You know things are bad in Philadelphia when this headline appears in newspapers from the New York Times  to the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer:

"Philadelphia Schools to open on time"

Here's what parents should expect this September:

• No significant increase in staffing.
• No significant increase in level of resources and dollars.
• Almost 400 additional layoffs from last year including 157 special education classroom assistants, 147 noontime aides, dozens of central office staff and 8 assistant principals.
• 27 elementary schools will lose their full-time school safety officer.
• Reduced cleaning supplies and services in schools. The district hopes to save $9 million this year in cleaning and other services.
• One out of every five schools will have a new principal.

Are there any positives to school opening this year? Yes, thanks to the advocacy work of many across the city:

1. 7,500 high school students won't lose access to free SEPTA transportation (see below).
2. The District is investing in full-service cafeterias and working to bring fresher food to more schools.
3. Last year the District opened with 100 split grade classrooms. We ended the year with less than five split grade classes thanks to parent advocacy on this issue. We'll work to ensure split grades are not the norm this year.
4. We're only a few months away from a gubernatorial election to elect the next governor of PA. Education remains one of the top issues in the state. Let's make sure we vote for a governor who cares about schools and children in November.

Read our Back to School FAQ here

 Regardless of what's good or bad this year, we know we must be vigilant about our children's schooling. We need to listen carefully to what our children are saying is happening in schools. We need to be pro-active and raise concerns if there are problems, file complaints with the state dept. of education (see below), testify, write letters, and work together to advocate for safe, quality schools for every child. 

Parents United for Public Education is working to get information out to all parents. We have FAQs and flyers ready for your next HSA meeting and Back to School event. We're helping parents get their concerns addressed by scheduling workshops, connecting you with legal specialists, and providing training to get your message and stories out.

We're forming a new Parents United membership structure so schools can ensure they are fully represented in advocacy efforts. More than ever, we need our voices to come together for children. 

INVITE US TO YOUR NEXT HSA MEETING

Email us here

Let's make this another year of parent power and change!

1. Contact the Office of Student Placement immediately to schedule an appointment and write a letter of concern.You have the right to a hearing.
2. If you are unsatisfied, reach out to us at Parents United and we will connect you with an attorney at the Education Law Center for a preliminary discussion.