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03/29/2024 05:22 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20210&cosponId=37437
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: June 8, 2022 01:33 PM
From: Senator Anthony H. Williams
To: All Senate members
Subject: Fully Elected School Board for the School District of Philadelphia
 
In the near future, I will be introducing a bill that will provide students and families with a strong voice in important decisions regarding the education system in Philadelphia. The proposed legislation would provide for a fully elected Board of Education in Philadelphia.
 
Presently, the Philadelphia Board of Education is a nine-member panel appointed by the mayor and confirmed by city council.  It is the only school board in Pennsylvania that is not elected. This locally controlled Board under its current composition only answers to the mayor and is not accountable to the people they serve.  Philadelphia schools are facing some tough challenges. Literacy rates are down, classrooms are overcrowded, the facilities are outdated and present safety hazards and teachers are leaving the district. To better address these challenges I am proposing legislation that would enable Philadelphians to have a fully elected Board of Education. Having a fully elected school board would serve to empower and encourage citizens to take a greater interest in their schools. Further, elections provide the taxpayers with direct choice of representation, shield schools from municipal politics and allow board members to act in the best interests of the students.

I hope that you will join me as a co-sponsor of this important piece of legislation.