bold added]
Separate Compensation by Vendor: All entities will be paid out of the aggregate amount not to exceed $1,450,000.00.
Location:
Administrative Office(s);
Renewal Options: Yes
Number of Options: 1
Duration of each option to extend: Years: 2
Maximum compensation authorized per option period: 110% of first contract amount. [bold added]
Description: The district is implementing a new enterprise resource management solution (ERP), which requires dedicated subject matter experts from multiple administrative offices. These subject matter experts are dedicating significant work hours to the implementation project. In order to ensure that routine work will continue to be accomplished during the project, periodic temporary staffing may be required. Creating a qualified list of temporary staffing firms that can fulfill different types of personnel needs (i.e. HR staff, budget analysts, etc.) will allow Department managers to fill short term needs on an as-needed basis throughout the ERP project.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 3 – 100% of positions are filled by great principals, teachers and employees
Funding Source(s):
FY19: Capital Funded
FY20: Capital Funded
FY21: Capital Funded
Office Originating Request: Finance
APPS ANALYSIS: This is a one-year $145 million Item for contracts with six vendors, with options for renewal at a cost greater than the original contracts. Recall the debacle than ensued when the Hite administration contracted with Source4Teachers two years ago, causing major disruptions for students and teachers for an entire school year when the District refused to cancel that contract. Will there be a staff presentation to explain what specific services these companies will provide–and what happens should they fail to provide them. At all of the SGS Focus meetings we heard a lot of frustration about the caliber of substitutes. In one situation a substitute secretary from Kelly Services was not able to enroll a student for two weeks thus resulting in truancy complaints from the sending school directed to the family. Spending this amount of money in one Item deserves serious scrutiny. The Board cannot just vote on it in a large block without any deliberation or questioning of Administrators on it.
Action Item 29: Acceptance of Grant Funds from Community Behavioral Health and Drexel University
Student Support Services – Other
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to accept Grants as follows:
From: Community Behavioral Health, Drexel University
Purpose: To extend funding for the Support Team for Education Partnership, a behavioral health strategy.
Grant Start Date: 1/2/2019 Grant End Date: 12/31/2019
Amount up to:
$6,000,000.00 from Community Behavioral Health
$800,000.00 from Drexel University
Locations:
Cassidy, Lewis C. Academics Plus School; Cramp, William School; Edmonds, Franklin S. School; Elkin, Lewis School; Frankford High School; Gideon, Edward School; Locke, Alain School; Logan, James School; McMichael, Morton School; Meade, General George G. School; Penrose School; Powel, Samuel School; Science Leadership Academy Middle School (SLAMS); Sheridan, Philip H. School;
South Philadelphia High School; Southwark School; Stearne, Allen M. School; Steel, Edward T. School; Tilden, William T. Middle School; Washington, Martha School; West Philadelphia High School
Renewal Options: Yes Number of Options: 3
Duration of each option to extend: Years: 1
Maximum compensation authorized per option period: 100% of first year amount
Description: Challenges with behavior and behavioral health can be a barrier to learning. The Support Team for Education Partnership (STEP) is a school-based behavioral health strategy that places a team of four professionals in selected schools to support students and families with social-emotional and behavioral needs. The proposed strategy will support the selected schools in identifying and addressing behaviors for all children (without regard for insurance status) across a continuum of needs. Early and proactive intervention will reduce missed instruction time and provide appropriate supports to prevent children from going into crisis. The strategy is designed to create more coordinated support when a child presents with challenging behaviors and aims to ensure wellness for all youth and families by identifying drivers of behavioral issues early and connecting children and families to appropriate resources. This funding will continue to pay for the social workers that have been hired in 21 schools, as well as the addition of a behavioral consultant, case manager, and family peer specialist in the identified schools, which were selected in conjunction with CBH and Drexel, and include schools in the Promise Neighborhood, Community Schools, and other District schools.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 1 – 100% of students will graduate ready for college or career, Anchor Goal 2 – 100% of 8-year olds will read on or above grade level
Related resolution(s)/approval(s): August 17, 2017; A-40 [$2,015.000]
Office Originating Request: Student Support Services
APPS Analysis: While we applaud providing additional support services why do those services have to be outsourced to non-profits and universities? When the District outsources services they lose accountability and control. Who will pick up the almost $7 million dollar tab when this contract runs out?
