Who should run Philadelphia's schools?

Who should run Philadelphia's schools? Join us for a public forum featuring state, city and civic leaders sponsored by Philadelphia Media Network, the Philadelphia Public School Notebook and Drexel University's School of Education.

It’s been 15 years since the state took control of Philadelphia's schools and created the School Reform Commission. Since then, the SRC has been a polarizing presence in the city.

With the recent resignation of two members of the commission and the term of a third expiring soon, the future of the SRC and the issue of school governance is once again at the forefront of the civic dialogue. Is the SRC the only model to consider? Should Philadelphia create an elected school board, or should the governing body be controlled by the Mayor? Are there models in other cities that could help us rethink our own school governance?

The Philadelphia Public School Notebook, Philadelphia Media Network, owner of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and philly.com, and Drexel University's School of Education are hosting a public forum on this critical issue. We’ll explore this issue from a variety of angles, including findings from important research on school governance, and a panel discussion among city, state and civic leaders. Participants include moderators Kristen Graham, Philadelphia Inquirer reporter and Dale Mezzacappa, contributing editor for the Philadelphia Public School Notebook, as well as:

• Dr. Kenneth Wong, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Chair for Education Policy at Brown University. He has conducted extensive research in the politics of education, federalism, policy innovation, outcome-based accountability, and governance redesign.
• Darrell Clarke, City Council President
• Wendell Pritchett, former SRC member and Presidential Professor of Law and Education at University of Pennsylvania
• Jerry Jordan, President, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers
• Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Public Citizens for Children and Youth
• Dr. Robin Roberts, district school parent and organizing member of Parents United for Public Education
• Adam Schott, special assistant to the Secretary of Education

Who runs our schools is one of the most critical issues for our city. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this important discussion.

Admission is free, but you must register in advance. Register now, and stay tuned for updates on panelists and other details.