Tag: School start times

Principals and Community Rally to Stop “Budget Massacre”

Ears on the Board of Education: March 24, 2022

by

Diane Payne

The District principals’ union Teamsters 502 CASA, supported by the PFT, POWER, APPS and other member organizations of OCOS, held a rally on the steps of 440 to tell the Board of Education, as it convened its action meeting, that we will fight against the District’s proposed budget cuts for next school year. That same message was delivered by those who waited for hours to testify, including principals, teachers, and parents. As we have seen in the past, the administration’s budget presentation did not align with the reality of the educators whose resources will be slashed. 

It is heartening to see the increasing number of community members attending in person. There is no better way to hold our  government officials accountable than to show up to cheer, jeer, hold signs, and clap in support of our public schools.  The Board has used the pandemic to elude accountability and increase speaker suppression. Voters in 499 districts in Pennsylvania elect their school board but Philadelphians remain disenfranchised.  APPS members will continue to attend in person, and we  encourage all defenders of public education to join us. 

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Board Fails to Hold Hite Accountable

Ears on the Board of Education: July 15, 2021

by Diane Payne

President Wilkerson’s unexpected announcement of Board Member Angela McIver’s resignation, effective at the end of the meeting, took attendees by surprise.   Neither Wilkerson nor McIver gave any explanation, but McIver told the Inquirer later that she no longer has time for Board work as she must dedicate more time to her business, an extracurricular math program for elementary school students.  Wilkerson praised McIver, and McIver responded with praise for Board members, Dr. Hite and 440 staff.   McIver also thanked several advocacy organizations including  the Philadelphia Student Union, Urb Ed, and Racial Justice Organizing Committee and Melanated Educators.  McIver acknowledged APPS’ role as an “ever-present Board watchdog.” 

We now face another secret nominating process in which one person, not the electorate, will choose McIver’s replacement.  APPS has protested Mayor Kenney’s violations of the Sunshine Act as he directs his Nominating Committee, all of whom are chosen by him, to meet behind closed doors, shutting out the very people whose lives are affected by Board decisions.  We should sue, but grass-roots organizations don’t have deep pockets for lawyers, so we find ourselves shouting into the wind.  

Board members Leticia Egea-Hinton and Reginald Streeter were absent.  The two student Board representatives did not attend. 

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