With the opening of school, Parents United launched a campaign to hold the state responsible for the shameful situation of Philadelphia’s schools. Working with more than 90 schools across the city, Parents United members attended open houses and Back to School Nights to gather more than 800 formal complaints against the state for violations of the state code guaranteeing a “thorough and efficient education.” This remains the largest filing of complaints ever in the state of Pennsylvania. Our focus was $45 million held by the state and due to Philadelphia schools. Within a month of filing the first several hundred complaints, the state restored the $45 million, returning nursing, counseling and special education services and personnel back to schools. Our complaints process however continues.
