This morning, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) made the tough decision to agree to a wage freeze and health care contributions. Parents United for Public Education stands with Philadelphia teachers across the city who are making a difference everyday in our classrooms. We also want to make clear that this means the District’s average … Continue reading
Category Archives: School opening
Tracking the worst school opening since the state takeover
Safety First? District plans for safe school opening are lacking
“To this day, we still have not heard a definitive safety plan for the safe passage of children to and from Lea and Wilson schools. . . How long does it take to get anything done concerning the most important issue facing school closings – school safety?” – Maurice Jones Continue reading
In the news: Philly’s budget crisis goes national
Philadelphia’s budget crisis makes national news Philadelphia’s budget crisis made the front page of the New York Times under the headline “A City borrows so its schools open on time.” The story featured the voices of Parents United members Tomika Anglin, Leslie Tyler, and Helen Gym. An accompanying photo essay highlighted a town hall on education at … Continue reading
Back to school: “This isn’t reform. This is destruction.”
Listening to Superintendent William Hite on “Radio Times” was a harsh wake up call to every parent across the district. He said that the resources given to him will allow Philadelphia to open “functional types of schools”: “On September 9th, we will expect 134,000 young people to return to schools, and when they return to … Continue reading
Parents United statement on school fundraising
The following statement came out of a number of requests to have Parents United weigh in on recently publicized school efforts to fundraise for basic staff and services amidst the current budget crisis. Parents United for Public Education believes that public education must remain free and available to all children regardless of background. This is … Continue reading
Citywide Parents Meeting: Back to school updates
What can parents expect for the first day of school? What are our best strategies to change school resources before school starts? The last 10 days have been a rollercoaster of school ultimatums, dueling press conferences, and protests and actions. Get the latest updates on the schools situation, work with other parents citywide to address … Continue reading
Statement on $50 million in (maybe) city funds: It’s still not enough
“It’s not enough” Parents United for Public Education acknowledges the Mayor and City Council for their (albeit confused) efforts to ensure the opening of school, but again, as we said earlier, we want to be clear: It’s not enough. The City may be doing its part to open schools. $50 million is not enough to … Continue reading
