Philadelphia has had a disastrous year of school closings, budget cuts, and a report recommending privatization of large numbers of public schools. Now, as parent activist Helen Gym reports, the situation is even more dire after massive layoffs. The state of Pennsylvania and the mayor of Philadelphia seem content to let private corporations take over public education in the city. This is an ominous sign, not only for Pennsylvania, but for other urban districts. This is purposeful abandonment of a basic public function.
Gym writes:
For those watching Philadelphia’s tragic schools situation from afar, hope you might consider a few pieces from Parents United for Public Education.
Topping off a dreadful year that saw 24 school closings, and the stripping away of all educational supports from schools (guidance counselors, arts, music, sports, extracurriculuars, librarians, no books and supplies), last week the District laid off an unprecedented 3,783 staff members out of little more than 19,000 staff members, nearly 1 in 5 personnel.
Parents United’s response: This is not a school: http://parentsunitedphila.com/2013/06/07/this-isnt-a-school-parents-united-statement-on-district-layoffs/
Last night Mayor Nutter appeared on “All In with Chris Hayes” about the Philadelphia budget. Not only did the Mayor, who heads up the controversial US Conference of Mayors, make a miserable case for Philadelphia schools, he made a feeble case for public ed and raised questions about whether public money should go to public schools. Read our response here: http://parentsunitedphila.com/2013/06/11/is-this-our-mayor-2/
Thanks for sharing!
Helen
Helen Gym
Parents United for Public Education
Parents United for Public Education is an all-volunteer collective of public school parents working to put schools and classrooms first in budgets and budget priorities.
Parents United for Public Education
Parents United for Public Education is an all-volunteer collective of public school parents working to put schools and classrooms first in budgets and budget priorities.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Has anyone heard which charter school Corp will take over the district? Has Vahan Gureghian’s name been mentioned. Chester-Upland and Charter School Management Corp are two of his enterprizes as well as being a major contributor to Gov. Corbett’s and other GOP candidates. Very influential gentleman.
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Whatever comes in, it will be junkier and provide less for students.
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Interesting history of Phila reform is found at http://WWW.the notebook.org 5/22/12 post details the money trail from the William Penn Foundation to Boston Consulting Group. Names private donors. Notes that funds were “routed” through United Way. Follow the money…
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You all need to first know your budgets as the district is not out of money and has not lost a lot of revenue lately per student. Next, you need to have lawyers look into an Environmental Justice lawsuit in Federal Court as we here in L.A. have as a part of our lawsuit on the Crenshaw Corridor concerning the difference in handling the same subject in different locations. There are many court decisions on this type of law and since it is in Federal Court you are in a different position than in state court. Ask any good attorney about this. I do not see that this suit could not be filed for Philadelphia as I am sure they are being treated differently than the rest of the state. If so, then you have a case.
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