Bill Hangley Jr.
Bill Hangley Jr. is a freelance contributor to the Notebook.
He vowed to work on changing the culture in his administration.
Departed deputy chief Tracy Ocasio played key role developing curriculum for digital learning during pandemic
Principals are called to return to their schools this week. The concerns are a product of long-standing distrust that district officials are trying to address.
Members and District staff attended the meeting in person for the first time since March. They experienced some technical problems.
The Board of Education will consider plans to boost planning capacity and improve response to both pandemic concerns and systemic injustice.
The vote was 7-1. In contrast to last week, some said that the option for in-school learning should have remained. A board member who is also a pediatrician dissented.
In an unprecedented evening, staff and parents savage the superintendent’s plan.
More than 30 principals plan to speak at Thursday’s board meeting.
Most students will attend school in person two days a week; families can opt for a “digital academy.”
More funds are needed if the sector is to continue operating. Now, they have fewer children and additional expenses.
Pressed to be “fully operational” in September, Philadelphia officials say they’ll ignore Trump and forge ahead with hybrid reopening plan.
With a new report, advocates seek fresh leverage in long-running battle over special ed payments to charters.
Students and community members call for counselors, programs, and classroom staff, not security.
The independent sector responsible for 70,000 students in the city has some state guidance, but little oversight. Each school develops its own safety plan.
He spoke at a protest organized by educators against the killing of George Floyd. His longtime focus on academics and budgets must expand to embrace complex social issues, he said.
As state funds bring financial relief, parents seek a role in shaping reopening plans.
With few guidelines and plenty of concerns, officials and advocates prepare for a September like no other.
Members also renewed three charters, authorized classroom upgrades, and moved to protect transgender students online.
With massive deficits looming, officials and advocates say stimulus dollars should go to districts, not to reduce the state’s shortfall.
Hundreds successfully picked up Chromebooks from the District, but others are told to come back tomorrow.
Counselors say the shutdown creates new challenges for students, especially for those who must overcome financial and social hurdles to succeed.
Wealthier districts have a “10-year head start” on devices, online access, and virtual curriculum.
Parents say they’re ready for more change but want clear and consistent communication.
Providers seek to get the message across that pre-K isn’t just day care, and that parents have a responsibility to treat it like school.
Board members read (and sang) all the written testimony submitted and allowed real-time public input.
Superintendent Hite says he will ask for Board of Education approval to buy 50,000 devices for Philly families that lack computers.
School officially scheduled to re-start next week but all signs suggest otherwise.
Providers also need more cash to stay afloat during the crisis. They held a conference call to discuss the issue.