WELCOME TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Issue 1: Fall 2021
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Welcome to the first edition of the Board’s new quarterly newsletter, where you can find up-to-date Board news, a brief summary of recent Goals & Guardrails progress monitoring and calendar notes.
Before you continue reading, I would like to acknowledge the serious challenges we have been facing this school year with increased gun violence, transportation, trash removal and staffing -- all while addressing the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Please know that the School District and School Board have been working hard to find solutions and to keep our students and staff healthy and safe since in-person learning resumed. We greatly appreciate your patience and commitment to public education in this challenging time.
Thank you for taking a moment to read our news and to connect with the Board of Education. If you have any comments or questions, please email us at schoolboard@philasd.org.
— Joyce S. Wilkerson, Board President
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Board Identifies Key Takeaways in Progress Monitoring Sessions
The Board has identified key takeaways since it began monitoring progress towards Goals & Guardrails, the Board’s plan for increasing student achievement and creating the conditions that foster student learning.
During monthly action meetings, Board Members devote time to monitoring the progress of one goal or guardrail by reviewing data that indicates how on track the School District is to achieving the plan’s objectives. This data review also informs Board Members’ decision-making, as we review the School District’s policies, budgets and initiatives. Please attend the next action meeting on October 28th when the Board will review progress toward Goals 4 and 5 that focus on college and career readiness.
“There have been some clear takeaways that have emerged, since we have begun monitoring these goals,” said Board President Joyce Wilkerson. “These trends have helped us identify our students’ needs and then invest in targeted strategies and resources, which can be seen in the budget.”
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The Board of Education Begins the Search for a New Superintendent |
In August 2022, following 10 years of service, William R. Hite Jr., Ed.D, will transition from his role as Superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia.
The search for the next superintendent is officially underway and will be handled by a professional search firm. The search is beginning with 17 listening sessions, being held in person and virtually over 18 days, that are inviting community members to weigh in on the characteristics they would like to see in a new superintendent.
"The community feedback will be vital to the Board in identifying the qualities and capabilities needed in a Superintendent and will inform our job description," said Board President Joyce S. Wilkerson. "We know that the community has valuable and unique insights that can help us identify who our next superintendent should be."
For the most current information on this process, please visit our website by clicking on the "Learn More" button below.
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Meet Our New Student Board Reps! |
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The Board of Education welcomed and officially “installed” Rebecca Allen and Armando Ortez as the Student Board Representatives for the 2021-2022 school year at its June action meeting. In this role, Rebecca and Armando represent their peers by sharing student concerns with the Board at its monthly meetings and by reporting Board deliberations and actions to the student body.
Rebecca (left/top), a junior at Central High School, and Armando (left/bottom), a senior at Northeast High School, began their new roles on August 19th. They hope to give voice to student concerns and work toward addressing those issues, with the ultimate goal of improving school experiences for all School District students.
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Board Welcomes New Members of the Parent & Community Advisory Council |
At its August action meeting, the Board of Education welcomed new members of the Parent and Community Advisory Council (PCAC) who will serve two-year terms that began in August. The new members are: Jameika Id-Deen, Walette Carter, Tierra Rich, Horace Clouden, Quibila Divine, Jennifer Fisher, Georgia Kiouski, Michael Gorman, Orien Smith Warren, Crystal Green Porter, Najmah Ryan, Tracy Joslyn, Evelyn Reed and Marilyn Rodriguez. Rev. Chandra Williams has begun a second term while Christiana Uy and Elyse Castillo are completing their first term.
PCAC serves as a bridge between the city’s school communities and the Board with council members sharing critical information on Board work with their networks while communicating the concerns of their school communities to the Board.
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An Update on Our Action Meeting Format |
The Board is now hosting action meetings in a hybrid format with most Board Members attending meetings in person along with registered speakers who may opt to speak in person or remotely. This follows more than one year of holding meetings remotely to comply with Covid 19 public health guidelines. |
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Oct. 28, 2021, 4 p.m. - Board Action Meeting
- Progress Monitoring Session on Goals 4 and 5 that focus on college and career readiness
Nov. 4, 2021, 4 p.m. - Policy Committee Meeting
Nov. 18, 2021, 4 p.m. - Board Action Meeting
- Progress Monitoring Session on Guardrail 1: Welcoming and Supportive Schools
Dec. 9, 2021, 4 p.m. - Board Action Meeting
- Progress Monitoring Session on Guardrail 2: Enriching & Well Rounded School Experiences
- Progress Monitoring Session on Guardrail 3: Partnering with Parents/Family Members
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About the Board of Education
The Board of Education is the governing body responsible for overseeing all policies and budgetary decisions of the School District of Philadelphia. Additionally, the Board of Education serves as the authorizer for all charter schools in Philadelphia. The Board comprises nine Board Members who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.
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Thank you for reading our newsletter!
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