A look back at the most-read education stories of 2013 — and a request to readers

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

The Notebook is on hiatus during the holidays. We’ll be back in January, but in the meantime, take a look back at the most-read stories for each month of the past year. In 2013, what stories were you, our readers, most interested in?

As you look at these highlights from the year, we’d also like to take this time to pose a question to our readers: Do you rely on the Notebook for education news?

If the answer is yes, then please act by contributing to support our continued work in 2014. The more the Notebook can rely on you, the more you will be able to rely on us to get the real story during those controversies when it is needed most.

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January
After parents camped out in frigid weather, admission to the city’s most-coveted elementary school changed from first-come-first-serve to lottery.

February
A leaked document revealed the School District’s plan to seek major salary and work-rule concessions from the teachers’ union.

March
A high number of principal vacancies showed a major turnover in school leadership was coming.

April
Facing a $304 million budget hole, the District said schools would open with a bare-bones staff and scant resources.

May
Strawberry Mansion High School, which gained national exposure as one of America’s most dangerous high schools, is working to turn itself around.

June
Layoffs of more than 3,700 employees were announced.

July
A former District official looked at what role the teachers’ contract should play in solving the schools’ financial problems.

August
Superintendent Hite sought to suspend seniority when bringing back laid-off workers.

September
An SRC commissioner analyzed the role of charter school funding in the District’s budget problems,

October
Upon Gov. Corbett’s agreement to release additional funding to Philadelphia schools, Hite announced jobs to be restored.

November
Financial concerns grew as more students than projected left District schools, many heading to charters.

December
Disputes over enrollment caps with charters may cost the District millions.