Action Item 33: Contract with Committee for Children – Second Step Social Emotional Learning Program
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a contract, subject to funding, as follows:
With: Committee for Children
Purpose: Social-emotional learning program for grades K-8
Start date: 1/2/2019 End date: 1/2/2020
Compensation not to exceed: $100,000
Location: 15-20 School District K-8 elementary and/or middle schools
Renewal Options: Yes
Number of Options: 2 Duration of each option to extend: Years: 1
Maximum compensation authorized per option period: $100,000
Description: Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Research shows the SEL framework helps create safe and supportive learning environments. The Second Step program, available from Committee for Children, is research-based, easy to implement, and designed to develop educational programs to advance the safety and well-being of children through social and emotional learning. Second Step has been implemented in 15 District elementary or middle schools. This contract will allow 15-20 additional schools to implement the SEL framework. Schools will be selected based on SPR climate score, Assistant Superintendent approval, and application.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 1 – 100% of students will graduate ready for college or career, Anchor Goal 2 – 100% of 8-year olds will read on or above grade level
Funding Source(s): Title I Set Aside Competitive Schools Grant
Office Originating Request: Student Support Services
APPS Analysis: Outsourcing to a multi-national company with branches in 50 states and 70 countries is a questionable way to social and emotional learning. The District could begin by re-examining its Early Childhood program in which 5- and 6-year olds are in reading groups rather than learning by play and exploration and doing homework every night. Taking steps to lessen class size below the contractual limit would go a long way toward helping children learn the proper social skills, as would bringing back classroom aides in Kindergarten. Again, schools need more counselors, nurses, classroom assistants, and NTAs. Many NTAs lived in the school’s neighborhood and knew the students and their families. The proposed contract includes an option for two renewals. Where is the option to increase support staff in our schools? This non-profit is top heavy with tech people who have little to no teaching experience.
Community Involvement Crucial in Planning New Schools
Action Item 12: Contract with Cooperative Strategies, LLC
Operations – Capital Programs – Contracts
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a contract, subject to funding, as follows:
With: Cooperative Strategies, LLC
Purpose: To provide a comprehensive study of enrollment, demographic, live birth, housing, and census information to model and forecast future needs for school age children located in the Abraham Lincoln High School neighborhood catchment and develop options for a new attendance boundary to will be served by a new K-8 elementary school scheduled to open in July 2020.
Start date: 12/14/2018 End date: 12/14/2019
Compensation not to exceed: $110,000
Location: Meehan, Austin Middle School; J.H.Brown, Forrest, Edwin School; Holme, Thomas School; Mayfair School; Pollock, Robert B. School
Renewal Options: No
Description: The approved FY 2019 Capital Budget includes the construction of a new K-8 Elementary School to relieve overcrowding at Robert B. Pollock, Thomas Holme, Edwin Forrest, J.H. Brown and Mayfair Elementary Schools. The School District will be required to define the geographical areas that will make up the new school’s attendance boundary. Cooperative Strategies has national expertise in advising school districts on enrollment, demographic, live birth, housing, and census information to model and forecast future school needs and trends. The District will use this information to develop and present options to the impacted school communities and finalize a new enrollment boundary by March 1, 2019.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Other Provide 100% of students with a safe, healthy, and welcoming learning environment
Funding Source(s): FY19 Capital Budget
Office Originating Request: Operations – Capital Programs
Action Item 13: Contract with Gilbane Development Company Pre-Development Studies
Operations – Capital Programs – Contracts
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a contract, subject to funding, as follows:
With: Gilbane Development Group
Purpose: Pre-development agreement for the planning and design of a new K-8 elementary school
Start date: 12/14/2018 End date: 8/1/2020
Compensation not to exceed: $4,325,845
Location: A new school on the campus shared with Abraham Lincoln High School and the Austin Meehan Middle School
Renewal Options: No
