Philly school board votes to start closing two city charter schools after hearing about SEPTA impact.
In a recent school board meeting, Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington expressed serious concerns about the impending service cuts by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which are set to take effect on Sunday. With over 50,000 students within the district reliant on public transportation to reach their schools, the reduction in bus, trolley, and train services poses a significant threat to the district’s academic progress. The first day of classes is scheduled for Monday, just one day after the cuts are implemented.
Watlington articulated the potential negative ramifications of these transportation changes on academic improvement efforts, emphasizing the critical need for uninterrupted instructional time. He stressed that any delays in class attendance due to SEPTA’s issues would not result in punitive measures against students, affirming the district’s commitment to not penalize children for factors outside their control.
To mitigate the impact of the service cuts, Watlington encouraged families to consider carpooling and highlighted a 0 stipend available for parents who drive their children to school instead of relying on bus services. This initiative is part of the district’s broader strategy to ensure students have access to education, regardless of transportation barriers.
During the meeting, the school board also addressed other pressing issues affecting the district. A prominent agenda item involved the issuance of nonrenewal notices to two charter schools, KIPP North Philadelphia and People for People. Although the votes to initiate closure processes for these schools were approved, immediate closure is not guaranteed. This procedural step could extend for several years, with hearings to determine the schools’ future slated for the fall. Both institutions expressed dissatisfaction with the board’s decision, labeling the process as unfair.
In another discussion, the board examined the city’s proposal to extend Keystone Opportunity Zones, which offer tax incentives to developers for underutilized properties. Board members were keenly critical, demanding more quantifiable benefits for students and the district rather than vague narratives. The board ultimately postponed the decision on this issue until September.
Additionally, the board reached a unanimous settlement with West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School regarding a long-standing dispute over enrollment exceeding legal limits. Initially ordered to pay million to the district, the school will now pay .5 million over five years while committing to a gradual reduction in student numbers.
Overall, these developments highlight the Philadelphia school district’s ongoing challenges in navigating transportation issues and charter school regulations while striving to provide quality education to its students.
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