Helen Gym sent the following report. The parents at Steel Elementary School voted to remain a public school, despite an aggressive campaign to turn the school over to a charter chain. But the school’s advisory council voted 9-8 to hand the school over to privatization. The final decision will be made by the city’s School Reform Commission.
“Happy news for Monday morning!
“On May 1, 176 parents at Steel Elementary School – the last public school in Nicetown – voted on whether to remain a District public school or be turned over to the city’s largest charter operator, Mastery Charter Network. More than 70 percent of parents – 121 vs. 55 – voted to keep the school public. Mastery Charter Network did not even muster one-third of the popular parent vote, despite an aggressive year-long effort to claim Steel for itself. A botched School Advisory Council vote resulted in a split 9-8 vote in favor of the charter. At least two grievances have been filed against this vote. The School Reform Commission will make a final determination on the school May 29.
“Parents statements are below. A video about Steel is also below that:
“http://parentsunitedphila.com/2014/05/02/steel-parents-win-decisive-vote-to-keep-school-public/
Diane Ravitch's blog 
This is coverage from a non-ed blogger. I was pleased he picked it up. They could use the help from outside ed circles:
http://www.eschatonblog.com/2014/05/and-locally.html
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It seems the charters are losing their luster. People are finally figuring out what is happening in the charter rip offs.
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This will probably end up in court between the parents and those eight board members—probably bought and paid for thanks to highly paid lobbyists—who voted for the charter school
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The reform crowd is in favor of choice for parents, right? The parents have spoken. Shouldn’t that be the end of it? If the “reformers” really favor choice, that is.
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Thank you – parents !
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I have no doubt the SRC will override the parent’s decision with some outlandish reason. They do what they want and care nothing about what families and teachers know is best. It is a sham.
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