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School Boards

The Educational Nominating Panel released its list of 27 finalists for the school board Tuesday night. Mayor Cherelle Parker will forward nine to the City Council for public hearings.

The mayor’s Education Nominating Panel is expected to release its list of recommended names for future board members at a public meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

Mallory Fix-Lopez, the only educator on the board, said her resignation is due in part to the time commitment and workload that comes with the volunteer position.

The board of education has not approved a new charter school since 2018.

The board’s vote follows claims that the district has exhibited a systemic bias against Black-led charters.

At a six-hour meeting, the board also nixes a charter renewal, spends $205 million, and mandates Juneteenth instruction

Board members approved millions in spending on technology, summer programming, and curriculum. They also denied a charter school application.

Cherelle Parker and David Oh will advance to November’s general election. Philadelphia’s next mayor will have the power to reshape the school board and influence several education issues, including charter school authorization.

The contracts cover everything from prekindergarten and office supplies to HVAC and strategic communications.

The mayor has no direct control over the schools, but does have the power to appoint all of the school board members who can then carry out the mayor’s vision regarding charter schools, the lottery admission process, and other education issues. Here’s where the candidates stand.

Next year’s sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply, and the school board is hoping for a charter school student.

Students at the board meeting criticized district leadership for failing to quickly fix asbestos-ridden buildings, a flawed admissions process, and a lack of transparency.

Candidates want to lengthen the school day, offer free transportation, knock down old buildings, and raise teacher pay, among other ideas.

Board President Reginald Streater wants the city to increase annual local funding for the district by $318 million by 2027.

A state senator who claimed the district is freezing out charters got into a heated exchange with the board president.

Revised Philly law gives power over schools to non-expert advisory body, complaint alleges

Reginald Streater and Mallory Fix-Lopez elected president and vice president.

Group of local and national leaders present a list of what’s needed to help students for the superintendent’s transition process.

Several parents said the mask mandate was unnecessary and harmful, but one parent called it common sense. 

District’s top financial official says schools need more revenue in the long term.