Description: This action item seeks approval to award a pre-development contract for the planning and design of a new K-8 school located at 3001 Ryan Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. This new school is necessary to relieve overcrowding in a number of schools, and was included in the FY 2019 Capital Budget approved by the School Reform Commission. The new K-8 elementary school will serve approximately 1,660 students in the Abraham Lincoln High School catchment area. As part of the pre-development phase, the developer’s architectural and engineering team will work with District staff to define the educational program and complete the design and floor plans for the new school building. Upon completion of the building design, the District will negotiate a guaranteed maximum price that will be subject to Board approval prior to the start of construction.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Other Provide 100% of students with a safe, healthy, and welcoming learning environment
Funding Source(s): FY 19 Capital Budget
Office Originating Request: Operations – Capital Programs
APPS Analysis: Schools in the Northeast are bursting at the seams as population grows in this part of the city. This year, kindergarten and first-grade students from Mayfair Elementary are being bused to Austin Meehan Middle School where they occupy one section of the building. Austin Meehan, located on the Lincoln High School property, is in terrible physical condition; plans to tear it down have been mentioned. The District has questioned the surrounding community about what grade configuration this new school should include. Should it simply replace Austin Meehan as a middle school or encompass kindergarten through 8th grade? Based on the response, the District is planning to build a new K-8 school on the Lincoln High School campus. There has been discussion about where to locate this new school. As part of the discussion about the building’s location, City Councilman Bobby Henon provided background information on the specific areas that cannot be built upon.
As we have asked in previous Eyes: where is the contract showing exactly what $4 million is buying? Where is the diagram showing the actual location of this school? What is the timeline for construction? Will Austin Meehan be razed? What was the criteria used to select this vendor? How extensive was the community involvement in this process? Residents of the Northeast represent cultures from every continent. Have community meetings included translators as well as written materials in the languages spoken by families? What is the timeline for building? When is construction scheduled to start and end? Will the same arrangement for kindergarten and first graders continue at Austin Meehan until the new school is built? Will additional grades be added? Notification for community meetings has been erratic. There needs to be regular ongoing involvement of stakeholders as this process unfolds.
Why is District Paying for Repairs to Building Sold in 2016?
Action Item 14: Contracts with Hunt Engineering Company, Pennoni Associates, Inc.–Facade Inspections
Operations – Capital Programs – Contracts
The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a contract, subject to funding, as follows:
With: Pennoni Associates, Inc.
Hunt Engineering Company
Purpose: Professional engineering services for façade inspections, Phase II
Start date: 12/14/2018 End date: 12/14/2019
Compensation not to exceed: $155,128
Separate Compensation by Vendor:
Hunt Engineering Company – $119,128
Pennoni Associates, Inc. – $36,000
Location: Shoemaker, William School; Barratt, Norris S. School; Fitzsimons, Thomas School; Stanton, Edwin M. School; Stetson, John B. School; Kensington High School; Tilden, William T. Middle School; Bartram, John High School; Frankford High School; Spring Garden School; Dunbar, Paul L. School
Renewal Options: No
Description: The City of Philadelphia Building Code requires owners of buildings six stories or higher, or with an accessory on a building that is 60 feet or higher, to conduct periodic inspections of the façades every five years, and to prepare and file reports on such inspections. A Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer must complete the inspections. The School District has identified 23 buildings that fall in this category. Inspections were divided into two phases. Phase I included 12 buildings and is currently underway. This action item seeks authorization to engage contractors to address the remaining 11 buildings identified under Phase II.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Other Provide 100% of students with a safe, healthy, and welcoming learning environment.
Funding Source(s): FY 19 Capital Budget
Office Originating Request: Operations – Capital Programs
[APPS Note: William Shoemaker is a Renaissance Charter operated by Mastery Schools]
APPS Analysis: According to SRC Resolution A-13 of November 15, 2016 (Declaration of Unused and Unnecessary Land & Buildings; Sale of former Thomas FitzSimons School to Martin Keaton) Fitzsimons School was sold to the mysterious Martin Keaton for a mere $550,000. In the November 15 2016 edition of Eyes on the SRC, we reported that we could find nothing about Martin Keaton. We asked the following questions that were never answered but bear repeating: whose interests does Keaton represent, what are his plans for the FitzSimons building, and what is the timeline for development? Why is the District paying a contractor to provide services for facade inspection for a building it sold two years ago?
Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools 