COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, May 25, 20117 1:30 p.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE11 COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN12 COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY13 COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL14 COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN15 COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO BILLS 110135, 110136, 110137, 110138, 11013917 and 110140 RESOLUTION 11016118 - - -20 2
May we2 have your attention. Thank you very3 much.4 MR. McPHERSON: This is a5 continuation of the hearings of Bill Nos.6 and Resolution, Resolution 110161, the7 City's Five Year Plan; Bill No. 110135,8 the Capital Program, 2012 through 2017;9 Bill No. 110136, the Capital Budget for10 2012; Bill No. 110137, the Operating11 Budget for 2012; Bill No. 110138, the12 wage tax bill; and Bill No. 110139,13 School District U&O; Bill No. 110140,14 School District real estate tax15 reauthorization; and today we'll be16 taking testimonies on Bill No. 110139 and17 110140.18 Thank you.19
Thank20 you very much.21 We will begin our hearing or22 resume our hearing by calling forward23 Bishop Audrey Bronson, Reverend Bonnie24 Camarda, Pastor Kevin Johnson, Rabbi Eli25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Freedman. Would you come first. Thank2 you.3 (Witnesses approached witness4 table.)5
Thank6 you very much. Good afternoon.7 (Good afternoon.)8
Thank9 you. Please identify yourself for the10 record and begin your testimony.11 We are generally asking12 everyone -- we don't want to offend our13 preachers, of course -- to adhere to the14 three-minute rule for the day since we15 have 100-and-some -- I don't remember the16 exact number -- people on our list to17 testify.18 Thank you, Bishop.19
I'm Bishop20 Audrey Bronson, President of Black Clergy21 of Philadelphia and Vicinity, and thank22 you for this opportunity to come and23 express our deep concern of the24 400-member plus Church of Black Clergy.25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I would like my Black Clergy to2 stand, please.3 (Audience members standing.)4
While the8 totality of cuts proposed by Governor9 Corbett is upsetting to us, we are10 particularly outraged at the proposed11 cuts to the School District of12 Philadelphia. These cuts have forced the13 School District to entertain elimination14 of programs for early learning15 initiatives and for struggling students.16 Based upon the proposed cuts, the School17 District plans to reduce kindergarten to18 half day.19 The age from birth to five or20 six years is critical for learning, and21 if this time is not spent in productive22 education, it will render the child23 unready to move successfully forward to24 the next level. Furthermore, the half25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 day will have a ripple effect on parents.2 With already strained budgets, who would3 have the financial means to have someone4 care for their children during the time5 they're not in school?6 In addition, the proposed7 elimination of transportation will work a8 terrible hardship on children who use the9 bus for distant learning. TransPasses10 would likely be eliminated, and11 alternative education will be hard hit.12 Since 2002, the Philadelphia13 public schools have improved tremendously14 and they have received awards, and the15 average yearly progress of Philadelphia16 public school is greater than the next17 ten largest Pennsylvania school18 districts, and the budget cuts will cause19 our children to lose the progress they20 have made.21 As Ms. Elamin said, to pick on22 children is not a fair fight, and pick on23 somebody your size.24 (Applause.)25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
And Black2 Clergy is very disturbed about the3 proposed cuts, and we as clergy ask the4 City of Philadelphia and Harrisburg to do5 all they can possibly do to prevent a6 backward spiral in the education of our7 children. This is beyond politics. This8 is survival.9 Thank you.10 (Applause.)11
I am15 Reverend Bonnie Camarda, President of the16 Hispanic Clergy, and I come to you on17 behalf of the Hispanic Clergy and the18 church that we represent. We have some19 of them here today.20 (Applause.)21
We have some22 behind me. And we are here to come and23 enlist the help of City Council.24 In the wake of the budget cuts25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 from Harrisburg to the School District of2 Philadelphia, we want to show our support3 to educators and all the education4 programs in all its forms through the5 City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly6 Affection. We all know education does7 not yet happen in traditional classrooms.8 Education and educators sit everywhere.9 Today, I'm a testament of what10 faith based can do, and we are here to11 say we need education to continue at the12 same level for our city.13 Since the beginning, we have14 championed education. Faith based has15 championed education. They have opened16 their doors to children. We go and17 volunteer in the school, and we have18 served more than hundred thousands of19 kids throughout Philadelphia.20 But it's not clear for us, it's21 not right for us to cut to have reduction22 in the School District. Reducing the23 early childhood education, reducing24 kindergarten to half days is not an25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 option. It's not an option in our city.2 And I just want to supposed to tell you3 that I know someone in this city who did4 not go to school on the first grade and5 they're struggling, have a struggle, and6 they will struggle, and they are7 finishing high school struggling, because8 they didn't have that basic education9 that they need, and we as clergy cannot10 let that happen.11 We need to resolve the issues12 of the funding. We know we are living13 extreme times. We know we're living14 challenging times, but we owe it to our15 kids in our city to provide full-day16 kindergarten and transportation. With no17 transportation, kids won't be going to18 school. Let me tell you, with no tokens,19 when parents are paying $5 for milk, are20 they going to pay for that token to go to21 school? No.22 (Applause.)23
Then by24 cutting such costs, students are denied25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 academic access that would otherwise be2 fully available to them, simply because3 they do not have transportation, they4 cannot get where they need to be. This5 hardly seem fair. It will be as if we6 are dangling the fruits of education in7 front of the faces of starving students8 in our city.9 When these children do not have10 a home, no desk on which to do their11 homework, where will they go? Who will12 they turn to support and encouragement13 when we are closing half of14 kindergartens?15 It's a saying out there that16 say that we can do more with less, and17 all of us know that is not true. We18 cannot do more with less. We cannot19 pretend that we're going to have half-day20 kindergarten and we're not going to have21 transportation and that these kids are22 going to be able to learn the same way23 that they learned before. That is not24 true, and I just challenge you in that25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 truth. Then please I ask City Council to2 do everything that is possible to help3 meet the budget gaps that are in the City4 for the School District.5 (Applause.)6
Good10 afternoon, Councilwoman Blackwell and all11 the Councilpersons here today. My name12 is Reverend Kevin Johnson. I come to you13 today not solely as the Senior Pastor of14 Bright Hope Baptist Church, but also I15 come to you as a proud parent and father16 of three children, two who are students17 within the School District of18 Philadelphia and one who anxiously awaits19 joining her big brother and sister as a20 first grader -- excuse me; a21 kindergartner in September 2013.22 Frederick Nietzsche, a 19th23 century German philosopher once said, In24 large states, public education will25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 always be mediocre, for the same reason2 that in large kitchens the cooking is3 usually bad.4 While I have been drawn to and5 occasionally have agreed with Nietzsche's6 critical analysis of society, in this7 instance I would have to disagree with8 him, because public education does not9 always have to be mediocre.10 (Applause.)11
The late12 Benjamin Elijah Mays said, The13 circumference of life cannot be rightly14 drawn until the center is set. One of15 the reasons our children do not succeed16 and become leaders in society is because17 the circumference of their lives has not18 been set or in this case adequately19 funded to ensure that success.20 (Applause.)21
As we engage22 in -- don't mess up my time here. I'm on23 a short timeframe.24 As we engage in an adult debate25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 over Governor Corbett's proposal to slash2 over 1 billion from pre-K to 12th grade3 education while increasing prisons by 114 percent, our children are caught in the5 middle of this debate. Their dreams are6 stifled, their expectations are subdued,7 their hopes are smothered and their8 imaginings of becoming doctors, lawyers,9 dentists, teachers, engineers, scientists10 and even political leaders are put on11 hold.12 Langston Hughes, that proud13 graduate of Pennsylvania's Lincoln14 University, once asked the question, What15 happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry16 up like a raisin in the sun or fester17 like a sore and then run? Does it stink18 like rotten meat or crust and sugar over19 like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags20 like a heavy load or does it explode?21 Yes, beloved, this is the question before22 us today.23 Horace Mann, one of the great24 advocates of public education,25 13 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 passionately appealed to the American2 society when he said, Let us not be3 content to wait and see what will happen,4 but rather give us the determination to5 make the right things happen.6 With this, I'm going to ask for7 the kindergarten students of Dr. McQueen8 Elementary School to please come at this9 time.10 These kindergarten students11 behind me are here today because they are12 here to implore City Council to make the13 right things happen. When only 6 percent14 of our children are graduated from high15 school, it's time to make the right16 things happen. When funding for17 kindergarten is being cut and more18 prisons are being built, it's time to19 make the right things happen.20 (Applause.)21
And when the22 richest country on earth ranks 18th in23 math, 15th in reading literacy and 96th24 in geographical aptitude, which means25 14 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 they don't even know where they live,2 it's time to make the right things3 happen.4 Today, we have a choice. We5 can either subscribe to the words of6 Nietzsche that in large states, public7 education is always mediocre, or we can8 subscribe to the words of Horace Mann,9 not to be content to wait and see what10 will happen, but rather support public11 education in Philadelphia and approve12 $115 million in funding, not just for13 2011 but beyond.14 It's time to make the right15 things happen.16 (Applause.)17 (Kindergarten kids speaking.)18
Thank19 you, Pastor Johnson.20 Rabbi Eli Freedman.21
Thank you very22 much, President Verna. My name is Rabbi23 Eli Freedman from Congregation Rodeph24 Shalom here in Center City Philadelphia,25 15 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and I'm here because I support the2 Philadelphia public schools.3 In our congregation, we've been4 doing a listening campaign, talking to5 people about their pains and their hopes6 and dreams for Philadelphia. I recently7 met with a family that was having a lot8 of economic hardships. The parents are9 divorced and the father is actually10 looking at selling his home because he11 can't make his mortgage payments. Why12 can't he make his mortgage payments?13 Because he's spending all his money to14 send his daughter to private school. And15 why is he sending his daughter to private16 school? Because people in Philadelphia17 are losing faith in our public school18 system.19 As a rabbi, I think I know a20 thing or two about faith, and I think21 that's the biggest issue we're facing22 today, that by cutting funding, refusing23 to put public schools as really the24 number one priority in our city, which25 16 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 they should be --2 (Applause.)3
-- we're4 sending a message to the people of5 Philadelphia that we have no faith in the6 system and that they shouldn't either.7 Before, we had a press8 conference outside, and I told the story9 that I'd like to tell again about two10 famous rabbis. A very wealthy Rabbi11 Tarfon goes to his friend Rabbi Akiva12 with a large lump sum of money and he13 asks him to invest it for him. Rabbi14 Akiva then takes the money and brings it15 to the schools to pay for students to16 study and learn.17 Rabbi Tarfon a few days later18 asks Rabbi Akiva, Can I see my19 investments and how they're doing? And20 Rabbi Akiva brings him to the school and21 he says to him, The greatest investment22 we can possibly make is in our children.23 Thank you.24 (Applause.)25 17 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Are2 there any questions from members of3 Council?4 (No response.)5
Seeing6 none, the next group -- and, Rabbi, I'm7 Jannie Blackwell -- Elder John Thomas,8 Reverend Fred Estrada, Venerable Muni9 Ratana, Leader Joyce Baum Lee.10 (Witnesses approached witness11 table.)12
Thank13 you very much. Elder Thomas, please14 identify yourself for the record and15 begin your testimony.16 ELDER THOMAS: Yes, ma'am.17 Thank you very much, Councilwoman18 Blackwell. Good to see you again.19
Thank20 you.21 ELDER THOMAS: My name is Elder22 John Thomas. I'm representing the Church23 of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic24 Faith, and we're located at 22nd and25 18 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Bainbridge Street right in the heart of2 South Philadelphia. The Pastor is Bishop3 Omega Shelton, who I'm standing in for4 today, but the concern is of particular5 import for our congregation.6 When I learned information7 regarding the budget deficit and saw the8 possible consequences that would be9 impacting the families affected by the10 loss of funds, it radiated loudly within11 our congregation, and we have a rather12 sizable congregation.13 I, along with my eight brothers14 and sisters, are a product of the15 Philadelphia school system. And that was16 some time ago, but I do know the value of17 having public education available to you,18 parentage obviously and concerned19 individuals that are going to help steer20 you in the right direction.21 In today's environment -- it22 was important back then, but it's even23 more important today, because the unit,24 that support system around children, is25 19 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 not nearly what it was 30 or 40 years2 ago. So it's a particular concern when I3 think about some of the support systems,4 whether it be transportation, whether it5 be the kindergarten care for the entire6 school day, those types of structured,7 those types of support mechanisms are8 necessary to help encourage the youth,9 which is obviously our future.10 I ask in a non-adversarial way,11 although I know it's probably very12 difficult to be anything else other than13 when you're trying to decide what pots of14 monies to fill, but I believe that for15 the benefit of the children of the City16 of Philadelphia -- and you can see it's a17 cross section of individuals -- we need18 to find an alternative way of supporting19 their cause while dealing with the other,20 I'm sure, very challenging issues that21 you all have before you.22 So I stand in support with the23 other clergy members here today asking24 for your support.25 20 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2
Thank3 you very much, Elder Thomas.4 Reverend Estrada.5
Yes. Good6 afternoon, Councilwoman. My name is Fred7 Estrada. I am the Pastor of Bethel8 Temple Community Bible Church on9 Allegheny Avenue. I am also10 Vice-President of Hispanic Clergy of11 Philadelphia, and I want to -- my12 perspective is, I'm excited. I'm excited13 of what I have been seeing over the last14 couple of years.15 The last couple -- when I first16 got here to Philadelphia some 20-some-odd17 years ago and walked into some of the18 public schools, I found a lot of darkness19 and a lot of frustration and people not20 being able to move, in a sense, and see21 the achievement of our kids.22 The last couple of years, no23 matter what has been occurring, what I've24 seen in our community, in the Latino25 21 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 community, has been a surge of great2 opportunities for education, whether it's3 been through ASPIRA, whether it's been4 through Esperanza, whether it's been5 through charter schools, whether it's6 been in public schools. There's7 excitement at Kensington CAPA at kids8 being engaged in education, not just9 going to school but being engaged in10 education. That's a good thing.11 When we see kids from -- the12 other day I had a conversation with a13 young lady, one of the students from14 Esperanza Academy. She didn't know who I15 was. Got in a conversation with her and16 her mother, and six times she said, I17 love my school, I love my school, I love18 my school. That's a good thing. I've19 seen great things happen in our20 community, great things.21 (Applause.)22
Now, with23 all that said, with the charter schools,24 with great implementation of new25 22 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 principals and new settings and new2 opportunities for our schools, I'm just3 saying that we're on step one. We cannot4 back -- there's no room to go in reverse.5 We cannot reverse this process.6 So we do ask upon the Governor7 to change -- to have a change of mind, a8 change of mood, but to collaborate better9 with the City and the School District and10 the City Council together to make these11 things continue. We have to continue the12 progress that has already been made.13 Across the street from us is a14 school called Stetson Middle School.15 Stetson Middle School had been a16 school -- I'm not going to say in17 decline. It had been a hurting, hurting,18 hurting school for many years. Many19 people went in, tried to fix the problem,20 and nothing -- and we got nowhere.21 Last year, ASPIRA was asked to22 come in. They've taken -- they took over23 the educational operations, and it's been24 what I call the miracle on Allegheny25 23 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Avenue. Good things are happening. Good2 things are happening.3 My name is Pastor Fred Estrada4 and I support public education.5 (Applause.)6
Thank7 you. Thank you, Pastor.8 The next is Venerable Muni9 Ratana. Welcome. Pass him the10 microphone -- all right. If you would11 like to have Leader Joyce Baum Lee first,12 that will be fine. It's your choice.13 LEADER BAUM LEE: Thank you.14 Good afternoon, everyone. My name is15 Joyce Baum Lee and I am a member of the16 Soka Gakkai International lay Buddhist17 organization throughout the world. We18 have members in 193 countries and19 territories around the world, and though20 I sit here today, in a sense,21 representing myself, it is a core belief22 of 12 million Buddhists around the world23 that education of young children is24 paramount and most important -- the most25 24 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 important treasure that we can leave for2 them in our time.3 I am also a retiree of the4 School District of Philadelphia, having5 given 32 years of service in the area of6 early childhood education, as a teacher,7 field coordinator and nutritionist. So8 naturally I am concerned about the9 Philadelphia school proposed cuts in the10 budget, especially the drastic cuts that11 are proposed for early childhood12 education.13 How we nurture and educate in14 early childhood will determine the15 individual's behavior and education for16 the rest of their lives. I can't even17 imagine 65,000 kindergarten students who18 just, some few years ago, were able to19 attend kindergarten full day to be cut20 back to half day.21 If these budget cuts in early22 childhood education are made, they will23 be critical to the development of these24 young citizens and will have a negative25 25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 impact on society for years to come.2 I believe that we can find3 meaning and value in difficulties that4 confront us and that there are growth5 opportunities in adversity. Growth has6 happened in our School District of7 Philadelphia. We are now facing an8 adversity, and I believe that if we look9 at some of the research that's going on10 even in our city at the University of11 Pennsylvania, we will see that in the12 graduate school there, early childhood13 education under the leadership of14 Dr. John Fantuzzo, they're demonstrating15 in research that children do not gain the16 skills and habits necessary to succeed in17 school by age eight if they do not have18 early childhood education. This will19 cause them to struggle to perform well20 and to be less motivated for future21 learning in middle school and high22 school.23 They will also face24 difficulties in developing the25 26 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 higher-order thinking, communication,2 analytic and social skills that are3 essential to success in life. This4 speaks to the need to place priority in5 finding the funds necessary to maintain6 early childhood education in the7 Philadelphia school system.8 That is why I'm here, to open9 my heart and share my sincere concern,10 knowing that you will respond in whatever11 way that you can so that children will be12 able to get on the right track from the13 very beginning and so that we will not14 need more prisons in the future.15 (Applause.)16 LEADER BAUM LEE: This is one17 way to ensure that children are the18 future.19 Thank you.20
Thank21 you.22 (Applause.)23 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:24 Venerable Muni Ratana.25 27 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 VENERABLE RATANA: My name Muni2 Ratana. I am the Chief Monk and3 President and CEO of the Khmer Buddhist4 Humanitarian Association, and on behalf5 of Cambodian community, I am here today6 to support our clergy concern as well as7 our community.8 I believe that we all believe9 our children are our future, and when our10 children and our future have -- our11 future going to be when our children have12 not enough support in education. So I13 believe that when our children have good14 education, especially early childhood15 education, our future going to be bright.16 And, you know, as our community, when we17 heard the budget cut, it come to deeply18 concern among our members.19 So I am coming here today on20 behalf of our community to ask the City21 Council as well as the Mayor, the22 Governor to restore the budget cut. And23 we believe that the Governor, the Mayor24 and all of the City Council want your own25 28 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 children to have a good future. So as we2 ask everyone here and our community want3 our children to have a good education as4 your children. So please help our5 children, help our future.6 Thank you.7 (Applause.)8
Thank9 you very much.10 Are there any questions?11 (No response.)12
Thank13 you very much.14 Pastor Wayne Weathers, Reverend15 Laurence Tom, Bilal Salaam, Imam16 Suladeen.17 (Witnesses approached witness18 table.)19
Thank20 you very much. Welcome. Please identify21 yourself for the record and begin your22 testimony. Thank you.23
Good24 afternoon. My name is Reverend Dr. Wayne25 29 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 M. Weathers. I am the Pastor of Miller2 Memorial Baptist Church.3 In December 1993, our former4 pastor, Pastor Wilkins Jones, developed a5 partnership with Reynolds School. Miller6 Memorial Baptist Church has been active7 participating in Reynolds School with8 volunteerism, motivating the students, so9 on, et cetera. As I was blessed to10 become Pastor of Miller Memorial Baptist11 Church in 2004, that relationship12 continued. I've been able to not only13 volunteer but also help teach kids how to14 play the drums, develop a drum line, et15 cetera.16 One of the beautiful things17 I've been able to witness is each year18 since I've been pastoring, I've been able19 to watch the kids shed tears from their20 eyes when they graduate from school. Not21 only have I been able to see the kids22 shed tears in their eyes, but I've been23 able to see educators and principals shed24 tears from their eyes as well.25 30 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 But I come to you today in the2 biblical narrative of an Old Testament3 prophet to say I am here to tell you that4 I am shedding tears right now. I'm5 shedding tears.6 (Applause.)7
I'm8 shedding tears right now because I'm9 witnessing the Pennsylvania State10 Governor that's cutting funding in11 education but increasing funding in12 prisons. I'm shedding tears right now --13 (Applause.)14
I'm15 shedding tears right now because I see16 programs like fine arts and other things17 that are being cut, which doesn't make18 any sense.19 I'm shedding tears right now20 when I'm witnessing a school21 superintendent that's trying to do all22 she can to bring the best resources to23 the City of Philadelphia, and now she has24 to scrape up crumbs to continue this25 31 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 educational process.2 It does not make any sense what3 is going on, but I am still hopeful. We4 need the help of the City government,5 City officials to help offset some of the6 budget cuts that are taking place.7 For the time that I do have, in8 closing let me share with you this: I9 know that there are pundits out there,10 and the pundits, what I mean by that, not11 here in this Chamber, but the pundits12 will hear our concerns and they will13 spread a poison that will say that we're14 coming here as faith leaders asking for15 handouts. Let me set the record16 straight. We are not coming here asking17 for handouts. We're asking the City18 government for a helping hand. That's19 what's needed here today.20 (Applause.)21
If the22 kids are shedding tears when they23 graduate, think of the tears that they're24 going to shed when their transportation25 32 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 is cut, their kindergarten is cut, their2 programs is cut and everything else is3 cut. They're going to be shedding4 greater tears here in the City of5 Philadelphia.6 I support our school kids, but7 most of all, I support public education.8 (Applause.)9
Thank you,13 President Verna. My name is Laurence14 Tom. I'm a pastor --15
I'm16 Jannie Blackwell, just incidentally.17 Thank you.18
My apologies.19 I'll keep it short then.20 I'm pastor at Chinese Christian21 Church and Center in Chinatown and just a22 few blocks away. I come here in support23 of, along with the clergy here, sharing24 our concern about the budget cuts. I25 33 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 also come here as a parent of a child who2 is entering kindergarten this coming3 fall, who is part of the Bright Futures4 program, which will no longer be5 available in the fall in his school.6 I am concerned. I am deeply7 concerned. I come to Philadelphia -- I8 came to Philadelphia about five years9 ago, seeing the incredible potential that10 the City has, the incredible potential11 that the people and the citizens I12 interact with every day have. And there13 is incredible potential in our children14 as well, and I fear that that potential15 may be stunted, that potential may be cut16 short and the future of Philadelphia will17 not be able to experience the fullness of18 what these individuals and our children19 have to offer because of these cuts.20 What I want to share, as many21 have already spoken about, is that these22 budget cuts will have a devastating23 effect not only on our children but in24 our communities and to the future of this25 34 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 city. But I think we need to address2 more than just budget cuts, but that is3 the issue at hand and we need to address4 that right away.5 There's much that is needed to6 take care and nurture a child. As a7 parent, it requires every ounce of my8 being, every thought of my day to raise9 my kids. I think likewise it requires10 deep collaboration from the state, from11 the City and many other factors to12 nurture the children of our city. And so13 cutting out the budget and the systems14 that are needed to support the education15 of our children will have a devastating16 effect on their individual lives.17 As the saying goes, it takes a18 village, and so we need the state, we19 need the Governor to pay attention and20 show that they really care about not just21 the future of the City but the children22 of our city, care about the children.23 And we need the City to pay attention as24 well. This is what is needed to not just25 35 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 build a workforce for our future but to2 build citizens that will care about3 anything that affects the future of the4 City.5 My name is Laurence Tom.6
Thank10 you very much.11 Please identify yourself for12 the record.13
My name is James14 H. Buck, Jr. Actually, I'm a new pastor15 here in the City. I'm pastor at Berean16 Baptist Church, 2425 West Indiana Avenue.17
Representative24 Blackwell, I am, once again, new to the25 36 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 City, but as I proceed in these2 particular hearings, I want to quote from3 Anselm, who is the Benedictine monk, the4 scholar and who was the past Archbishop5 of Canterbury, and he writes these words:6 "One endangering another's safety ought7 to restore the safety, but also to8 compensate for the anguish. Violating9 somebody's honor requires not only10 honoring the person again but also making11 recompense in some other way. Unjust12 gains should be recompensed not only by13 returning that unjust gain but by14 something that could not have been15 demanded."16 We have assembled here today17 with this proposition of slashing state18 aid to schools. I remember reading in19 the Philadelphia Inquirer an article20 written by Marc Levy, which was entitled,21 "Deep Cuts Possible for Schools," and it22 said this: "Governor Tom Corbett's plan23 to slash state aid to school districts by24 more than $1 billion or more than 1025 37 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 percent, with the state's poorest2 district expected to be hit the hardest."3 Now, I understand the4 possibility, but I am concerned with the5 concept of this term "plan." Plan is a6 very strong word, with desired effects.7 A definition for "plan" means that it is8 a scheme, a program, a method worked out9 beforehand for the accomplishment of some10 degree of objective.11 If this is the definition that12 Tom Corbett's plan is centered around, my13 question is, what methodological schemes14 have been devised before or underhand to15 meet an expected objective?16 (Applause.)17
Some may say,18 Well, you have to forgive me, but we're19 doing what is necessary. I believe that20 necessity is overrated. The philosophy21 of necessity is based only on compulsion22 or restraint.23 So the question is whether it24 is right for one to be simply forgiven25 38 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 for the violation of modern immorality, a2 social sin, the cutting away of3 appropriations for the poor out of some4 degree of contextualized mercy. The5 answer I would say to you today is that6 it would be unbefitting, precisely7 because it would contravene justice.8 Howard Thurman, a theologian,9 humanitarian, a scholar and a prophet,10 wrote a book entitled, "Jesus and The11 Disinherited." It essentially conveys a12 message that there are environmental and13 electoral factors that are calculated14 into the equation of life for those whose15 backs are against the wall.16 Thurman says this: "Youth is a17 time for soaring hopes, when dreams are18 given their first wings and, as19 reconnoitering birds, explore unknown20 landscapes."21 This is the normal nature of a22 childlike expression. This is their23 individualism, their character. It is24 the enthusiasm that is performed and25 39 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 demonstrated on the stage of their own2 existence.3 However, Thurman goes on to4 declare that when a child is clothed in5 the overwhelming community of the6 disinherited, that child is likely to7 have a heavy life. A ceiling is placed8 on his dreaming by the Council of Despair9 coming from elders of whom experience has10 taught to expect little or to hope less11 for the poor.12 My question to this13 Administration today is, are you the14 Council that perpetuates and personifies15 the absolute assurance of despair? Are16 you the elders whose experience have17 taught you to expect little or to hope18 for less when it comes to the poor? What19 play of perpetual impression are you20 willing to voluntarily arrange in order21 to quarantine a certain kind of people?22 I believe that deeply rooted in23 the philosophy of necessity is the24 penalty of deception. The penalty of25 40 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 deception is to become that deception2 with all sense of moral discrimination3 vitiated. It is the nature of this4 current Administration.5 History, we find, that certain6 politics have been unkind to the poor.7 In fact, history has been unkind to the8 people of color, sexuality and even it9 has been unkind to those of whom we10 consider the least of these. To suggest11 or even to have the unmitigated gall, the12 arrogance to suppose that one has the13 answer to a critical issue of domestic or14 democratic pressure by cutting out,15 severing the life of those who struggle16 for some dignity in the face of17 potentates and political representatives18 I believe is a preposterous solution to a19 deeper problem.20 I will close with this: If we21 are going to solve the problematic22 consistencies that plague the common, it23 should not be done by cutting the common24 out of the equation of freedom, but it25 41 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 will become solvable when we can come to2 a common place where common people can3 solve their common problem.4 I'll close with this as well.5 Martin King said it this way: "Truth6 crushed to earth shall rise again."7 (Applause.)8
Thank9 you very much. Thank you very much.10 Are there any questions?11 (No response.)12
I will13 assume that Bilal Salaam and Imam14 Suladeen are not here. Next we will call15 Pastor Robert Collier, Reverend Nick16 Taliaferro, Imam Suetwedien Muhammad17 forward. And as they are coming, we18 certainly want to recognize Pastor19 Jarrell. Thank you for being here.20 (Witnesses approached witness21 table.)22
We23 will invite Rabbi Isaacson to come24 forward with this panel.25 42 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Thank you very much. Welcome.2 Please identify yourself for the record3 and begin your testimony.4
My name5 is Reverend Nick Taliaferro. I am here6 representing the Seventh Day Adventist7 Church of the City of Philadelphia and8 also representative of the Fathers Day9 Rally Committee. I appreciate this10 privilege, Councilwoman Blackwell, and to11 the other Councilpersons here assembled.12 Thank you for the opportunity to lend my13 voice and to lift my voice in support of14 the citizens here gathered and in support15 of the children of the City of16 Philadelphia.17 Although I'm a minister, I'd18 like to address this wearing another hat,19 which is the hat of parenting educator,20 and to look at the problems that are21 confronting our children now based upon22 budgetary concerns from two perspectives.23 One, the perspective of the measures of24 the Governor and the state being simply25 43 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 counterintuitive.2 According to Dr. Sandra Bloom3 of Drexel University, the developing4 brain of a child makes over 7005 connections per second as it begins to6 map itself for learning, for interaction,7 for connection. After a while, those8 connections begin to end as the brain is9 hardwiring itself.10 According to Dr. Bruce Perry,11 the author of the book, "The Boy Who Was12 Raised as a Dog," he speaks of the fact13 that the developing brain is plastic or14 the plasticity of the brain, which means15 that the earlier you catch a child, the16 more moldable that child's brain is. It17 would be intuitive, therefore, to spend18 more money at the earlier part of a19 child's educational process when the20 brain is more adaptable to the21 educational process. To wait until later22 to spend the money is simply23 counterintuitive. Secondarily, it is24 counterproductive.25 44 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Back in the 1980s, the2 Department of Justice released a report3 that showed that for every dollar that is4 spent proactively on helping a child to5 avoid problems, you save $10 on remedial6 interaction to that person when they7 become an adult for criminal justice8 activities. In other words, every dollar9 spent proactively in kindergarten per se,10 in daycare will save you $10 in11 incarceration, in police activities, in12 court costs. It is counterproductive,13 therefore, to say that we will spend more14 money on the prosecution of adults rather15 than the protection of children.16 For every $1 you spend early,17 you save 10 later.18 (Applause.)19
For the20 Governor or for everyone else to conclude21 that the equation "you can pay now or you22 can pay later" will be summarized in23 "well, let's pay later," it is24 counterintuitive and counterproductive.25 45 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I rise with these citizens here2 gathered to say -- and we know that we're3 preaching to the choir here,4 Councilwoman. We know that your heart is5 with the children and the citizens, and6 the Councilpersons here gathered have7 already demonstrated their care and8 concern for the children of Philadelphia.9 We recognize that the problem is not born10 here, nor can it be completely solved11 here, but we're simply asking for a12 greater level of, shall we say,13 activation on the part of our elected14 officials to lobby those in Harrisburg15 and beyond so that money will be16 appropriated where it will do the best17 good and would be most productive when it18 comes to molding, melding and forming our19 children, and that is in their youth.20 I appreciate the time, and21 thank you so much for your dedicated22 service.23
Thank24 you, Pastor Taliaferro, and for your25 46 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 leadership.2 (Applause.)3
Councilwoman4 Blackwell, I am Pastor Robert Collier,5 Sr., Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church in6 Roxborough. I am honored to say a word7 on behalf of the greatest natural8 resource that we have in our city, our9 children.10 Our children are the future of11 Philadelphia, and we cannot afford to12 shortchange them today so that their13 choices will be limited tomorrow.14 Going back to half-day15 kindergarten, increasing class size,16 cutting out classes in their arts will17 mean that our children will be deprived18 of a comprehensive education that19 produced Guion Bluford, Judy Jamison,20 Will Smith, Jill Scott, Bill Cosby, Boyz21 II Men, Lola Falana, Tammi Terrell,22 Dr. Constance Clayton and Dr. W. Wilson23 Goode.24 We in Philadelphia cannot25 47 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 afford to crawl backwards, while2 surrounding schools continue to find ways3 to march forward. Thus, I appeal to the4 elected representatives in City Council5 to find a way to provide some money6 needed to preserve debts which we have in7 our school. You, the elected officials,8 owe it to the taxpayers to find a way to9 help fund our schools and not more10 prisons. And we all owe it to our11 children to make their future as bright12 as possible.13 Once again, I appeal to the men14 and women of City Council to do the right15 thing and help save our schools and, by16 doing so, help save the boys and girls of17 this great City of Philadelphia.18 Thank you.19 (Applause.)20
Thank21 you, Pastor. Thank you.22 Rabbi Isaacson.23
Councilwoman24 Blackwell, Blondell Reynolds, Councilman25 48 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Goode, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman2 Green, we're witnessing a miracle here3 today. You have ministers of all faiths4 that are showing you that if they need5 to, they can only hold their speeches6 down to three minutes.7 However, what I'm trying to8 point out is that we're not asking for a9 miracle. When you think about the fact10 that you have religious leaders speaking11 about public school rather than religious12 school, it shows that we realize what13 occurs in the public schools and how the14 children are raised and what is fed to15 them from their early childhood in16 kindergarten and even pre-kindergarten.17 As you've heard so eloquently put by18 other speakers, the mind of a child is19 easily formed in those early years, and20 from there, we have the leaders of21 tomorrow. And we have to look at the22 future of Philadelphia, but the future of23 Philadelphia is today. We have to see24 what we can do today to help mold that25 49 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 future, and if we don't, there will be no2 future in Philadelphia, for the future of3 Philadelphia is our children.4 As we were many years ago when5 we were children, many, many years ago,6 we are the leaders today. We hope that7 they will follow in our steps and be8 better than us, but we have to be the9 example to find that miracle, to find the10 wherewithal to be able to find the11 funding for these children. And it's12 very important.13 I'm sure that you realize that14 we're addressing you because we realize15 that you are the ones that are concerned16 and that you as representatives of City17 Council are speaking on behalf and are18 acting on behalf of our community. What19 we're trying to show you is that you have20 our full support.21 May God bless you and give you22 all the strength to continue to do the23 work and champion this cause for our24 little children today so that they can25 50 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 grow up to be good citizens tomorrow.2 Thank you.3 (Applause.)4
Thank5 you, Rabbi.6 Any questions?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you.10 We are going to ask the next11 three individuals and then we'll call12 Councilman Green for his remarks.13 Michael Vogel, Turning Points14 for Children; Tahnisha Thomas, Patterson15 School; Patricia Dukes, McDaniel School,16 will you come forward. And while you are17 coming, we're going to call on Councilman18 Bill Green.19
Thank you,20 Madam Chair. I appreciate that. I want21 to thank the faith-based community for22 coming in and sharing their concerns with23 us, and I want to make clear to them24 while they're here that there's no one on25 51 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 City Council, I don't believe, who shares2 the concerns and who wants to see early3 childhood education, who wants to see4 full-day kindergarten, et cetera. I5 would say that you put on a very6 impressive showing, especially the7 children from, I think it was, Promise8 Academy, who came here. And I think the9 last three years and five months we in10 City Council and the Mayor and others11 have been dealing with shrinking12 resources, almost $400 million compared13 to the plan over the last three years,14 and we've managed those resources, and I15 view budgeting as choosing between16 competing ideas for good with limited17 resources. And we have a situation that18 has been thrust upon us. It is not19 Dr. Ackerman. It is not the Mayor. It20 is not City Council that has cut $60021 million from the School District budget.22 We now have to deal with that.23 We now have to choose between competing24 ideas for good with these resources. If25 52 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we provide additional funds for the2 School District, something is going to3 get cut on the other side in City4 government. It's not going to be all5 through tax increases, I don't think.6 And so what we have to look at7 is not just what you said to us here, but8 I think the School District also needs to9 hear how important early childhood10 education is, how important full-day11 kindergarten is, because there are things12 still in the School District budget that13 are less efficacious than early childhood14 education that are remaining there.15 (Applause.)16
During17 yesterday's budget hearings, we18 identified, I think, over $75 million of19 such expenditures, which could go towards20 early childhood education, full-day21 kindergarten and transportation. I'm22 committed to providing some additional23 resources, but I want to see the School24 District commit to early childhood25 53 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 education 12 million, which is the last2 year's budget, not the 7 million they3 plan to put back in, and full-day4 kindergarten. We know that works. The5 improvements in the School District over6 the last ten years have been tremendous7 and mostly in the elementary schools,8 because we've gotten the children early.9 We can cut some summer school.10 We can cut some of the other Imagine 201411 programs and provide early childhood12 education.13 I personally spoke to SEPTA14 Board members last night. They are going15 to work with the School District and with16 the City to make sure we can maintain the17 TransPass program, and that will not cost18 us $25 million, because that's 80 percent19 reimbursed by the state. There's a20 lot -- we're all working on this.21 (Applause.)22
And we have23 to do it in a collaborative effort of24 moving forward together.25 54 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 We have asked the School2 District to provide us the kind of3 oversight that we have over City4 departments if we're going to provide5 additional resources. We're still6 waiting to hear back from them on that.7 We're still waiting to hear back from8 them on a number of questions about the9 efficacy of programs that they're10 maintaining instead of full-day11 kindergarten, for example, and they're12 about to provide us that data. And after13 we look at that, I can assure you that we14 all here are going to fight for the15 children of the City of Philadelphia, but16 we need the School District to prioritize17 the things we know work, which are18 full-day kindergarten and early childhood19 education. And I would take this program20 on the road and go to their budget21 hearing next week, because they need to22 hear from you that that's more important23 than some of the other programs they're24 keeping.25 55 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Thank you.2 (Applause.)3
Thank4 you very much.5 I'd certainly like to thank my6 bishop and all ministers who have been7 here. We do certainly want to thank the8 faith-based community for their interest9 and commitment.10 And now we have Ann Romine, who11 will speak instead of Michael J. Vogel.12 Then Tahnisha Thomas and Patricia Dukes.13 Please identify yourself when you speak14 and your school or organization. Thank15 you.16
Please18 pull the mike closer. We can't hear you.19
Good afternoon.20 Thanks for taking the time to hear from21 us. My name is Ann Romine. I work with22 Turning Points for Children, which is a23 non-profit child welfare agency that's24 been serving the City for over 175 years.25 56 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 We have many programs, but today we2 brought a couple parents with us that3 participate in one of our school-based4 programs.5 As one of our programs, which6 is FAST, Families and Schools Together,7 in the last year, Turning Points provided8 FAST to over 600 families and 1,5009 children in the 30 elementary schools10 that we serve, and we're here on behalf11 of the concerns of our parents regarding12 their child's education and the programs13 in place to support them.14 If you haven't heard about15 FAST, which I'm sure some Councilmembers16 have received letters from many of our17 graduate parents, which is why we're here18 today, in response to those letters, but19 FAST is a research-based program, one of20 the few evidence-based models that's21 provided in the City, and we work to22 promote children's academic success,23 strengthen families, reduce substance24 abuse and also reduce stress and promote25 57 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 parent empowerment in their child's2 school and parent involvement. And3 that's why we're here, and I want you to4 be able to hear from Tahnisha and5 Patricia regarding FAST and their6 experience and also their hopes for the7 future of their kids.8
Good afternoon.11 My name is Tahnisha Thomas. I have three12 children. We moved to Southwest13 Philadelphia in 2005, and I didn't know14 anyone in the neighborhood. I just had a15 baby, so I was a stay-at-home mom. I16 heard about the FAST program from a17 friend in South Philly and I was curious18 to find out when FAST was going to be put19 in Patterson, which is my neighborhood20 school.21 A couple years later, FAST came22 to Patterson and I quickly signed up with23 my daughter, Kayla, when she was in first24 grade. My family and I participated and25 58 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we had a great time in the FAST program.2 I learned more about my daughter's3 everyday school life.4 FAST helped me make friends in5 the neighborhood. I began to share more,6 bringing ideas to the school and was7 encouraged to run for the Home and School8 Office, which I became Vice-President. I9 was also offered further opportunities to10 work in the school with Eat.Right.Now and11 also a noontime aide for the School12 District.13 I provide -- I continue to stay14 involved with other FAST graduates from15 my school through FAST Works, where I16 coordinated several monthly activities.17 I'm passionate about spending time with18 my kids and exploring our overlooked19 treasures right here in Philadelphia,20 many of which are free or low cost. FAST21 was a platform for me to share these22 activities with people in my neighborhood23 and other parents at the school. I guess24 I stood out to the FAST program because I25 59 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 was offered a recreation position on the2 FAST team, and when a position became3 available, they made me an agency partner4 for Patterson this past year.5 And that's it. I'm done.6
Good afternoon.9 Hello. My name is Patricia Dukes. I10 have a daughter named Michaela, and we11 have been an active participant of the12 FAST program for quite some time. We13 first joined the program at G.W. Childs14 School and successfully completed many15 cycles, and later we re-signed up again16 prior to transferring from Childs to17 Delaplaine McDaniel School. As you can18 see, my family has enjoyed the program so19 much, it gives us a good feeling every20 time we return. The program has allowed21 me to spend some extra quality time with22 my daughter, which is important, as well23 as having the opportunity to meet other24 families within the community.25 60 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Throughout the years of being2 in the program, we have met so many FAST3 families, and also whenever we have our4 parent group discussions, which is part5 of our group, I have become more social6 and been able to be more open in sharing7 my thoughts with the other families.8 My daughter, Michaela, she has9 grown and matured and has become more10 social along with her peers, and11 academically she has improved12 tremendously.13 I feel as though the FAST14 program should continue in the schools15 because it's a great program and I feel16 that a lot of families can benefit from17 it, and they provide us with helpful and18 informative information, plus it is free19 to all that join, and basically it's a20 good social outlet for our families and21 our children within the community.22 As a parent, I ask that you23 reconsider dropping the program from our24 schools. Yes, this is an eight-week25 61 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 program. Maybe to those in the2 government system who are considering3 dropping this program, it may be a waste4 of time and money spent, but to me it's5 money well worth spent.6 I also want to reiterate7 earlier when I talked about my daughter,8 Michaela, and how she has grown. We have9 been a part of the program. My daughter10 was five when we started. She is now11 ten. I also mentioned about how she has12 improved academically.13 As a mother, I'm very proud of14 my daughter's achievements. I'm holding15 here her report card. She has received16 A's and B's. So, yes, this program does17 promote academic success, which is one of18 its goals.19 I also have a respect for the20 agency partners, Samantha Adams, who21 fronts up our program, the school22 partners, as well as we have a group of23 youth that also volunteer. And I have24 also respect for them, because they could25 62 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 be doing something that's destructive,2 but they're doing something positive in3 volunteering.4 So that's the reason why I feel5 as though this program should continue.6
Thank7 you very much.8 Are there any questions?9 (No response.)10 (Applause.)11
Thank you,19 Madam Chair. I rise to first thank the20 Philadelphia School District for the21 marathon session we had yesterday wherein22 they provided for us a comprehensive23 analytical reality check for where we are24 with our schools. The record knows that25 63 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 there are a number of us who spoke on our2 commitment to ensure that full-day3 kindergarten has continued and that we4 walk through and work through the complex5 issue around -- the complex thinking6 required for those additional priorities.7 I will say to those in8 attendance here, Madam Chair, that it is9 important that we speak on an issue. It10 matters when we are for an issue, but11 ultimately we're measured by how we vote12 on an issue. So people need to listen to13 what we say, but then watch what we do.14 And it is in what we do for the School15 District that ultimately matters.16 Thank you, Madam Chair.17 (Applause.)18
Thank19 you, Councilwoman.20 Next we'll have Ann Guise,21 De'ivion Wescott and Kiera Marsh-Hall as22 part of Bright Light Initiative.23 (Witnesses approached witness24 table.)25 64 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 MISS MARSH-HALL: Good2 afternoon. My name is Kiera Marsh-Hall.3 I am a member of the Bright Lights4 Initiative. I attend T.M. Pierce5 Elementary School. I am in the sixth6 grade. I am here today because I am very7 concerned about the Governor's choice to8 decrease the amount of funds schools will9 receive and increase the amount prisons10 will receive.11 I was born and being raised in12 North Philadelphia. With that being13 said, my friends and I depend on our14 education to become successful,15 intelligent citizens. We know for sure16 that would not happen if we do not get17 the proper education. Instead of cutting18 the school budget, the government should19 be building schools, libraries, et20 cetera, anything that will increase our21 level of education.22 My school tries hard, but we23 already do not have art, music, a24 library, a proper gym, a lunchroom and an25 65 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 auditorium, and our building is already2 101 years old. Now we are going to lose3 four teachers and full-day kindergarten,4 and yet there is increased funding for5 prisons.6 We all feel that the Governor7 gave up on us by obviously predicting we8 will end up in prison. Therefore, please9 take us seriously. Please take this10 seriously. And I personally have dreams11 and hopes for my future, so do my12 parents, because we believe that13 education is the key to success. Do the14 right thing and find some way to make15 education a top priority for16 Philadelphia's children.17 (Applause.)18
Thank19 you.20 MISS WESCOTT: Good afternoon.21 My name is De'ivion Wescott. I am a22 Bright Light sixth grader at the T.M.23 Pierce School in North Philadelphia.24 I am concerned about the cuts25 66 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 in education. My school is a school that2 works, but we do not have art or music.3 We do not have a library, auditorium or a4 working gym. When the teachers are5 absent, we often don't get a substitute.6 Then the class is split up and go to7 different classes, sometimes first and8 second grade. Several times a week we9 have extra students because their teacher10 is absent. Now we are losing four11 teachers and are going to have 3212 students in every class. We will be13 expected to compete with students from14 schools that do not have these15 conditions.16 We are good, strong students,17 but we need a level playing field. We18 expect our government to make an19 education a top priority in Philadelphia.20 Remember, we are the future.21 (Applause.)22
I am Ann Guise, and4 for almost 40 years, I have been a strong5 advocate for the best in public education6 for Philadelphia's children. I am the7 Director of the Bright Lights Initiative.8 We operate in two very struggling schools9 in North Philadelphia, the T.M. Pierce10 School and the John G. Whittier School.11 Over the years we have seen the12 decline in public support for public13 schools in Philadelphia. Now these14 latest huge cuts in class size,15 kindergarten, transportation will destroy16 the capability of schools to compete with17 their counterparts.18 Because students and their19 parents think charter schools are a20 better option, they are enrolling their21 children at a record pace. We must do22 better for our children. Why there are23 not parents protesting and shutting this24 city down until the schools --25 68 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2
I don't know. But3 there should not have to be protests for4 basic services to be provided.5 I urge you, the members of City6 Council, to do the right thing and make7 education a city priority. Make certain8 that all schools are served equally and9 that all children have the opportunity to10 make a difference.11 Fannie Lou Hamer said some12 years ago, "I am sick and tired of being13 sick and tired." Well, so am I.14 (Applause.)15
This underfunding16 is an unnecessary and constant17 distraction from the real issue of18 providing quality education and19 comprehensive services for our children.20 And it is the responsibility of our21 elected officers to ensure that22 Philadelphia is second to none when23 providing educational realities for our24 children.25 69 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Thank you. I know your heart.2 You're in the right place.3 (Applause.)4
Thank5 you.6 Are there any questions?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you very much.10 Cecelia Thompson, Shelly11 Yanoff, Danita Bates, please come12 forward.13 (Witnesses approached witness14 table.)15
Good16 afternoon. Welcome. Please identify17 yourself for the record and proceed with18 your testimony.19
Good afternoon.20 My name is Cecelia Thompson and I21 appreciate this opportunity to speak this22 afternoon.23 First, I would like to commend24 your support to the education of our25 70 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 children. As the Mayor stated on2 television yesterday, he has committed3 the City to providing 70 to 100 million4 in additional funding for our children.5 While I agree with everyone6 that we should restore all services, our7 priorities should include full-day8 kindergarten, transportation,9 after-school programs, alternative10 education and dropout prevention11 programs.12 In addition, I would ask that13 you include the restoration of the14 noontime aides, supportive service15 assistants and building custodians. The16 NTAs and SSAs are invaluable, as they17 provide support and climate control to18 the building. As to the custodians,19 cutting them, who is going to clean our20 schools? The students, the teachers, or21 the principals? Some of our schools are22 three stories, having many rooms and many23 bathrooms. If this is the case, when24 will instruction occur? I don't want my25 71 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 child or any child missing much-needed2 instructional time because they're3 sweeping and mopping floors because of4 lack of somebody to clean our buildings.5 Our children are entitled to6 clean buildings and to not come into7 anything that's not clean because we're8 trying to save a few pennies.9 Additionally, the program10 Councilwoman Blackwell mentioned11 concerning the nurses is extremely12 needed. There are children with special13 healthcare and medical concerns that need14 a five-day nurse on hand. These children15 should not be subjected to relocate the16 schools with half five-day nurses, but17 they should be entitled to stay with18 their classmates in the schools which19 they're currently attending.20 Furthermore, I would ask City21 Council to consider permanently funding22 the above programs, but especially23 full-day kindergarten and not having to24 rely on the state for any type of25 72 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 funding. If you feel you need to attach2 provisions which show that the money3 received from City Council would be first4 used to fund any priority that you're5 requesting, but especially full-day6 kindergarten, I really don't see that as7 an issue, especially since it was8 mentioned yesterday that Pittsburgh has9 been doing it and not relying on state10 aid, because they realize that full-day11 kindergarten is important for our12 children.13 Lastly, as I conclude, I don't14 want any cuts when it comes to special15 education. There was a statement made16 yesterday during the proceedings that17 there were going to be efficiencies. To18 me, the term -- I'll wrap it up.19 To me the term "efficiency"20 means a cute way of cutting the service21 that my child needs to participate in the22 educational program and for him to have23 academic success in his school.24 According to IDEIA, school districts are25 73 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 required by federal law to pay for a2 large portion of special education3 programs and services. These programs4 and services cannot be altered or cut in5 any way because it is federally mandated,6 unlike all other programs for the rest of7 the children.8 So, again, I thank you in9 advance for your commitment to the10 children of our city, and if what the11 Mayor says is true and you are going to12 commit to the 75 to 100 million that we13 really, really need for our children, I14 would ask that you make it a priority15 that, if anything, full-day kindergarten16 is always funded for our children.17 Thank you.18 (Applause.)19
Thank20 you very much.21 Good afternoon. Welcome.22
Good afternoon. 15 We must begin, however, by16 acknowledging the support that this17 Council has provided before. Thank you,18 Councilman Goode, for your leadership and19 for all of the leadership that has gotten20 to us that has given the City's children21 a chance in the last ten years. 6 There are children in this city7 who have been learning and growing and8 being prepared for school while their9 parents are at work. They are at serious10 risk in the proposed budget. There is a11 high school in Philadelphia, one of many,12 it's an example, with a dynamic13 principal, a diverse student body, a14 determined staff. That school is making15 progress going beyond AYP and SPI or all16 the other metrics. Still, that small17 school is being forced to eliminate many18 positions. 1 adults will cause a ripple effect for2 hundreds and hundreds of students. 5 Their classes will be bigger. Their6 favorite teacher may well be gone. The7 art teacher who retired will not be8 replaced. The noontime aide who had a9 knack for building relationships with10 students and a helpful ear to the street11 will have vanished. 19 It is clear the people of20 Philadelphia want early childhood21 education, they want full-day22 kindergarten and small class size. They23 need early education, full-day24 kindergarten and small class size. 10 As we have worked to improve11 the graduation rate over the last several12 years and decrease the dropout rate,13 we've learned a lot about what works and14 what doesn't. 19 Philadelphia is at the20 forefront of a national movement to21 address the dropout crisis. )8
Don't have them9 wake up in September and realize that10 there are no doors to walk through for11 their future.12 The people of Philadelphia want13 transportation to be provided for our14 students, just as it is in most schools15 across the country. Transportation is16 critical to ensuring that Philadelphia17 families don't have to choose between18 putting food on the table or sending19 their kids to school. Transportation is20 critical to ensure that we stay on the21 right path of lowering truancy and22 dropout rates. These services - early23 childhood education, full-day24 kindergarten, small class size,25 79 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 accelerated schools and transportation -2 can only be achieved through more shared3 sacrifice.4 We commend the Mayor for making5 education a priority and encourage him to6 continue efforts to ensure these7 essentials come fall. We call on City8 Council and SEPTA to cover the cost of9 transportation. We call on City Council10 to increase the District's share of the11 real estate tax. We call on the Chamber12 of Commerce to cover the cost of summer13 school and summer jobs. They will --14 (Applause.)15
They will build a16 more business-friendly city when they do.17 And as we ask for shared18 sacrifice, we call on citizens to support19 Council and the Mayor as they raise the20 funds, and we call on the District to21 look again, look closely at cuts, and22 eliminate those things that affect our23 children least. We also call on the24 District executive staff to look again at25 80 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 how they as individuals might lower their2 budgets and share in the sacrifice.3 It does take a village to raise4 a child, and when raising children,5 adults must sacrifice. Through shared6 sacrifices, we can ensure that our7 children have the very best that we can8 give them come September.9 Thank you.10 (Applause.)11
Hello. My name is12 Danita Bates. I'm a parent and community13 activist and youth leader.14 Hello. My name is Danita15 Bates. I am a parent at Duckrey School16 Elementary. I'm the Director of17 Education at Fountain of Youth Health and18 Preventative Services. I am a community19 activist, youth leader and member of20 Action United.21 Ever since Governor Corbett has22 announced his budget proposal at $55023 million from basic education budget, I24 have been doing what I can to relay the25 81 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 message to Governor Corbett and our state2 legislators that this budget is3 inadequate. I have been to Harrisburg4 three to four times. I have even taken5 this message to Washington, DC, where the6 government was there -- when Governor7 Corbett was there. No one wants the8 current school budgets to be cut, so I am9 doing what I can to try to prevent it.10 But in the meantime, I need the11 City Council, SRC Commission, School12 District officials to make better13 decisions with the budget they have. The14 School District needs to be more15 transparent with their budget decisions.16 The School District needs to have more17 parent and student and teachers18 involvement in this current budget19 decision.20 I want to know why are there so21 many --22
Excuse23 me, Ms. Bates. Media can't see. Would24 you put your sign down while you're25 82 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 speaking.2
I want to know why6 are there being so -- why are there so7 many changes being made currently when8 the budget cuts haven't even happened9 yet? Teachers are already being released10 at my son's school, at Duckrey,11 Dr. Tanner Duckrey. The class sizes are12 already beginning to get larger, and now13 there are plans for them to increase next14 year.15 You plan to make 50 percent cut16 for gifted and talented education, yet17 you say the number of students will18 receive their mandated services. How can19 that be? Learning support and emotional20 support for special education is being21 cut out. Special education liaisons22 positions will be cut 77 percent.23 After-school programs will be cut, sports24 programs, music, arts and even25 83 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 extended-day programs that are all being2 cut. I am starting to see these cuts3 now. Why?4 Who can I hold accountable for5 this? Not Governor Corbett. He just got6 into office. His budget hasn't even been7 approved.8 I'm always there when I'm9 needed in my School District or at my10 son's school when there's trips being11 planned to Harrisburg for rallies and so12 forth and parent and community meetings.13 The changes that are being proposed, loss14 of 3,800 job eliminations, of full-day15 pre-K, transportation will be cut and16 many parents like me will have a17 difficult time handling this additional18 expense.19 This Administration promised to20 make things better for us. How can I21 "Imagine 2014" when I fear 2011 so much?22 Having the current arrangements23 and the effects of the education budget24 cuts and requested money should be taken25 84 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to the highest courts of the law, with2 the argument that the cuts represented by3 Governor Corbett, knowing the horrific4 effects of the budget cuts, are not being5 mindful that this is a deprivation of the6 constitutional right of all of our7 students in the Philadelphia School8 District, and we are demanding thorough9 and efficient education for all of our10 at-risk students throughout the City. We11 must hold accountable the City, federal12 government, state and our Philadelphia13 School District for the rest of 2011,14 2012, '13, '14 and the future even, when15 Dr. Ackerman is long gone, our16 Superintendent, who has done a17 magnificent job.18 In making the calculations for19 the rest of 2011, '12, '13 and '14, the20 future, the formula must be adjusted to21 correct the state's failure providing the22 statutory level of formulas funding to23 the districts during 2010, '11, '12, '13,24 '14 and even the future of our25 85 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Philadelphia School District.2 These are the demands community3 involvers, parents, families and4 communities are demanding: An5 appropriate revision of statistical6 measures comparing the differences in7 achievements among charter and public8 academically and what is really working9 in favor academically for our students10 who are still failing state tests;11 demanding that criminal justice removed12 from our schools.13 And to add on, this is only the14 beginning, and I'd like all the support15 that is out there that we have, and we16 have to let these parents know, parents17 is power. We have to be more aggressive18 in these schools with all the cuts being19 taken away. Parents, it's time to step20 up. Communities and everyone, it's time21 to step up.22
Thank23 you.24 (Applause.)25 86 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank5 you very much.6 Next, Susan Gobreski, Education7 for Voters; Kevin Peter; and Emmanuel8 Bussie.9 (Witnesses approached witness10 table.)11
Thank12 you very much. Ms. Gobreski, please13 identify yourself for the record and14 begin your testimony.15
16 My name is Susan Gobreski. Thank you for17 having me. 1 billion cut. 5 They're going to take some of that from6 social services. 11 There's $506 million in revenue12 on the table in surplus over13 expectations. 18 I just want to remind everyone that Ben19 Franklin said the only thing more20 expensive than education is ignorance,21 and we see that every day in22 Philadelphia. 7 One of the things I'll be8 submitting is a report on student9 achievement. 13 I just wanted to take a couple14 minutes or a minute to just point out a15 couple of facts. One of them is that16 from -- this is from the Alliance for17 Excellent Education. Moving even one18 student from dropout status to graduate19 status contributes to a state's economic20 growth. 1 $10 million in additional earnings in an2 average year. 12 So I realize that there's been13 a lot of testimony today talking about14 some of the programs that are affected15 that are important. We know early16 education works. We know the support17 works. It's incredibly important that we18 keep full-day kindergarten. 22 We have people who are not supporting23 education. 6 The City needs to increase7 financial support. We need to get back8 to the share where the City is putting9 more of the property taxes back into10 schools. 12 We want to specifically talk13 about the transportation issue. I was14 very happy to hear Councilman Green talk15 about SEPTA today. We need to go to16 SEPTA. They're already supported with17 our tax dollars. to school. So, finally, the other thing4 that we'd like to ask City Council to do,5 out of every crisis creates an6 opportunity. This is an opportunity to7 talk about the role that City Council8 plays. 9 What do we do with our public and civic10 dialogue? How can we increase the amount11 of authority that we have over our12 schools so that we can get the results,13 get the accountability? 15 It's not just about what you talk about,16 although it is what you talk about. It's17 also what we fund and how you vote. And18 as a member of a public advocacy group, I19 think that the public is paying20 attention. 22 So thank you very much. )2
Thank3 you.4 Mr. Peter, please identify5 yourself for the record and begin your6 testimony.7
Good afternoon. My8 name is Kevin Peter. I live in9 Philadelphia. I have a son who attended10 C.W. Henry School in Mount Airy and now11 is at Masterman. I appreciate the12 opportunity to speak today.13 I'm here as a proud public14 school parent and a dedicated member of15 my community. I'm not an expert on16 education. I'm not an expert on17 budgeting or public finances. I'll leave18 those topics to the experts. I'm not19 here to talk about which choices in the20 School District budget might cause the21 most pain. The most optimistic22 projections show that the District will23 have to make cuts, and I doubt any cuts24 will make my son's classrooms less25 93 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 crowded, his teachers freer to deal with2 individual students or the quality of3 instruction any higher. As a Masterman4 student, his quality of education is5 pretty high already, but I am a little6 worried about what the future holds.7 So let's just be real about the8 budget. We need the City and the state9 to find adequate funding for our schools,10 and we need our School District to make11 good choices with our money. Budgets say12 a lot about priorities. The fact that13 the Governor and the House are proposing14 historic cuts to basic education funding15 while sitting on a surplus that will16 reach a billion dollars next year says17 education is not a priority in18 Harrisburg.19 The fact that the City made an20 11th-hour pledge to find more money for21 our schools seems to say that keeping our22 schools strong was not a priority until23 yesterday.24 Speaking of priorities, where25 94 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 is the Chamber of Commerce?2 (Applause.)3
Where's the4 Philadelphia Business Journal? They have5 great talking points about the importance6 of education and preparing employees of7 the future, but they don't seem to have8 made it to the walking points yet.9 Our business community is happy10 to roll up their sleeves to paint a11 classroom or clean up a playground, but12 when it comes to real investment in our13 schools, their priority is on their14 revenue, not revenue for our schools.15 (Applause.)16
So what is our17 priority when it comes to our schools?18 Who is writing the strategic plan for our19 schools and our community? I don't mean20 Imagine 2014. It's a good plan, but it's21 not a community vision. It's a work plan22 for the District.23 So who is going to write our24 strategic plan for how our schools fit25 95 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 into our community and articulate our2 vision? Will City Council do it? Will3 the Mayor do it? PCCY?4 So here's my -- silence,5 crickets.6 So here's my biggest fear. If7 as a community we don't lay out our8 vision for our schools, if we don't9 articulate exactly where and how our10 schools fit into our priorities -- and11 every time you hear an S in this, think12 dollar sign -- we're going to be sitting13 here next year with the same questions,14 the same frustration, the same outrage15 and the same failure to provide what our16 city and our businesses and our17 neighborhoods and our families and our18 children so desperately need, excellent19 learning environments so each of our20 children can become the adults we hope21 they will.22 Thank you.23 (Applause.)24
Thank25 96 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you very much.2 Emmanuel Bussie.3 ELSHADYE: Hi. My name is4 Elshadye, which means all things are5 possible through God.6 I am a first grader in Thomas7 Mifflin Elementary School. I spent more8 years than I want to admit trying to9 decide if you care. I have concluded10 that you do. But can you care enough to11 fight as hard as you can to give me the12 opportunity to be all that I can be?13 (Applause.)14 ELSHADYE: I have hope. Would15 you like to hear one of them?16 My grandparents studied war,17 liberation and justice so that my father18 may study politics, government and19 policies, so that I may study math,20 science and technology, so one day I hope21 my little one may study poetry,22 symphonies and astrology. This is my23 hope.24 (Applause.)25 97 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Good afternoon,2 Councilwoman Blackwell and members of3 Council. I know I'm speaking to the4 choir when I address these points to you,5 so I'm not going to state the obvious.6 It's extremely frustrating to come before7 Council and state the obvious. I don't8 know how other people do it. But I'm not9 going to waste my time or your time10 talking about the importance of education11 and funding education. What I will talk12 about is the obvious assault on urban13 America and education as a whole. We all14 know that this is an assault --15 (Applause.)16
We all know that17 this is an assault on urban America and18 education by not just Pennsylvania but19 state governments all around the country.20 So the question is, how are we going to21 fight back?22 I'm going to pose a question to23 you and, in particular, Councilman Green.24 I believe that we're going to be asked,25 98 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Here's what I gave you, and what did you2 do with it? I'm going to say it for a3 minute. You're going to be asked at the4 end of the day, at the end of time,5 Here's what I gave you, and what did you6 do with it? I'm going to come back to7 that for a second, but I think that we8 can't allow Harrisburg or anybody else to9 play games with us. We can't allow for10 them to have us compete welfare benefits,11 healthcare benefits against our schools.12 We need all the programs. We should have13 absolutely no cuts.14 (Applause.)15
Absolutely no cuts16 at all. And if you say, Okay, well,17 where's the money going to come from?18 That's what leadership is for. We need19 to be innovative in terms of how we20 generate revenue. We can't just take a21 tax, tax, tax approach.22 We all know if -- anyone here23 that says we don't have to raise taxes is24 playing games. We have to raise taxes.25 99 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 The thing is, what do we spend our tax2 money on?3 For Philadelphia, you got to4 pay the cost to be the boss. For5 Philadelphia to only give 25 percent6 towards our educational funding, it's7 ridiculous.8 I'm going to -- in closing, I'm9 just going to say this: We need to use10 the judiciary process just like New11 Jersey did. In 2006, the state's own12 study said that Philadelphia is13 underfunded by $1 billion every year. If14 New Jersey can sue and get $500 million15 put back into their school system, why16 can't we use the judicial process to get17 money that they already --18 (Applause.)19
We're actually in20 a better position than New Jersey,21 because the State of Pennsylvania already22 concluded that they owe us $1 billion23 since 2006. So why can't we use the24 judiciary process?25 100 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Councilman Green, we are not2 going to play games with the School3 District or with our young people. We4 don't need any programs cut. We don't5 need full-time kindergarten competing6 with after-school programs or full-time7 kindergarten competing with music. We8 need all the programs.9 You can find innovative ways to10 fund our school system. You can --11 (Applause.)12
We can't allow the13 government in Pennsylvania to have us14 fighting over scraps. What we're talking15 about -- when you're talking Dr. Ackerman16 or School District to find ways you can17 cut and find how much money you spend on18 pencils, that's scraps. We can't allow19 those people to play games. We want to20 cut, cut, cut, cut our kids legs off and21 blame Dr. Ackerman for us limping. We22 can't allow them to keep playing games23 with us. There's money out there. We24 have to go get it. We have to be25 101 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 vigilant. We have to be aggressive. We2 need to stop making requests and start3 make demands.4 (Applause.)5
I'm going to close8 by saying, Councilwoman Blackwell, that9 whoever you consider to be your creator,10 whoever you consider to be your creator,11 he's going to ask you at the end of the12 day -- he's not going to hear, Oh, I13 didn't have any mom or dad. He's going14 to say, Councilman Green, here's what I15 gave you, what did you do with it?16 (Applause.)17
Thank19 you. And we want to thank her. She was20 just a lovely witness.21 (Applause.)22
Thank23 you all for your testimony.24 Councilman Green.25 102 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank you,2 Madam Chair.3 That is exactly the question4 that City Council wants to make sure we5 can hold the School District accountable6 with. Here is what we're going to give7 you. What are you going to do with it?8 And we haven't gotten the answer from the9 School District with respect to those10 questions again.11 Just for the record, in my12 first month in office, I talked to the13 Education Law Center about bringing a14 lawsuit based on the costing-out study,15 because Governor Rendell was seeking to16 fully implement the costing-out study17 over a period of years. There was no18 appetite in the legal community around19 issues like that, in the Education Law20 Center or elsewhere, to sue the state for21 the purpose of implementing the22 costing-out study under the state23 constitution, and all I can say is, I24 predict you'll hear more about that in25 103 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the near future. I certainly haven't2 been afraid to sue to keep libraries open3 or other things like that.4 With respect to the money the5 School District told us they need, up to6 $100 million, we actually are moving7 towards the path of getting there. We8 found 35 million in transportation just9 through a colloquy we had with the School10 District yesterday during the meeting in11 terms of providing some creative12 financing mechanisms for them to be able13 to pay for -- they were cutting something14 that they get 70 percent state15 reimbursement under, which is16 transportation. That kind of choice17 makes no sense. If we put up 16 million,18 they get the 50 million.19 So there's a lot of confusion20 out there about who is making the choice21 to cut full-day kindergarten, to cut22 early childhood education. It is the23 School District of Philadelphia24 ultimately who now has the choice, with25 104 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the resources available to them, to make2 the decision about what they're going to3 fund.4 So I appreciate the energy and5 the enthusiasm and the spirit that is6 here in this room. It needs to be in the7 School District next week when they adopt8 their interim budget, because they need9 to hear about what's important.10 (Applause.)11
Thank14 you very much.15 Helen Gym, public school16 parent; Terry Seward, Mitchell School;17 Carlos Jones, Blankenburg School.18 (Witness approached witness19 table.)20
Is21 Terry Seward here or Carlos Jones here?22 (No response.)23
Thank24 you.25 105 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Good morning.2
Good morning. My3 name is Helen Gym. I'm a Philadelphia4 public school parent and a co-founder of5 a group called Parents United for Public6 Education, which is focused on making7 sure that kids in classrooms are first in8 all District budgets.9 So I want to thank those10 members of Council who recognize the deep11 commitment of our city to our public12 schools and who have asked a lot of13 pointed questions to ensure the financial14 and managerial stability of billions of15 public dollars.16 Parents United for Public17 Education, along with other groups, have18 been at the forefront in asking for local19 funding accountability from the City. We20 absolutely oppose Governor Corbett's21 budget, which cuts more than a billion22 dollars out of the Education Department.23 But let's be honest, the state action24 only impacts the District by a little25 106 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 more than a $100 million out of a $6292 million deficit. We need to talk a3 little bit about our own house.4 It's our request that the City5 of Philadelphia does project a millage6 shift towards targeted areas, and in7 particular, we've delivered, as many8 people have testified to, to City Council9 members a petition around restoring free10 transportation to all Philadelphia11 public, private and parochial school12 students. More than a thousand people13 have signed this, from every single zip14 code in the City, have signed this15 petition, and we'll be going to SEPTA16 tomorrow at their board meeting at 3:0017 p.m., 1234 Market Street, to also bring18 that message.19 Every budget crisis is20 terrible, but in any budget crisis21 priorities have to be established, made22 transparent, clear and committed, and23 ours are clear. Ensure full-day24 kindergarten, restore free transportation25 107 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 for all school-age students, restore the2 29 percent cut in each school's3 discretionary funds. That is the subject4 that hasn't been talked about a lot, but5 we're asking that the City think about6 that the individual schools should be7 allowed to figure out how to weather the8 budget crisis rather than handing over9 money to the District.10 As strong --11 (Applause.)12
As strong as we've13 been about financial -- about the14 financial responsibility of City leaders,15 I want to make one thing very clear. No16 one, no one wants to see a blank check17 bailout for an administration that has18 failed to commit to establish priorities19 and has refused to change problematic20 spending practices or change its21 financial oversight. There should be no22 blank check bailout for the District. We23 want strings attached.24 (Applause.)25 108 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
I've been routinely2 frustrated at attending months and months3 of Districts hearings that I've been to,4 pages and pages of PowerPoints that I've5 seen, but as a parent, I've also gone6 through the District's 500-page document7 as well as made a formal request for 228 pages of a billion dollars worth of9 contracts that have been approved so far10 in Fiscal Year 2011 alone, and there are11 plenty of questions that Council needs to12 ask that just isn't showing up on the13 PowerPoints that you've been seeing, like14 why did the SRC last week approve $4.715 million in disposable textbooks for an16 18-day summer school program?17 (Applause.)18
If full-day19 kindergarten is on the chopping block,20 why are there nine people at District21 headquarters who make comparable salaries22 to or higher salaries than the Mayor of23 our city?24 (Applause.)25 109 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Why did the School2 District choose to create new offices3 like an Office of Non-Instructional4 Support and dramatically expand other5 offices this year, particularly in6 communications in the Superintendent's7 Office?8 Consider this: The Associate9 Superintendent's Office went from 5010 positions in FY10 to 90 positions in11 FY11. So then they cut 45 percent in the12 number of positions this year from last13 year, but it actually masks the fact that14 the office has increased its costs by15 $300,000 from FY10.16 The CFO's Office went from 8417 positions in FY10 to 108 positions in18 FY11. A 40 percent proposed cut to that19 office actually translates to a 2020 percent cut in FY10.21 It matters because I know that22 some people in Council feel like they are23 not educators. They don't want to get24 into the nitty-gritty, and I am sensitive25 110 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to that, but this is far beyond that2 claim, increasingly. It's felt like the3 District has unfairly put up essential4 services in order to evade necessary5 questions about what their priorities6 are, their particular spending practices7 and a lack of financial oversight.8 We want money to go to our9 schools, of course. We want the City to10 maintain its commitment because we need11 to go to Harrisburg and because it's the12 right thing to do at this time. But we13 cannot have money going wholesale over to14 the Administration, which has shown time15 and time again that it is willing to put16 up full-day kindergarten, our teachers,17 music, valuable programs like accelerated18 schools and manipulate them --19 (Applause.)20
-- and manipulate21 them like political footballs in the name22 of children. And I'm tired of it.23 Because this is a system with $3 billion24 and we can't say that we have full-day25 111 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 kindergarten. Because this is the second2 time in five years that we've come up3 before this city and seen a complete4 financial meltdown within the School5 District.6 So if we're going to give any7 money to the schools, there must be8 strings attached, and I'll start with my9 list. One, place the District under the10 auspices of the Pennsylvania11 Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority.12 The year-to-year debate over -- this13 School District sat here a year ago and14 gave you a balanced budget. We need to15 know five years out what are their16 projections.17 Two, please demand a moratorium18 on all non-essential contracts that are19 going out. The District has passed --20 (Applause.)21
-- a billion dollars22 worth of contracts in Fiscal Year '11,23 and plenty of them I would question24 are -- we should be asking the question,25 112 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 are they more important than full-day2 kindergarten?3 Please enact competitive4 bidding on the more than $200 million in5 professional services contracts that walk6 out the door.7 Four, please ask the District8 to go back to the drawing board and9 consider asking them to redo their budget10 and put in the essential services. Bring11 down executive salaries, restore more12 money back to the local schools.13 (Applause.)14
And the last request15 is, please use your leverage and consider16 demanding a change in the leadership of17 the School Reform Commission. This is a18 body, again, that sat here a year ago and19 promised you a balanced budget that20 didn't announce a financial crisis in the21 School District until January of this22 year and, in the past four months, has23 signed over millions of dollars into24 contracts, despite facing a massive25 113 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 budget crisis. In fact, forget that.2 Please support Representative Bishop's3 call to abolish the SRC and demand an4 elected School Board for this city.5 (Applause.)6
I was up Furness High7 School yesterday for their national8 Honors Society induction. It was a9 beautiful ceremony for a very small10 school. That school is losing $1.411 million from its budget of 600 students,12 17 personnel, including the school's13 music teacher and choir director, who has14 organized a beautiful ceremony for those15 students.16 Furness High School is why17 these questions need to be asked and why18 we need better answers than the ones that19 we've been given. If the public is being20 asked to turn over more money to our21 schools, then we have a responsibility to22 know whether we're simply providing cover23 for poor spending practices and24 priorities or whether this additional25 114 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 money is really going to be for the2 children.3 (Applause.)4
Thank5 you very much.6 Any questions?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you.10 Carol Fixman, Executive11 Director of the Philadelphia -- I'm12 sorry. Let me get the next panel seated13 and then we'll have time to talk.14 Ms. Gym, please come back.15 There's a question for you. Councilman16 Green first and then Councilwoman Tasco17 second.18 Councilman.19
I caught20 the press release from State21 Representative Bishop and I spoke to her,22 because I have concerns for her call for23 an independent elected School Board. Do24 you wish to have another taxing authority25 115 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 in the City of Philadelphia, independent2 taxing authority?3
It could be that -- I4 mean, I think that the state law will5 have to be taken a look at as to whether6 the School District is able to maintain7 its own taxing authority abilities or8 not, but I think the issue to me at this9 point has less to do with taxes than it10 has to do with the financial and11 managerial oversight of the District.12
Well, if13 you have an independent School Board, who14 provides the financing for the School15 Board? Those are just questions that we16 have to answer. Be careful what you ask17 for, because you might get it.18
Thank you.25 116 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Ms. Gym, I want to thank you2 for your really impassioned and3 thoughtful testimony. Since I've been on4 City Council in 2008, you have been a5 consistent and hard-working parent and6 citizen advocating for schools,7 advocating for leadership, advocating for8 money and things for schools even though9 you didn't believe in the leadership for10 most of that time, and I want to commend11 you and thank you for all the work you've12 been doing in that regard.13 I also want to ask you a simple14 question, because the question that you15 said we should ask in your testimony, we16 did ask yesterday, and, that is, is there17 nothing less important in the proposed18 expenditure by the School District than19 full-day kindergarten and early childhood20 education, 12 million, not the 7 million21 they plan to restore if they get some22 extra money, and you gave a number of23 examples. I just wanted -- the School24 District couldn't really answer that25 117 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 question. I just wanted to put the2 question to you.3 Do you find, do the people you4 represent, the groups you represent, find5 things in the School District budget that6 are less important than full-day7 kindergarten and early childhood8 education?9
Well, obviously it10 depends on whether you would say who11 they're less important to. So if you12 believe in that Achieve 3000, which is a13 multi-million-dollar testing company, you14 know, they probably feel like they're15 entitled to their $3 million contract16 that they didn't have -- or $2.2 million17 contract that they didn't have two years18 ago, but from a parent perspective, if19 I'm asking about whether it's a music20 teacher or a teacher in a school or some21 testing company from Duluth, then I'm22 always going to go with the teacher. You23 know, and that's been our problem.24 (Applause.)25 118 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
No one is willing to2 be open about what their priorities are3 and what the essential needs of the4 School District are. Somehow we've5 gotten into a situation where it's become6 essential to have Achieve 3000 in our7 classrooms. It's become essential to8 have professional services contracts9 distributed willy-nilly without any kind10 of oversight, review or competitive11 bidding. It's become a rule of thumb,12 and I think that that's been very13 difficult. We had to wait three weeks to14 get a formal request from the District15 for the list of contracts, and I would16 really think that City Council should17 take a look at those and I'm happy to18 share them publicly and ask that same19 question yourself.20
Thank25 119 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you very much.2 Carol Fixman, Executive3 Director of the Philadelphia Educational4 Fund. Thank you and welcome.5 (Witness approached witness6 table.)7
Thank you very8 much. I'd like to add my voice to the9 many you've heard. Today I ask you to10 recognize the extraordinary importance of11 education for our city and for children12 and ask you to fund our children's13 education at the highest level possible.14 So just a few facts that we all know, but15 just to reiterate them.16 We know that as Philadelphians17 reach higher education levels, their18 employment rates and their annual income19 increases. That means our city's tax20 base grows. At the same time, educated21 Philadelphians require fewer social22 services. The rate of incarceration23 decreases. Education provides our24 workforce of the future and on and on.25 120 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 So in the past eight years,2 we've seen a 27 point increase in student3 reading scores. We've seen a 37 point4 jump in math scores. We need to continue5 this positive trend. And contrary to6 what many think, money does matter.7 People I meet with from the suburbs, from8 the wealthier --9 (Applause.)10
-- from the11 wealthier suburbs will say, Oh, money12 doesn't matter, it's a matter of -- it's13 simply a matter of how you spend it. My14 response to that usually is, If it15 doesn't matter, why don't you give us16 some of yours, then it won't matter to17 you, will it? That doesn't happen. That18 doesn't happen, because we know that it19 takes money to invest in teachers and20 science labs and libraries and the arts21 and technology and alternative education22 and in everything else that makes our23 children's education excellent or will24 make our children's education excellent.25 121 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 So I would go so far as to say2 our city has no future without education.3 And so to our City Council men4 and Council women, I urge you to5 consider, as a minimum, the following:6 Please, as many have said before me,7 cover transportation costs to and from8 school for our children. If children9 can't get to school, you can have the10 best schools in the world, it won't11 matter.12 Second, please return the13 millage share of City funding for the14 School District to at least 60 percent so15 that the District can afford to reinstate16 many of the cuts that it's projected.17 So everyone asks, what would18 you reinstate? And there are many, many19 things to reinstate. We know that.20 You've heard from so many people before21 me. Sure, full-day kindergarten would be22 the very first thing I would reinstate.23 The research is clear that impacts24 tremendously children's later academic25 122 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 achievements.2 Teachers, the research is3 clear, teachers have the greatest impact4 on students' education. It's the most5 important variable.6 The arts, research is clear,7 children enjoy coming to school. It8 engages them. It's a good dropout9 prevention tool.10 So that's just a start. We11 need so much more. And so my thumbnail12 rule, my rubric as they say in education,13 my thumbnail rule would be, in short, I14 would get kids to school; I would pay for15 high quality, engaging instruction for as16 many students as possible grades K to 1217 using research-proven tools.18 So that's all I have to say.19 If we don't -- if we don't take care of20 our education system, Harrisburg is not21 going to do it for us. We're all trying22 and we're all raising our voice in23 Harrisburg, but we also have to look at24 ourselves and make sure that we're25 123 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 setting our priorities straight.2 So thank you so much for3 listening.4 (Applause.)5
Thank6 you.7 Are there any questions?8 (No response.)9
Thank10 you very much.11 Next we have Haviva Goldman,12 Laverne Bess, Bob Previdi, Vanessa13 Yingling, John Story Jenks School.14 (Witnesses approached witness15 table.)16
Hi. We're the19 parents from -- we're all parents from20 the John Story Jenks -- hi. My name is21 Laverne Bess. I'm a parent from the John22 Story Jenks Elementary School in Chestnut23 Hill, and Bob Previdi had a statement in24 general from all of us that he needs to25 124 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 read today.2
Thank you,3 Councilwoman. I'm Bob Previdi. Thank4 you for this opportunity to speak.5 We are the parents of the6 children attending John Story Jenks, K to7 8 school, in Chestnut Hill in Northwest8 Philadelphia. We have come here today to9 tell you what the proposed budget cuts10 mean for our children and our school.11 Jenks is a diverse school, with12 families coming from many backgrounds and13 from many neighborhoods throughout the14 Northwest section of the City. Whether15 we walk to school or travel from farther16 afield, we choose Jenks because it is a17 neighborhood school, a school with a18 sense of community, an established19 history and stability of success. All of20 us choose Jenks because we share a desire21 to get a quality public education for our22 children.23 Over the last three years, we24 have seen the school thrive under the25 125 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 leadership of Principal Mary Lynskey.2 She created the Jenks Art and Music3 program, or JAM program, which students4 receive extra instruction in one or other5 tracks. The program provides a creative6 outlet for students, helping them better7 achieve academically, while preparing8 them for many high school options. She9 has also created a clinic period at the10 end of the day for middle-school11 students, allowing them to choose from12 electives from sports to robotics or as13 basic as help in additional reading and14 math work.15 These programs have yielded16 documented success at our school. We17 have made AYP each year, and the school18 is one of the top eight schools -- top K19 to 8 schools in the Northwest.20 Recently we had our spring21 concert and art show, where our students22 proudly demonstrated their work for the23 past year. You can come see them perform24 tomorrow night. Our school play is Annie25 126 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 this year.2 With our budget cuts looming,3 our success of the JAM program is in4 jeopardy. Our arts teacher will be5 reduced to two days a week, and we will6 lose some of our instrumental music time,7 and we face potential loss of two8 enthusiastically young music teachers,9 and this is really a shame, because Jenks10 is really getting a program in arts and11 music that's really worth it.12 Our school's operating budget13 is being decimated as a result and14 additional loss of personnel and15 infrastructure support. Maintaining the16 arts and music program for our17 middle-school students will become very18 difficult. Our clinic program also faces19 similar demise.20 It is easy to point out the21 devastating effects many of the22 District's proposed cuts would have at23 our School District. Judging from24 yesterday's hearing, I think the Council25 127 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 understands that full-day kindergarten2 and transportation are very important.3 But it's shocking that either of these4 cuts were ever put on the table.5 Transport is too basic, and we can't6 take -- and we really can't take7 kindergarten backwards. I was shocked to8 know that in Philadelphia, it's only been9 less than 20 years since we've had10 full-day kindergarten, and more and more11 research shows that once a student is in12 third grade, if they're not reading and13 writing properly by third grade, we're in14 trouble. So how can we take the15 kindergarten, right at a critical period,16 and even have that on the table at all is17 just mind-boggling to me. And I hope18 you'll work with the state to fix the19 problem.20 Thanks very much.21
Hi. My name is25 128 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 William Bess. I play violin for -- since2 I was in kindergarten, and I'm in sixth3 grade and I go to J.S. Jenks. Please4 don't cut our music program.5 (Applause.)6
Thank7 you. Very nice young man, very nice.8 Well done.9 Thank you all very much.10 Any questions?11 (No response.)12
Thank13 you.14 Gerald Wright, Rebecca Poyourow15 and Anne Pomerantz.16 (Witnesses approached witness17 table.)18
Thank19 you very much. Welcome. Identify20 yourself for the record and begin. Thank21 you.22
2 Good afternoon. I am Gerald3 Wright, a member of Parents United for4 Public Education and a parent of two5 daughters who attend School District of6 Philadelphia public schools. My fourth7 grade daughter attends John Story Jenks8 Elementary School, which you just heard9 about, and my ninth grade daughter10 attends Constitution High. 13 Jenks, through the strategic use of14 allotted of teachers and operation15 dollars, often referred to as16 discretionary money, has focused on music17 and art, because there's a connection18 between music, art and students19 performing better academically. 21 Constitution High is focused on22 history and government. 1 of them do, if not all of them. To do2 these projects, students must learn how3 to do research. They must learn the4 difference between primary and secondary5 sources. They learn what a thesis is,6 how to develop a thesis and how to7 support their thesis. 10 When I talk with the principals11 of Jenks and Constitution, Ms. Lynskey12 and Dr. Davidson, they talk about wanting13 their students to succeed in life and14 about providing an environment of high15 expectation. 1 focused as these local schools? Can the2 School District prioritize like these3 schools do with their meager budgets? 5 John Story Jenks and6 Constitution High principals and staff7 set priorities that help them help their8 students. Supporting the programs that9 work at the school level is the only10 School District of Philadelphia budget11 priority, or at least that's what it12 should be. 16 Why has the District cut17 full-day kindergarten but not vendor18 contracts or an expensive 18-day summer19 program that costs nearly as much? Why20 cut free yellow bus and SEPTA TransPasses21 for students? 1 the world in which they must compete,2 teachers and educational supports are the3 only things that matter. 7 If we fail to hold the School8 District accountable to stop doing9 business as usual, it is our children who10 will pay the price. 20 Further, I urge you to require21 the District to review all contracts and22 stop all new unproven initiatives. )7
My name is11 Rebecca Poyourow and I am a parent of a12 first grader in a Philadelphia public13 school and another in preschool. 17 In 2009, my husband lost his18 job. At the time, I had been staying19 home with our young children, and despite20 several terrifying months with no21 paychecks coming in, we were very22 fortunate in two respects. 11 Knowing that our son would be12 well educated and cared for and safe in13 his school environment was a lifeline for14 us at that time. 18 Along with many other parents19 at our school, my husband and I have20 tried to give back, volunteering when we21 can, but it's tough with our economic22 situation. However, good schools cannot23 succeed on volunteer efforts alone. 1 lose roughly one teacher per grade,2 generating huge class sizes of 30 or3 more. Our children will lose full-day4 kindergarten, their music teacher, their5 Spanish teacher, their assistant6 principal, programming for gifted and7 special needs students, funding for books8 and supplies, and transportation. 12 Across the City, neighborhood13 schools like Cook Wissahickon need your14 help in order to maintain what we've15 struggled so hard to achieve in the past16 few years. Our school was poorly17 attended by neighborhood children, but18 through hard work of the committed19 teachers and staff and families,20 enrollment has doubled. 3 In addition to the schools which are4 struggling which need our help, the ones5 that have kind of put it together need6 our help, too. Our school and schools7 like it across the City serve low-income8 families and working families and9 middle-class families, all of whom have10 interests in strong public schools, and11 we all need your help. 13 You have an interest in making this city14 a place where working families like mine15 can live and work and send their children16 to school, and that is why we call on you17 to increase the City's contribution to18 public education, to restore the19 percentage of property tax allocated to20 education, to employ careful oversight of21 the SRC and the School District and to22 make sure our kids have reasonable class23 sizes and full-day kindergarten. 1 unravel, then you will not only do a2 disservice to all of our kids, you will3 destabilize our neighborhoods and you4 will do harm to Philadelphia's tax base5 and its economic vitality. 7 So City Council members, we8 parents are paying attention, and our9 eyes are on you now to see what you will10 do. Even the people who are not in this11 room right now, our eyes are on you now,12 and we want to see what you will do for13 our children and for our city. )17
Good afternoon.21 My name is Anne Pomerantz. I'm a mother22 of school-age children, the President of23 the Powell Elementary School Home and24 School Association and a taxpayer.25 138 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I don't need to convince anyone2 in this room of the importance of3 investing in education, but what I do4 want to say is this: Deep cuts to5 education funding will not make the6 School District of Philadelphia more7 fiscally responsible. Only strong,8 ethically minded leadership at all levels9 and from all parties will accomplish10 this.11 At the same time, we know that12 even the most astute financial analyst13 cannot close a $629 million gap by14 shifting pots of money around. We need a15 more collaborative response. Right now,16 the $629 million question is, what will17 the City of Philadelphia do?18 The man who owns the property19 next door to me is a real estate20 developer. He owns a string of21 dilapidated properties across the City,22 including the one in West Philadelphia23 next to my house. He owes the City at24 least $250,000 in real estate taxes,25 139 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 along with countless fines for L&I2 infractions. This might seem like3 nothing when we're staring at the face of4 a $629 million deficit, but this money5 alone, this $250,000, would pay for two6 teachers and all the teaching assistants7 that are being cut from Powell Elementary8 School next year.9 Do you know what this real10 estate developer has to say about his tax11 bill? "So what. The City doesn't care.12 They're never going to make me pay."13 I voted for you as City Council14 members because you promised to rid15 Philadelphia of tax cheats and slumlords.16 You promised to make public education a17 priority. Please make good on these18 promises. Go after tax delinquents, find19 the money and use it to help us fund20 public education. Our children's future21 depends on your leadership and22 collaboration.23 Thank you.24 (Applause.)25 140 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank2 you very much.3 Any questions?4 (No response.)5
Thank6 you very much.7 Andrea Kitchens, Joel Zickler,8 Ilana Zion and Christine Brisson.9 (Witnesses approached witness10 table.)11 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:12 Mr. Levant and crew, you'll be next.13 Welcome. Ms. Kitchens?14
Please16 identify yourself for the record and then17 begin.18
Good afternoon,23 City Council and everyone that's present.24 My name is Andrea Kitchens. I am a25 141 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 parent of two who attend Samuel Powell2 Elementary School, a fourth grader and a3 second grader, as well as the Treasurer4 of the Home and School at Powell.5 My reason for standing before6 you today is on behalf of all the7 students of Philadelphia School District.8 I am a product of the Philadelphia School9 District and am proud to say that, but10 right now in my heart I don't feel the11 same for my two children. If the12 District doesn't stick by our children, I13 don't feel the same that's going to14 happen for them.15 As a Philadelphian, we don't16 like to hear anything negative about our17 city, but I'm for certain if kindergarten18 turns half day, transportation19 discontinued and losing teachers will be20 followed through, Philadelphia will be in21 a ton of turmoil.22 There is constant talk about23 how Philadelphia doesn't make AYP in24 certain schools. Unfortunately with all25 142 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the changes presented to us, our children2 are definitely set up to fail.3 I'm asking on behalf of my4 children, the students of Philadelphia5 and myself to help us to be very6 supportive in keeping our children the7 future in the best way possible.8 Thank you for your support.9
I take13 it Joel Zickler is not here; am I14 correct?15 (No response.)16
Thank you very much.19 My name is Ilana Zion and this is my20 daughter.21 Tell her your name.22 TARA: Tara.23
She is currently a24 student at Bright Futures program in25 143 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Houston Elementary and is going to be2 kindergartner this fall.3 I am very concerned that if you4 cut the full-day kindergarten program5 what her school program --6
I'm very concerned9 with what her program is going to look10 like if you cut the full-day program.11 She needs that program to be successful12 later in life with all the demands that13 are placed on our children in the higher14 grades.15 Please, I implore you to fund16 our schools, not our prisons.17 Thank you.18 (Applause.)19
Good afternoon,22 Councilwoman Blackwell and other23 Councilmembers who are here. My name is24 Christine Brisson. I am here because I'm25 144 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 a parent of a Philadelphia public school2 student. My son goes to Greenfield3 Elementary School. And I'm also4 representing the Home and School5 Association, as with the Powell School,6 because as a community, we are working7 together to see what we can do to improve8 the school situation.9 Like everyone else in this10 room, we are obviously appalled by the11 cuts to education that Governor Corbett12 has proposed, and we are working hard to13 sway opinion in Harrisburg to restore at14 least some of the funding. I myself have15 done phone banking, I've made phone16 calls, I've sent e-mails, and I'm not the17 only person from the Greenfield community18 who has done so. We are all trying to do19 that to try to sway Harrisburg.20 But at the same time, the City21 Council can't stand idly by while22 Harrisburg does that to our city schools.23 We need to not let republicans in24 Harrisburg get away with just stripping25 145 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 resources from the school and then saying2 that we can't replace them.3 The City -- so I'm here to say4 that we want to see City Council be part5 of the solution.6 I'm happy to hear people talk7 at this hearing and also to read in the8 newspapers that some Councilmembers and9 Mayor Nutter are in favor of restoring10 some of the money that has been cut. I11 share with a lot of the people here the12 priorities, full-day kindergarten, class13 size. Small class size is so important.14 My son's class last year in first grade15 started with 36 children, and you can16 only imagine how unmanageable that was,17 but when they cut it back to down to 22,18 they had a happy and productive year. So19 if we don't have enough funding to put20 enough teachers in the classrooms, we're21 looking at large class sizes all across22 the City.23 Art education, music education,24 gifted education, alternative education,25 146 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 these things are all important. I agree2 with the speaker before who said we3 shouldn't be pitting one priority against4 another. These things are all important,5 because we have a lot of kids to educate6 and a lot of ways we have to reach them7 where they're at. And, of course,8 transportation obviously is important,9 because if a kid can't get to school,10 then whatever you're doing there is not11 going to help them.12 So while Mayor Nutter has said13 he supports the funding, we know that14 actually it's City Council that has to15 actually make a budget and appropriate16 the funds. So we're here to say that now17 our eyes are on City Council. Greenfield18 parents vote. We're very politically19 active. We're watching.20 I want to let Bill Green know21 that we will be at the SRC meeting next22 week as well. We're watching them, too.23 We have no problem with holding them24 accountable for the money, but funding25 147 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 matters. So that's why we're here today.2 Thank you very much.3 (Applause.)4
Thank5 you very much.6 Any questions?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you.10 Next is Margie Salvante, Jill11 Wilson and Harry Levant, my friend Harry12 Levant, Home and School Association of13 Shawmont School.14 (Witnesses approached witness15 table.)16 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:17 Welcome.18 (Thank you.)19
My name is Jill23 Wilson. I'm a resident of Roxborough. I24 am a Vice-President of the Shawmont Home25 148 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and School Association, co-facilitator of2 the Shawmont School Council and I am the3 proud parent of Chase Wilson, a mentally4 gifted student at Shawmont Elementary5 School in Roxborough.6 Pennsylvania is one of only a7 few states that require schools to8 identify gifted students and provide them9 with an appropriate education. We, the10 citizens of this city and Commonwealth,11 are proud of that distinction, and we12 wish it to continue.13 Pennsylvania law defines14 mentally gifted as outstanding,15 intellectual and creative ability, the16 development of which requires specially17 designed programs or support services, or18 both, not ordinarily provided in the19 regular education program.20 Furthermore, gifted children21 are classified as children with22 exceptionalities who need specially23 designed instruction. And like all24 exceptional children, the gifted student25 149 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 possesses special characteristics that2 significantly affect that student's3 ability to learn.4 Gifted guidelines published by5 the Department of Education establish an6 overview of both acceptable and best7 practices, procedures and policies8 designed to meet the learning needs of9 gifted students which reflect, and I10 quote, "Pennsylvania's continuing11 commitment to provide educational12 services appropriate for mentally gifted13 students that are consistent with their14 individual needs, outstanding abilities15 and potential for performing at high16 levels of accomplishment." These are not17 my own words. These are words taken18 directly from the laws of this19 Commonwealth. If you erase these words20 from law, you will negatively impact the21 lives which you have been entrusted to22 protect.23 Our children are our future24 leaders. It is our duty to preserve this25 150 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 legacy.2 It is not the fault of our3 children that legislators when drafting4 the No Child Left Behind Act did not make5 provisions for the education of the6 academically gifted students. No Child7 Left Behind does not require any programs8 for gifted, talented and other9 high-performing students. It puts10 pressure on schools to guarantee that11 students only meet minimum skill levels,12 but children like mine who achieve at13 higher levels and benefit from mentally14 gifted programs are left with cuts to15 education that they need and deserve16 because lawmakers are only interested in17 rewarding the mandated minimum standards.18 The charge of Pennsylvania's19 Department of Education is to provide20 gifted students with quality, innovative,21 gifted education services and programs to22 meet the needs of gifted students. What23 happens to these promises?24 Shawmont's mentally gifted25 151 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 program is essential for exceptional2 children to achieve. Its gifted program3 provides the education that our children4 require and deserve, which enables them5 to reach their potential.6 I must mention my four-year-old7 son who is in jeopardy of not being able8 to reap the benefits of full-day9 kindergarten next year. My husband and I10 and all parents who are proponents of and11 have faith in quality public education12 need our tax dollars to work for us,13 supporting our children's right to public14 quality education. Quality education is15 invaluable. We do not want our children16 to languish for the sake of balancing the17 budget. You should not balance the18 budget on the backs of our children.19 Thank you.20 (Applause.)21
Good afternoon,24 Madam Chair, distinguished members of25 152 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Council. My name is Harry Levant. I am2 a parent of three at Shawmont Elementary3 School and a member of the Shawmont Home4 and School Executive Board. I am also a5 proud graduate of Philadelphia public6 school system.7 This is not my first budget8 rodeo. I have been watching this same9 song and dance for 40 years. To10 paraphrase and twist William Shakespeare,11 however, I am not here to bury City12 Council or the School District. Rather,13 I'm here to praise City Council and the14 School District for the courage both15 bodies are showing under these very, very16 unique times.17 A cold wind blew in from the18 right in November of 2010 in Harrisburg.19 Governor Corbett took over, the20 republicans took over the House and the21 Senate, and the cuts that have been22 proposed to public education across this23 Commonwealth, but most particularly in24 Philadelphia, should be described as25 153 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 nothing short of draconian. This body2 and the School District of Philadelphia3 have had the courage to stand up and tell4 the public what will happen if these5 budget cuts are implemented.6 No one wants half-day7 kindergarten. However, it's gotten the8 public's attention, and I applaud this9 body, I applaud Dr. Ackerman, Mr. Masch10 and their entire team for telling us the11 hard truth. And I am now here to12 publicly thank this body, which has a13 long history of being supportive of14 public education. And I'm urging the15 citizens of Philadelphia to understand16 that this body is stepping up at the last17 minute to do what needs to be done.18 I watched yesterday's hearings19 on television, every moment of them, and20 I heard Councilman Kenney and Councilman21 Jones talk about the disparity in the22 cuts to the five largest school districts23 from those to the five smallest and the24 five small most affluent.25 154 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I urge our Governor to go back2 and read the 1954 decision of Brown3 versus Board of Education, because4 separate but equal is not the law, and we5 are being absolutely unfairly punished6 because of the nature of our District,7 and I and other parents will stand with8 any member of this body --9 (Applause.)10
-- that seeks to11 file a lawsuit against the Commonwealth12 to adequately fund this District and13 every other urban district across the14 state.15 To give you an idea of the16 difference you're going to make, members17 of City Council, at Shawmont you will18 restore our full-day kindergarten. You19 will restore our bussing, where we have20 400 children from across the City who21 choose to come to Shawmont. They will22 not be able to come to our beautiful23 school if transportation cuts remain.24 Class size, over the last ten25 155 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 years class size has been reduced. Dr.2 Ackerman's programs are making a3 difference. Your money is making a4 difference. I respectfully disagree with5 Councilman Green. This is not the hour6 to begin parsing the budget. This is the7 hour to save our school system, and then8 once that is done, let's begin a dialogue9 about the differences, the changes that10 can be made over an extended period of11 time so we don't come back here. But12 right now, the citizens of Philadelphia13 should be applauding this body and14 thanking you for stepping up to save us15 from the draconian cuts that Harrisburg16 has attempted to shove down our throats.17 Thank you.18 (Applause.)19
For24 sure.25 156 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
5 I'd like to speak on behalf of6 the parents from the school from the7 perspective of one school. 16 Like my fellow parent, I am17 concerned about the gifted program at18 Shawmont. I am also extremely concerned19 about the music program at Shawmont. 4 The Shawmont School of5 Roxborough to all outside appearances may6 appear as a typical public City grade7 school, but in fact, in spite of the 6008 students, its old building, the typical9 inner City economic demographic of its10 community, Shawmont School stands as a11 model for excellence. Test scores12 consistently meet or exceed District13 goals. The rate of serious incidence14 among students is one of the lowest in15 the City. 9 Now, these are all great10 statistics, but they do not begin to11 measure the true value of the Shawmont12 School. 15 It is the kind of learning environment16 that all public schools aspire to, but17 few manage to attain, the kind of18 learning environment made possible by a19 visionary principal, strong teaching20 staff and a careful formula of academic21 and enrichment programming. 1 Shawmont School includes a strong2 full-day kindergarten program to start3 its students off right, a reduced class4 size initiative for the upper grades to5 ensure that they finish successfully, and6 adequate transportation allocation to7 assure diversity amongst them. 4 The budget cuts that threaten5 our kindergarten, transportation, reduced6 class sizes, gifted and music programs7 each threaten the core of our learning8 community. )17
Thank18 you very much. We know that you come19 every year to talk about Shawmont. Thank20 you.21 Thank you, Mr. Levant.22 David P. Hardy, Boys of Latin23 Charter School.24 (Witness approached witness25 161 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 table.)2 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:3 Welcome.4
Thank you,5 Councilwoman Blackwell. Thank you for6 having me. I'm here today to talk about7 Boys' Latin.8
11 Hardy. 18 When the SRC approved Boys'19 Latin of Philadelphia Charter in 2006, it20 did so with the understanding that we21 were embarking on a mission to serve a22 population with which the District had23 been largely unsuccessful. 4 We were pleased when the SRC5 Commissioners Archie and Irizarry and6 Mayor Michael Nutter chose to raise the7 issue of the alarming high school dropout8 rate for African American and Latino9 boys. They spoke for the need to10 decrease the staggering dropout rate as11 essential to the achievement of the12 District's long-term goals. The work of13 the Dropout Task Force was to be aligned14 with the District's strategic plan. One15 of the goals of that plan is quality16 choices. Another goal of the Task Force17 is to identify best practices. 3 What we ask for, in the most4 simple terms, is the ability to complete5 our model. We need a middle/high school6 model in order to allow us to reach a7 portion of our students earlier. If8 one-third or one-half of our incoming9 freshmen would come from our middle10 school, we would see students benefiting11 from greater gains in academic12 performance. 17 Boys' Latin, like similar18 schools that have opened in New York and19 Chicago, is focused solely on the needs20 of boys. Like those schools, it has21 employed a model that has worked for a22 quite a while. We are part of a larger23 community of boys schools. 1 for Boys observed, noting the opening of2 our school, that it would be stating the3 obvious to say that they believe in the4 benefits of single-sex college prep5 school with a dress code. 20 Plus one other indispensable21 feature, a feature with two sides. 1 support to make it work. The2 West/Southwest Philadelphia community3 needs and wants a bigger, better Boys'4 Latin. The action necessary by this5 District is simple: Make Boys' Latin a6 part of the initiatives of the Task Force7 for boys. 10
Thank11 you very much, Mr. Hardy.12 Let me say that we have been13 asking -- I met with Dr. Ackerman last14 week. I asked her again yesterday. We15 hope there's someone from the School16 District. We did ask that they remain17 here for issues such as this.18 We have seen and witnessed the19 job you've done. We've also seen you20 clear that land to be ready for your21 expansion, which you thought you would22 get, as did I. And so we are again23 asking the School District. I don't know24 who is here. We ask that you be here for25 167 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 issues like this. But we are supporting2 this expansion and we are waiting for our3 answer.4 Is there anyone here who would5 like to talk to David P. Hardy? We're6 asking you to do that, to take his7 statement back to Dr. Ackerman. Is there8 anyone here from the SRC? That's what we9 asked for yesterday.10 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I can11 take it back.12 Come with me, sir.13
Thank14 you very much.15 Thank you very much, Mr. Hardy.16 We are in total support of this17 expansion. Thank you.18 (Applause.)19 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:20 Natalia Salgado, Mary Goldman and Anthony21 Ingargiola.22 (Witnesses approached witness23 table.)24
Thank25 168 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you very much for your patience, and all2 who are still waiting here to testify, we3 thank you. Welcome.4
Good afternoon.5 I will be speaking for Natalia Salgado.6 Good afternoon, Madam Chair,7 members of Council.8
So9 you're telling me your name is not10 Natalia? I'm kidding.11
12 My name is George Ricchezza. I am the13 District Leader of Local 32BJ, District14 1201. We represent 6,500 school workers15 statewide and 3,000 in Philadelphia. 22 The vast majority of our Local23 32BJ members are female. They earn less24 than $28,000 per year. 1 group of employees who will find it2 difficult to find new employment if their3 jobs are eliminated. They are your4 constituents, and the vast majority live5 in Philadelphia. 12 In the transportation, the13 School District has proposed cutting 42914 routes, which would affect tens of15 thousands of students. Routes serving16 charter schools would not be cut. 20 Let me say, our drivers and bus21 attendants are the first people the22 children see in the morning and usually23 the last in the evening. 1 In the cleaning, our members2 clean the schools. , the schools are4 clean. The challenges they face daily5 are daunting - graffiti, vandalism, where6 are children are just not paying7 attention to the rules. They get the job8 done even if it requires them to stay9 late or work extra hours to complete the10 work of absent co-workers. 12 Let's be clear, we make no13 claim that the schools are perfect, but14 within the system designed by the School15 District, the system that the School16 District demanded, our members have more17 than met the challenge. 1 feet of space, plus an additional2 individual. So, for example, if a3 building had 100,000 square feet, there4 would be four cleaners assigned to the5 building. Has the staffing level been6 met? Absolutely not. On the contrary,7 if an individual retires or resigns or is8 terminated, the District's way of dealing9 with this issue is to simply not fill the10 position. To save money, the District11 has simply not filled the cleaning12 positions. 14 Although the number of15 buildings has not drastically changed,16 the number of employees has. In school17 years 2006-7, the District employed 52618 building engineers. 20 Today, 359. 21 Today we have 968. Part of this decline22 is due to privatization and charter23 schools. 2 In 2007, the number of3 employees in cleaning and maintenance was4 2,755, and now in 2011, the total number5 of employees is 1,647, a 40 percent6 reduction in five years. 9 While the District can boast10 that they are decreasing staffing to save11 millions of dollars, the lack of12 preventative and ongoing maintenance is13 not without cost. 15 Several years ago, the City Controller,16 Alan Butkovitz, under the City Charter,17 produced a report on the conditions of18 School District buildings. I must quote19 from the summary. 1 well-being of students, teachers and2 other support staff. Conditions found3 range from something as simple as missing4 doorknobs to as complex as structural5 problems, like fallen support beams,6 broken or inoperative toilets, vermin and7 insect infestation were noticed. "11 In Philadelphia, 32BJ members12 are committed to our city's children. As13 custodians, groundskeepers, bus drivers,14 mechanics and building engineers, these15 dedicated men and women make sure our16 schools are safe and clean learning17 environments. The School District has18 proposed cuts to their support staff19 budget and transportation unit in order20 fill their $629 million budget gap. 7 Philadelphia's classrooms will not just8 be more overcrowded, but could be less9 safe. Without funding for skilled,10 hardworking maintenance employees, our11 aging school buildings could slip into12 disrepair. 18 What kind of message are we19 sending our children when fewer school20 buses are running, and those that are on21 the street are poorly maintained? It is22 not the message that we should be23 sending. 3 The negative impacts of these4 cuts don't stop at the schools. Our5 communities can't afford to lose these6 jobs. )21
Thank22 you very much. And we're asking someone23 from the School District to take a copy24 of his testimony, and we're asking them25 176 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to report back to the Chair, who will2 report to the other members of Council.3 Thank you. Thank you,4 Mr. Ricchezza. Thank you very much.5 Mary, let me thank you for all6 the work you've done and continue to do7 in West Philadelphia.8
Thank you. Mary9 Goldman. I'm here on behalf of Americans10 for Democratic Action, which has always11 advocated for public schools. 1 Woodland Avenue. As Education Committee2 Chair of the Spruce Hill Community3 Association, I have raised money for4 special projects, graduation awards and a5 new playground for Wilson School. 16 As we know, hundreds of17 classrooms run out of paper by March, and18 that schools lack many of the basics,19 such as behavioral health services, art20 and music teachers, librarians,21 intramural and interscholastic sports and22 technology. 13 ADA has had many members who14 have worked recently on school reform15 over the years, starting with Richardson16 Dilworth, Shelly Yanoff, David Hornbeck,17 Happy Fernandez, Michael Churchhill, Tom18 Gilhool and many, many others. 20 Isn't it time we take three21 steps forward instead of one step forward22 and three steps back? 1 by a nominating panel, direct mayoral2 appointees and the SRC mix of three3 gubernatorial and two mayoral appointees,4 none has proved capable of adopting5 responsible budgets when left to their6 own designs. 10 Therefore, I ask you to call for their11 resignation. )13
It is clear that14 we need adult supervision in the form of15 an external party to prevent the frequent16 budget calamities like the one we are now17 experiencing. It's time to consider a18 PICA to oversee the School District.19 I hope my grandchildren who20 have attended Powell Elementary and21 Masterman Middle and High Schools will22 not find themselves in this seat bearing23 the same message to future City Councils24 20 or 30 years from now. They were lucky25 182 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to go to good schools. Most of their2 West Philadelphia neighbors were not.3 There is nothing more important for you4 and the Mayor to oversee than the5 education of our children.6 Thank you.7 (Applause.)8
Good11 afternoon, Councilwoman Blackwell and12 other members of Council. I want to13 commend, first of all, the parents,14 students, advocates, faith leaders and15 the members of Council who saw fit to be16 present at this important discussion17 about the future of education in18 Philadelphia. I particularly want to19 commend my own Councilman, Darrell20 Clarke, who I want to really address my21 comments to as my representative.22
Thank23 you. Before you resume, please identify24 yourself for the record. And let me25 183 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 note, there was another important meeting2 going on at the same time with regard to3 other issues that have to be dealt with4 tomorrow as well. So we apologize, but5 they were never far, just a few feet away6 dealing with another equally important7 issue. Thank you, but please identify8 yourself for the record.9
My name is10 Anthony Ingargiola. And I'm sure you'll11 keep them abreast of the importance12 discussion today, too.13
17 Again, my name is Anthony18 Ingargiola. I'm, like Mary, a Board19 member of Americans for Democratic20 Action. 21 But I'm also here today as a parent and a22 member of Parents United for Public23 Education and a parent of a Bache-Martin24 student. 5 I'm here to talk to you about a6 neighborhood school that I love,7 Bache-Martin Elementary School, where I8 have been a parent, volunteer and leader9 on our Home and School Association for10 nearly a decade. Unlike the negative11 stories we read about in the papers about12 Philadelphia public schools, my first13 grader's school is not a failure. 16 Bache-Martin is located in our thriving,17 vibrant Fairmount community, which is18 home to many young, middle-class19 families. Commonwealth refers to as basic2 education. All these cuts are so4 devastating and deep that I don't feel5 the need to speak extensively about the6 three big cuts that are threatened7 citywide, full-day kindergarten,8 transportation and middle school9 athletics. I have faith that some of the10 funding will restore those three programs11 and that will materialize soon. However,12 even if that happens, the other13 devastating cuts will remain, leaving14 Bache-Martin to deal with only basic15 education funding. This will cause16 devastating outcomes for both17 middle-class families and the more than18 70 percent of students at Bache-Martin19 who survive at or below the poverty20 level. Those who can afford to will flee21 either to private, parochial or charter22 schools or, more likely, the suburbs,23 taking with them their education funding24 and tax dollars. 7 We just completed a Primary8 Election season where virtually every9 member of this Chamber, along with those10 folks who oppose you in campaign ads,11 literature, speeches to churches,12 community groups and editorial boards,13 declared that you were a champion of14 public education. 21 I need to remind -- I did want22 to comment about something that was23 discussed earlier about the idea that24 deferring responsibility to the SRC. 1 fairness with respect to Councilman2 Green, we didn't elect the SRC. We3 elected this body. )9
Thank10 you very much.11 The next person will be Andre12 Giles.13 Mr. Giles, we have to break for14 five minutes to allow the stenographer a15 break. So we'll be right with you.16 Thank you.17 We will recess for five18 minutes.19 (Short break.)20
May we21 have your attention. We are ready to22 resume. Again, let me thank you all for23 your patience.24 Thank you very much again. Now25 189 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we're going to call Andre Giles. Am I2 correct?3
Yes, ma'am.4 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:5 Somebody fix his mike for me, please.6 Thank you.7 Thank you, Mr. Giles.8
Thank you. My name9 is Andre Giles and I am an outreach10 strategic planning fundraiser for a new11 statewide initiative program called Jobs12 of America Graduates in which our state13 will be Jobs of Pennsylvania Graduates.14 Before I begin on that road, I15 just want to touch really fast and I want16 to commend -- and I've been looking17 around the room, and I want to commend18 all these young people that I see out19 here.20 (Applause.)21
That tells me a lot22 about education. 4 We basically -- at JAG, our mission5 really is a nation without dropouts. 12 The Jobs For Pennsylvania13 Graduates' mission basically is to follow14 the JAG model, which is an in-school and15 an out-of-school based curriculum. JAG16 model programs deliver a unique set of17 services that are targeted to youth and18 middle/high school, as well as college,19 12 months after college or up to the age20 of 21. 1 Everything that we do with the2 JAG program -- I just want to really be3 brief, because I know there's a lot of4 people still. 12 For example, this past year, we just had13 our 30-year anniversary and JAG --14 basically their expectations for15 graduation rate was 90 percent. It was16 94 percent this year. 19 The applications that we have20 are middle school, multi-year,21 alternative, senior year program, early22 college program and out-of-school23 programs. So we also deal with the24 at-risk population, if you will. 1 can use "at risk" for so many different2 terms, but it's for the at-risk targeted3 population. This helps us to reduce also4 the public welfare system, help us reduce5 people that are on public welfare. It6 helps to allow our children to go to7 competitions and leadership skills,8 learning how to do reading and writing,9 arithmetic. I saw a young lady, somebody10 was saying that they wanted to be a11 scientist. 17 That's what I'm trying to tell y'all back18 there. 20 So my question -- and I don't21 see any Councilpeople to ask over here,22 but my question was, in South23 Philadelphia, the GlaxoSmithKline is24 moving to South Philadelphia. 1 learned since this JAG program, we take2 seniors, seniors/seasoned people and we3 put them with the college students and/or4 our JAG students. So I've been working5 with some of our Drexel students, and6 basically I brought up the question of7 what are they going -- has the professor8 heard anything about how they're going to9 appropriate these funds that10 GlaxoSmithKline gave them, and when I11 said "gave them," he said, no, you don't12 give anything. 17 It's supposed to be created for school18 initiative programs, but no one has said19 anything about where this money is. And20 I'm starting to -- you know, the Mayor --21 I mean, I'm going to be real. 1 right now. )4
And I just don't5 think that he's very focused in the6 school and in our school systems.7 Now, Dr. Ackerman, Dr. Ackerman8 can only do but so much. She is doing a9 good job thus far. So I can only say but10 she has so many different areas to try11 and fix. It's very hard to do so without12 having the support of the Mayor.13 And the other thing that I say14 about him -- and I'm really upset about15 it -- is that we had our pre-launch16 kickoff for our JAG program back on May17 11th. The Mayor was well informed of18 this program, this new state initiative19 program. He was well informed. We20 e-mailed him and we also sent him21 something through the mail. He never22 showed up.23 So we're having our kickoff,24 and we would like to invite everybody out25 195 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to our JAG of Pennsylvania's kickoff2 celebration, which will be on June 10th3 at the African American Museum, and we4 have all three floors to work with and5 celebrating the JAG of Pennsylvania.6 And so I just -- in conclusion,7 I just want to kind of throw that out. I8 wasn't even coming down here for this,9 and I just happened to stop and see when10 anything that has to deal with children11 or youth, I definitely like to see.12 However, I also think that we -- from13 what I see, the youth are feeling some14 type of way because of the SEPTA issues15 that I've heard to as well, but with me16 being disabled and being on SEPTA, I'm17 able to see more and more, and I think we18 need to address the SEPTA Police for19 harassment a little bit on these young20 people, from what I've seen, a couple of21 things that I've seen. I'm not going to22 get into them, but the primary thing was23 for me to put the JAG program out a24 little bit just out there. JAG program,25 196 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 like I said, is cost efficient to2 everyone. It's cost efficient to3 anybody, because the kids pay for them4 themselves. It's only a thousand dollars5 and 1 hundred some odd dollars. So the6 kids pay for this program by themselves.7 The only thing that we do is, we hire our8 own specialist to come in. We reduced9 the class sizes from 35 to 45 like we10 have now in our classes. We reduced them11 to 12 to 20, and what we do is, we have12 our specialists, instead of all of those13 people, we have our specialists deal with14 two and three classes a day maybe,15 depending on the counting, depending on16 the size of the school. So that's very17 important too in learning for the school,18 for various different schools, is the19 class size. So the specialists will be20 able to get a chance to know what21 exactly -- to know their teacher and just22 not some substitute or some just person23 that they can't go to.24 So we are not only just a25 197 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 guidance, but we're also here to help.2 We're here to fill in gaps, fill in3 positions. And a lot of organizations4 feel as though we're like trying to come5 it and take over, and that's not what6 JAG's mission is all about. JAG's7 mission is all about dropout prevention8 and what we can do to get a career for a9 young person or help them in their post10 secondary education.11 Thank you.12
We13 thank you very much, Mr. Giles.14 (Applause.)15
Thank19 you very much.20 Next we'll have June Bey,21 Christopher Lehmann. Are they here?22 (Witness approached witness23 table.)24
You25 198 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 are Christopher Lehmann?2
I4 thought so. All right. Welcome.5 Is June Bey in the room?6 (No response.)7
Okay.8 Thank you. Please identify yourself and9 make your testimony. Principal of10 Science Leadership Academy.11
Yes. My name is12 Chris Lehmann. I am the founding13 principal of the Science Leadership14 Academy.15 I first want to thank City16 Council for holding these hearings and17 being willing to be part of the solution.18 It was gratifying to hear both yesterday19 and today the Council speak to the need20 to add funding back to the School21 District and to now figure out what that22 actually looks like.23 I am honored to speak here24 today on behalf of the communities of25 199 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 schools in our city and the students and2 parents and faculty who have it and work3 in them.4 All over this city, principals5 are working together trying to figure out6 how to preserve the gains they've made,7 trying to close budget holes in the most8 humane ways possible, to keep the9 teachers who come early and stay late in10 front of our children and working with11 our children, and keep the programs that12 we know enrich the lives and empower the13 minds of the children in our charge.14 At Science Leadership Academy,15 we have spent the past five years16 building a school that we hoped the City17 could be proud of. We have been named18 one of the ten most amazing schools in19 the United States by the Ladies Home20 Journal and featured in many educational21 publications as an innovative school,22 such as Edutopia, Ed Week, Philadelphia23 Inquirer. We've recently been featured24 in a PBS documentary as a model for how25 200 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 schools can and must evolve to serve the2 children of our nation.3 We believe that our existence,4 our ability to thrive, along with the5 many other outstanding schools in the6 School District of Philadelphia, proves7 beyond doubt that the School District can8 and does want to support innovative9 educational solutions facing the problems10 of our children today.11 But Harrisburg's draconian cuts12 to education will make what we do so much13 harder. Science Leadership Academy will14 receive $430,000 less in funding next15 year. That represents a 13 percent16 budget cut. These cuts mean that we are17 losing our support staff who run the18 internship program that allows all SLA19 students to have hands-on experience with20 over 100 different community21 organizations in Philadelphia. These22 cuts means that we will have to close our23 after-school programs earlier, every day,24 even though we know that providing a safe25 201 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 haven for our students is an essential2 part of what we do.3 These cuts mean that a school4 that is built on inquiry and research5 will not have a working library. We are6 concerned that these cuts mean that we7 will lose our talented, young special8 education teacher who has made a profound9 difference in the lives of these kids due10 to the systemwide reductions. And these11 cuts to the District mean that a school12 known for its inquiry-based science13 program had to cut an extra science14 teacher to keep the second counselor we15 originally received through Imagine 2014.16 We know that Philadelphia is17 not immune to the cuts against public18 education that we see nationwide, but a19 vibrant city needs successful modern20 schools to help students realize their21 potential as citizens of the City and22 citizens of their world. We need City23 Council to increase funding to ensure24 among the many priorities we have that25 202 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the counselors who were added under2 Imagine 2014 remain, ensuring our3 students of the social and emotional4 support they need. And we need City5 Council to be the voice of our school in6 Harrisburg so that we restore monies lost7 so that we can continue to create8 meaningful educational experiences for9 and with our children.10 I thank you for your support in11 helping the School District solve this12 crisis, and please know that we at13 Science Leadership Academy stand ready to14 help in any way that we can.15 Thank you.16 (Applause.)17
Thank18 you very much.19 Are there any questions?20 (No response.)21
Thank22 you.23 Joycet Velasquez, Georgine24 Fronczak, Suzzette Hunt, Kareem Bryant,25 203 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 One Bright Ray.2 (Witnesses approached witness3 table.)4
Thank5 you for your patience. Good afternoon.6 Please identify yourself for the record7 and begin. Thank you.8
Good afternoon.9 My name is Kareem Bryant. I am the10 principal at North Philadelphia Community11 High School, a Multiple Pathways to12 Graduation provider under One Bright Ray.13 North Philadelphia Community14 High School provides over-aged,15 under-credited young people ages 16 to 2116 an opportunity to earn their high school17 diploma. We offer classes year round and18 enrollment is ongoing.19 Our goal and mission is to20 create an environment and culture21 conducive to positive academic22 achievement. Our unique method of23 instruction emphasizes the process of24 learning and reteaches young people how25 204 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to be studious.2 Emphasizing the process of3 learning allows instructors to follow an4 individual learning style in a group5 setting. Our teachers are trained to6 design challenging daily lessons and7 activities that support high levels of8 thought. We strongly encourage every9 student to take advantage of every10 positive opportunity afforded to him or11 her.12 Every student that enrolls in13 our cool is required to take career class14 every module period, where they learn15 what opportunities await them upon16 completion of high school. Every student17 is required to participate in two18 internships managed and supervised by our19 Learning to Work program. During this20 process, students learn essential21 occupational ethics through hands-on22 experiences. Upon completion, students23 present their experiences to fellow24 classmates and discuss how the experience25 205 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 impacted their life. For some students,2 it's the first time they have ever had3 the opportunity to explore careers4 unknown to them. For others, it's an5 opportunity to learn more about the field6 of work they want to pursue.7 North Philadelphia Community8 High School is a second home for most of9 our student population. Our teachers and10 staff really take the time to get to know11 our students. The environment is12 positive, warm and inviting.13 Professionalism is stressed each and14 every minute of every day, as you15 witnessed yesterday when 80 of our16 students attended the hearing.17 As you think about your18 decision, please keep in mind that our19 students at North Philadelphia Community20 High School were not successful in a21 traditional school setting for various22 reasons. What we provide is an essential23 element in the education system.24 Allowing young people a fair and25 206 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 legitimate opportunity to be successful2 in life is all we're saying and all the3 students want and deserve.4 Thank you.5 (Applause.)6
Good afternoon.9 My name is Joycet Velasquez and I am the10 principal at Fairhill Community High11 School, a project of One Bright Ray.12 Like North Philadelphia13 Community High School, we serve the same14 disengaged population. A unique feature15 about our schools is that we, the16 administration, take the time to schedule17 one-on-one meetings with students and18 family members as a way of getting to19 know an individual. This process allows20 us the opportunity to understand what21 necessary resources and tools might be22 needed to help this young student succeed23 in our school.24 It's amazing to hear the many25 207 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 stories and reasons why these at-risk2 students have dropped out of a community3 high school. One of the reasons that I4 hear why a student has stopped attending5 school or has dropped out has been that6 the teachers don't care if you learn or7 not. It saddens me to hear how many8 students have made the above statement,9 and my quick response to these students10 is that we will provide you with a safe,11 warm learning atmosphere when the12 teachers and staff and administration do13 care. We will get to know you and we14 will plan to help you succeed in whatever15 your dreams may be.16 As a principal, I am fortunate17 to have a well-dedicated faculty and18 staff that allows me the opportunity to19 meet and greet every student and family20 member at the front door in the morning,21 a true variety at high schools today. It22 is such a great feeling to meet and greet23 the students at the door by their name24 instead of having students swipe their25 208 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 school identification card.2 Many of the students that are3 serviced in both schools are parents or4 have other adult responsibilities that5 they deal with daily before coming to6 school. So for that reason, the teachers7 and staff members at both schools meet8 weekly to discuss student concerns and9 are always planning and creating a10 welcoming learning and engaging classroom11 atmosphere with differentiation in their12 instruction.13 Through professional14 development initiatives, we provide15 learning opportunities for our teachers16 that aren't directly intended to reach17 our student population. Fairhill18 Community High School and North19 Philadelphia Community High School have20 quickly gained a reputation as a viable21 option for at-risk students in need of an22 accelerated alternative school setting.23 This is evident by the number of24 brothers, sisters, cousins, related25 209 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 relationships we have among our student2 population.3 Ask a student, and he or she4 will tell you what works. And for our5 students to make a referral to a friend6 or a relative to come to our school says7 a lot about what is happening behind the8 walls. For families to send all their9 children to us, like the Tillman family10 who has sent all three of her daughters11 and her niece to our school, says a lot.12 At last, if you don't remember13 much of what I have said, just remember14 that the students at Fairhill and North15 Philadelphia Community High School are16 being provided with a second opportunity17 to earn the high school diploma in a18 small, safe, engaging and learning19 environment.20 Thank you for your time.21 (Applause.)22
Thank23 you. Thank you very much.24 Good afternoon. Please25 210 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 identify yourself for the record.2
Good afternoon. My3 name is Suzzette Hunt. 14 I refused to accept labels such as15 at-risk youth or disengaged student. 1 daily in their classes and ultimately2 from earning their diplomas. You can3 imagine that there's mixed reactions to4 this support. 10 A full team of counselors and11 social workers provide individual and12 group counseling, family support through13 conducting home visits several times per14 week, childcare services and post15 graduate planning to all students. In16 the small school setting, we're able to17 get to know and to meet consistently with18 the majority of the students on roll. 20 With the opening of North21 Philadelphia Community High School in22 2008, we've been able to service more23 students in earning their diplomas and24 fulfilling life goals. 1 students we service? They come from many2 of the neighborhoods in the City. They3 are culturally diverse, not unlike other4 students in the Philadelphia public high5 schools. They're behind academically for6 their ages, either because they attended7 inconsistently, stopped attending8 altogether or were asked to leave their9 prior schools. They may have been in10 placement, working or taking care of11 their children. 1 Every day I am impressed and2 inspired by one student or another who is3 able to excel in the classroom while4 negotiating complex family or5 neighborhood situations. 8 The same holds true for the high school9 student whose mother has to choose to10 feed younger children first. The same11 holds true for our students who are12 uncertain where they will spend the13 night. What separates our students from14 others is the courage to put the past15 behind them and to allow others to help16 them reach their educational and personal17 goals. 1 in advance for your consideration. We2 strive to ensure that each student is3 successful at not only earning a high4 school diploma but also becoming a5 positive productive member of the6 community. )10
percentage of students who were able to2 raise their math levels within that same3 timeframe, up percent from the4 2009-2010 school year. This was done by5 incorporating a content literacy6 initiative within our schools. Every7 teacher and administrator comes together8 each week to figure out how to9 incorporate a shared academic vocabulary10 and new literacy strategies within their11 classes. Diagnostic profiles from the12 test for adult basic education are13 analyzed as a team each time the test is14 administered. 17 I could have just thrown the18 data out there and told you what the19 increases were, but I believe how the20 teams at each school work together is21 what should be highlighted. 1 Not once did a teacher say,2 This isn't my job, or I don't have time3 for this, or This isn't a part of my4 contract. Not only do we have our own5 internal strategies, but our North6 Philadelphia school has developed7 partners with Center for Literacy to give8 additional help to our lower-level9 students in reading and math. 17 Project-based learning allows for the18 teachers to begin their planning with the19 end in mind. The first question that a20 teacher always begins with is, What do I21 want the students to learn? 23 This driving question links their24 learning to the real world. 3 Our students learn through4 their own inquiry, facilitated by the5 teacher. 13 Imagine your surprise if you14 were a student who walked in your15 geometry class and all the decks were16 piled on top of each other and pushed17 against the wall and what you saw was an18 open space with colored circles displayed19 on the floor. You may be confused, but20 you're curious. You may not have a clue21 what is about to happen, but you want to22 know. You're hooked. 24 This was a daily activity in Mr. 1 geometry class. 7 Imagine students encouraging8 their classmates to get up and give a9 presentation for a class saying, It's10 okay, we're all going to do it, you don't11 have to be nervous, or Do you want me to12 stand up there with you? This is13 something I witnessed in Ms. 1
Thank2 you very much. Thank you very much.3 Also from One Bright Ray,4 Marquis A. Delgado. Is that individual5 here?6
Marcus.7 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:8 Marcus, okay.9 (Witness approached witness10 table.)11
Good13 evening. Are they on the list, would you14 know?15
Is18 Eddie Rosado -- are they part of this19 group as well?20
Oh,22 good. So I have here, it says One Bright23 Day under your name --24
But2 Eddie Rosado, Jambrina Brown, Tony Dula,3 Natalie Alicea and --4
Why don't I let8 the kids go first and then I'll go after9 them?10
How you doing? My13 name is Tony Dula. I'm 20 years old and14 I attend North Philadelphia Community15 High School located at "K" and Erie. I'm16 here to talk about my education and the17 way my school and friends made me a18 better person by keeping me strong from19 all the bad things I've been through and20 saw at a certain age.21 Though my teenage life at North22 Philadelphia Community High School, I was23 a struggling student that went through a24 lot at a young age. When it came to my25 221 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 education, I used to take it for granted.2 At times I felt like I would be a movie3 that didn't exist. I never felt the4 spirit to further my education at North5 Philadelphia Community High School until6 I finally woke up and saw who I had by my7 side, times of heart at one point of8 time, especially when I lost my two best9 friends, Darnell Smith and Jeffrey10 Flemings, to street violence. It seemed11 like I had nothing left or no one to help12 me get through my problems.13 When they passed away, a light14 came on, and I said, Tony, you can do15 this. I also told myself I can do it by16 myself. So I asked my Dean and my art17 teacher for their help, and they were18 willing to help me.19 The first thing I heard was,20 Everything will be okay, as long as you21 do this for you and your loved ones.22 Many teachers at North Philadelphia23 Community High School saw me go through24 my ups and downs. At the end of the day,25 222 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I made it this far and made a big change2 to further my education and graduate as a3 North Philadelphia Community High School4 student and changed my life.5 Keep my school open for other6 kids to get an education and get their7 life together to be a successful person8 in the future. I feel as though if I9 didn't have the support of students and10 staff, I wouldn't be where I'm at now. I11 would probably be somewhere on the street12 without an education and no one to help13 me get through my life on the right path14 it's on now.15 So please further the students16 and staff education life at North17 Philadelphia Community High School.18 Thank you.19 (Applause.)20
Thank21 you very much.22 Continue. Identify yourself23 for the record.24 MISS ALICEA: Hello. My name25 223 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 is Natalie --2
Hold3 on. Pull your mike closer.4 MISS ALICEA: Hello. My name5 is Natalie Alicea. I'm a graduate from6 North Philadelphia Community High School,7 a project of One Bright Ray. I'm 198 years old and I'm a teen parent. Today,9 I would like to share a little story.10 I was 16 and a dropout of ninth11 grade. I attended a school called CEP12 for about three years. It was a13 discipline school. When I attended CEP,14 it was really bad. Students would fight15 and teachers wouldn't teach. I didn't16 learn anything. Some days I sat in one17 classroom until the day was over, not18 doing anything. I felt like I wasn't19 getting anywhere.20 At the time, I was a single21 mother of two boys. One of my sons had22 passed away, so I was going through a23 lot. I never saw myself finishing school24 or having a future for myself. So I25 224 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 decided to drop out.2 I was staying home, not doing3 anything with my life. My sister, who4 attended Fairhill Community High School5 at the time, she told me about how they6 had so many great opportunities. So I7 decided to go back to school.8 I signed up for Fairhill's9 sister, North Philadelphia Community High10 School. When I started at North11 Philadelphia Community High School, I12 didn't go with a positive mindset. I was13 going through a lot from the loss of my14 son. But when I went to school, all the15 adults were welcoming. There was like an16 instant family. And I didn't -- they17 didn't let me give up on myself. Some18 days I wouldn't even go to school, and19 there was Ms. Ronner knocking on my door,20 asking me what's wrong, why didn't I go,21 and she made me go back. It was helpful.22 I needed that push.23 As my performance in school, I24 didn't know how to read our write25 225 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 properly. I was a dropout out of ninth2 grade and the school I went to never3 taught me. In North Philadelphia4 Community High School, my reading5 teacher, Ms. Ronner, on her own time she6 sat down with me and helped me learn how7 to read, which she didn't have to, and8 I'm so grateful.9 In North Philadelphia Community10 High School, there was a force on being11 professional. They set a career day for12 us. On that day, they had so many13 professional people come out and speak14 their careers, and that motivated me to15 do more in life. So I started coming and16 I started doing my work, and the teachers17 saw that I was trying hard, and they gave18 me an opportunity to get involved.19 Through the Learning to Work program,20 they gave me an opportunity to go to San21 Antonio, Texas for a conference to learn22 more about the issues with the Hispanic23 cultures. When I went to San Antonio,24 Texas, it was amazing. I saw so many25 226 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 young professional people. I wanted to2 be them. I told myself, I can do this, I3 can finish school, I can become someone.4 My experience at San Antonio,5 Texas where North Philadelphia Community6 High School Gave me the motivation to go7 on and do the best for my son and I.8 Today, I am proud to say I am a high9 school graduate and I attend Harcum10 College majoring in business.11 (Applause.)12
North Philadelphia13 Community High School gave me another14 chance and view of life. It opened my15 eyes to greater things. So the reason16 I'm here today is because I believe there17 is still young people out there like me18 that didn't have an extra push and that19 needs the extra push, also a place like20 North Philadelphia Community High School21 to believe that them and in their future.22 To please, I'm begging, please23 keep North Philadelphia Community High24 School open for the students like me who25 227 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 didn't have no dreams. I know North2 Philadelphia Community High School will3 continue to help students -- future4 students create dreams.5 Thank you.6 (Applause.)7
My name is Eddie12 Rosado and I'm 16 years old and a current13 student at Fairhill Community High14 School, an accelerated high school15 program in North Philadelphia. Prior to16 becoming a student at Fairhill Community17 High School, I was enrolled in Mariana18 Bracetti Academy Charter School located19 in the West Kensington side of20 Philadelphia. I attended sixth grade21 through tenth, and I transferred from MBA22 for multiple reasons.23 As a student at MBA, I felt24 like I wasn't going anywhere. I felt no25 228 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 progress during my time there. The2 majority of the time I felt like I wasn't3 learning as much as I should have. Some4 teachers didn't give me the right amount5 of help or attention as I needed. I6 tried tutoring and summer achievement7 courses at my own leisure and still8 failed, running a D and F average. My9 mother and family were concerned. They10 wondered if I was paying enough attention11 at MBA as I should be.12 My mother met with all the13 teachers and staff to ask what could be14 done. She asked them how it was possible15 for a student to pass to another grade16 with the scores I was getting. That is17 when she spoke to me about transferring18 to Fairhill Community High School. She19 mentioned to me that that is where she20 earned her diploma back in 1995 when it21 was at Community High. She asked if I'd22 like to transfer schools, because MBA was23 just pushing me by and not teaching me.24 I thought about it and decided for myself25 229 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that it was time for a change in my2 environment and also a change for myself.3 If I chose to stay in MBA, I'd4 remain in the same places I was before.5 I would have been going in circles, with6 no goals or motivation leading me towards7 any kind of success.8 I've been attending Fairhill9 Community since November 16th, 2010 to10 present day. Now I'm glad to say that11 I'm a proud student at Fairhill. I12 understand almost everything they teach13 me, and if I don't understand, I am not14 afraid to ask. I feel like the teachers15 care about every single student at16 Fairhill. Every day the teachers stay17 after school for all students. The staff18 is friendly and the teachers make sure I19 understand the work I'm given. They work20 at the students' pace, at my pace.21 I can truly say I love22 Fairhill. Not only is the work23 positively challenging, but the lessons24 can be fun and easier to understand,25 230 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 thanks to the dedicated teachers and the2 support they give us students.3 Now that I attend Fairhill, I'm4 surrounded by nothing but dedication and5 helping hands. There are helping hands6 in every classroom, whether it be another7 teacher or another student. Now that8 I've attended Fairhill, I've become an9 A/B student on the honor roll. I could10 have never achieved --11 (Applause.)12
I could have never13 achieved such a thing in my previous14 school. Fairhill staff and teachers make15 sure that every student gets what they16 need in order to pass. That's exactly17 what I needed and want to continue to18 receive. The school prepares us students19 for the future by helping us and keeping20 us on track with the fundamentals of21 learning and a post secondary counselor22 who preaches next steps all the time.23 I'm due to graduate in August24 of 2012. I'm excited. Who wouldn't be?25 231 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 In the future I'd like to pursue my dream2 in film and entertainment. Since I was a3 younger child, I've been fascinated with4 the arts. I'm committed to making sure5 that I reach that goal. After high6 school, I'd like to attend some kind of7 classes in that field.8 I believe that every school9 should be like Fairhill Community. I'd10 recommend this school to anyone who is11 serious about their education and want to12 do something with their lives, especially13 if you feel like you're going to give up.14 It's definitely made a positive impact in15 my life and continues to do so.16 I will be someone in life.17 Fairhill has helped me boost my18 self-esteem. I believe in myself again,19 and I want to thank the School District20 of Philadelphia for providing me with21 such an option and Fairhill Community22 High School for believing in me.23 Thank you.24 (Applause.)25 232 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
All of2 you did a wonderful job and we're very3 proud of each and every one of you. Good4 luck to all of you, and God bless you.5 (Applause.)6
Mr.7 Delgado -- yes.8 MISS BROWN: Hi. My name is9 Jambrina Brown.10
What's11 your name again?12 MISS BROWN: Jambrina Brown.13 My name is Jambrina Brown. I14 am 18 years old and I'm expected to15 graduate August 2011. I attended three16 different schools before I found17 Fairhill. The first school I attended18 was for sixth and seventh grade. Each19 time I failed, because I wasn't actually20 attending school. I hated the school21 because I felt like I didn't fit in. I22 wanted to fit in, so I fought, I skipped23 school, I cursed teachers, because I felt24 like it was acceptable there.25 233 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 At the end of my seventh grade2 year, it become too much for my mom and3 she looked for a different school.4 That's when I found the charter school,5 and I loved it there. We did a6 walk-through, and I was told that in7 order for me to attend the school, I8 would have to repeat sixth and seventh9 grade. So for the next two years, that's10 what I did. I was happy there.11 One night I got into a big12 fight on my way home and wound up being13 arrested. I was put in a juvenile14 holding center during the first two15 months of school and was told I could not16 attend that school any longer.17 When I was released, my mom18 took me to a school that was close to19 where she lived. I felt the school was20 out of control. Kids got jumped every21 day. Teachers were threatened, most22 carried out. I begged my mom to get me23 out of there and she did. She quickly24 found Fairhill. Before I knew it, I had25 234 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 my interview, and I was nervous. We got2 in the office and the principal started3 asking me questions like, Why do I want4 to be there and what got me here and what5 would I do once I got there. I was6 stuck. I never spoke out for myself,7 never thought I could defend myself with8 words.9 He told me I was accepted10 there, and I never looked back. Fairhill11 didn't either. They never went into my12 past or talked about things I did wrong.13 I was never labeled, not even after I got14 pregnant while I was there. They didn't15 judge me. They opened their arms and16 their heart to me. I was allowed to use17 their daycare and was offered parenting18 classes. With this support, they19 eliminated excuses. I had no reason not20 to go to school with the parenting21 classes. Whenever things became too22 much, I never wanted to walk away because23 Fairhill would be there to help through24 it. Whenever I fell down, they weren't25 235 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 only there to pick me, but to pick me up,2 dust me off, give me a pat on the back3 and the right tools to do it again.4 Come this August, I will be5 attending Esperanza and studying human6 services. Then I will get my Bachelor's7 degree in child psychology to become a8 child psychiatrist. I want to give back.9 I want to help give back. I want to stop10 the problems like teen pregnancies, high11 school dropouts, fear to go to school,12 even walk down the street of your13 neighborhood school, so that we wouldn't14 have to fight to keep schools like15 Fairhill open, so that there will be16 schools like Fairhill. I don't just like17 Fairhill. I love Fairhill.18 Words can't explain, only19 actions. Fairhill is about actions,20 helping, showing, guiding, loving,21 teaching and preparing us, me and my22 fellow students, for this world. I feel23 safe at Fairhill, I feel loved and24 respected. Like one of my fellow25 236 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 students said, not just a seat or a2 dollar sign. Fairhill gave me hope, and3 I would really appreciate it if you kept4 Fairhill open to give my other fellow5 students hope.6 (Applause.)7
All of8 you speak very well, you write very well,9 you gave impassioned testimony, and we're10 grateful and wish you all the very, very11 best. We're sure all of you will be12 successful. You've shown us that. Good13 luck and God bless.14 (Applause.)15
Good evening. My16 speech says good morning, then I changed17 it to good afternoon. So now it says18 good evening.19
No. 23 My name is Marcus Delgado. 7 However, we serve students and families8 from all districts here in the City. 10 From the 1st District, we impact 4111 families. From the 2nd District, we12 impact five families. From the 3rd,13 there's nine families. From the 4th,14 there's 11. From the 5th, there's 5215 families. From the 6th, there's 2216 families. From the 7th, there's 17917 families. 20 These figures alone show what21 great work is being done within our22 buildings, as we have representation of23 families from each of the ten districts24 around the City of Philadelphia. 1 past seven years, the School District has2 made massive strides through providers3 like One Bright Ray, OIC of America and4 Camelot and Big Picture to reengage a5 population of students that were one --6 that they were once unable to educate, a7 population that the School District8 completely lost. This population of9 students felt that they were pushed out,10 and they dropped out. 19 At some point, these families20 and students entered the front doors of21 our buildings and a bright ray of22 sunshine entered their lives. 4 Our students are not the5 troubled ones. They are the ones who are6 dealing with adult problems at a child's7 age. They come to us from the foster8 system, the prison system, the youth9 detention centers, the streets, charter10 schools, Catholic schools and the big11 comprehensive schools. They in most12 cases are parents themselves or are13 forced to live independently at an early14 age. 17 So what are the major issues18 here with not funding accelerated school19 providers? Here's the first issue: Our20 students come to us and come to our21 schools because they choose to come to22 our school. It is their choice to attend23 an accelerated school. 1 to a magnet, vocational, charter or2 comprehensive high school in the City,3 overage, under-credited students only4 have one choice, and that's the5 accelerated school choices. 9 Two, if multiple pathways of10 accelerated school programs via providers11 are not funded by the School District,12 the School District will internalize13 2,000 students into two central14 locations. 17 The third and final impact is18 that no accelerated school provider means19 a loss of a large number of students who20 reengage themselves and made their21 commitment. 1 Here's a simple scenario so you2 can understand what it's like for our3 kids. )14
Thank15 you very much. It's obvious that you all16 are doing some great work at One Bright17 Ray, that's for sure.18 Katherine Pratsinakis, Kate19 Connolli, Jose Peguero and Lucille Banks.20 And then we're going to get some more21 kids. I know you kids are -- students22 have to go as well.23 (Witnesses approached witness24 table.)25 242 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank2 you. That fourth was Lucille Clark.3 All right. Ms. Pratsinakis,4 please identify yourself. Katherine5 Pratsinakis?6 (No response.)7
Good evening,11 Councilmembers. I appreciate the late12 night that you're staying. My name is13 Kate Connolli.14 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:15 Connolli. I apologize.16
No problem.17 I'm a parent of two students, a18 first and third grader at C.W. Henry19 School in Mount Airy. And I'm starting20 to assure you that I am very concerned at21 the state level about what's happening,22 and I am addressing it at the state23 level, as many parents are at C.W. Henry,24 by visiting Harrisburg, sending letters25 243 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to Corbett and legislators. But I also2 believe that there's some things that3 could happen at the School District and4 City Council level, and that's why I'm5 here today and that's why other parents6 from C.W. Henry will attend the SRC7 meeting next week, and we're addressing8 District members as well.9 I appreciate the willingness10 that has been expressed earlier today and11 yesterday that you anticipate helping the12 School District in some way, and I agree13 with comments made earlier about the14 necessity for holding the School District15 accountable. I would like to see that16 happen too in terms of greater scrutiny17 of the contracts and greater transparency18 and parental input into the budget19 planning.20 I also ask you to explore21 non-District -- the removing non-District22 employees from the District payroll.23 That would include Bureau of Revision of24 Taxes and City Controller Office.25 244 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I also ask Councilmembers to2 support restoring the School District's3 share of property tax to 60 percent.4 And now in the midst of this5 crisis, I'm wondering if there aren't6 other areas that we could look at and if7 every rug is being turned to look at8 where we might find finances at the City9 level. I'm remembering a few years ago a10 lot of talk in the newspapers about the11 responsibility of the Philadelphia12 Parking Authority to contribute funds to13 the City and to the School District, and14 I'm wondering -- I haven't heard about15 that recently, and I'm wondering maybe16 someone has an answer about what their17 contribution is to the 2011-2012 school18 budget.19 So is that something that20 requires further investigation? And I21 don't know what other possibilities there22 are.23 I'm promising Councilmembers24 that I will continue hounding Governor25 245 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Corbett. I will continue writing to my2 lawmakers and continue attending rallies3 and addressing SRC. I'm asking you to4 hold the School District accountable in5 terms of better scrutiny and to work6 creatively with the SRC and the School7 District to turn over every rug and see8 where we might find more funding for our9 kids.10 Thank you.11 (Applause.)12
Thank13 you very much.14 Jose Peguero, please identify15 yourself and begin your testimony.16
Thank you,17 Councilwoman Blackwell, President Verna18 and other distinguished members of19 Council. My name is Jose Peguero. 9 In June of 2010, I attended the10 Philadelphia Literacy Symposium, and the11 Mayor's remarks that day, he challenged12 all of us to become ambassadors for13 literacy, all for the economic good of14 our city. 16 The foundations of literacy for17 many individuals is built in the early18 years of school. 2 I ask the Councilmembers -- and I know3 that you guys agree with me that the4 proposed cuts are far too great for our5 children to shoulder. How can any6 foundation be strong and lasting if its7 initial bricks are omitted and the weight8 placed upon what remains? 12 If the City of Philadelphia is13 serious about education and literacy and14 the positive economic and social impact15 it brings, the City of Philadelphia must16 now make a serious increase of17 investments into the school, both as a18 financier and a manager. I ask all of19 you the following: The City has to20 increase and maintain its role as a21 patron for local public education. 6 Philadelphia must also become a7 vocal advocate. It must insist, insist,8 insist and insist again that the District9 manage a realistic budget so it can10 equitably educate all the children of the11 City. I would go as far as to ask the12 City to make a proclamation detailing13 services and expectations that the14 Philadelphia School District or any15 school that wishes to educate our16 children must do, this envision that I've17 heard of Philadelphia to be a city of18 education. And with more local19 investment, there should also be more20 local control. 6 A true democracy requires individual7 thought and a capacity for critical and8 analytical thinking. Schools are the9 place where citizens are taught to become10 successful and productive members of11 society. Education does level the12 playing field. This is how my father who13 once was an orphan in the Dominican14 Republic is today a cardiologist. Where15 did he get his education? 17 I ask of you today to please18 consider my words and those words of19 everyone else that has spoken before me20 and will speak after me. I ask of you21 not to think about the next election in22 making these very tough decisions. Think23 about the next generation. )4
My name is Lucille8 Clark. I'm here so that other people,9 families, teachers, administrators, will10 not have to go through what people have11 gone through today and during the past12 years. I'm a past kindergarten teacher13 and I have a grandson who is scheduled to14 start kindergarten this fall. I'm15 basically asking you as Councilmembers to16 look out for our children.17 I did not have the feeling as I18 went to the budget meetings that their19 first priority was children. Their first20 priority, it seemed to me, was how can we21 cut our spending, and they're cutting it22 on the backs of little children like my23 grandson.24 (Applause.)25 251 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Families should not2 have to go through the worry, the3 uncertainty, the fear that these parents,4 these teachers and these children are5 going through. So I'm asking you as6 Councilmembers to help us by having the7 School Board, having the Council work8 together. What's happening now has9 happened before, but it's coming10 suddenly. All of the sudden we hear how11 much trouble we're in, and we're looking12 at ways to pay for bad decisions instead13 of looking for ways to run the schools14 the best way possible.15 I think the organizations,16 yours and the School District, should17 work together so that this doesn't happen18 to other families, to teachers. They19 should not have to worry from year to20 year. They should know. And if you21 cooperate and work together, I'm certain22 things can be better, but most of all, I23 came here selfishly because I have a24 little boy who is excited about going to25 252 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 school and I don't want him to be2 disappointed with all the advantages that3 are offered in our public schools. And I4 hope and I will support anybody who needs5 to help, but basically I think people6 should not have to go through what the7 people today have had to go through in8 the past years.9 So thank you.10 (Applause.)11
Thank12 you, Ms. Clark.13 Thank you, all. Thank you.14 That was wonderful testimony. God bless15 you and your grandson.16
Thank18 you. Howard Page, Elena Caraballo,19 Angelina Serrano, are you here?20 (No response.)21
Then25 253 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we will move on. Morris Blackwell,2 Victoria Santiago and Anne Gemmell, are3 you here? Thank you.4 (Witnesses approached witness5 table.)6
Thank7 you. Thank you. Feel free to identify8 yourself to our record and begin your9 testimony.10 MISS SERRANO: Hello. My name11 is Angelina Serrano and I'm representing12 Excel Academy North and all the Camelot13 schools of Pennsylvania.14 Prior to attending Camelot, I15 was assigned to an online school my16 freshman year here in Philadelphia.17 During my time at that program, I began18 to form bad habits, which caused me to19 fail to complete the required coursework20 and not receive credit. At this time,21 structure, self-discipline and effort22 were only words in a dictionary and not23 part of my vocabulary. Therefore, I24 became a part of Philadelphia's growing25 254 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 dropout rate.2 I was more wrapped up in the3 streets of Philadelphia and didn't4 concern myself with anything that had to5 do with my education. After making bad6 decision after bad decision, I took an7 opportunity to enroll myself with the8 Camelot schools, particularly Excel9 Academy North.10 While attending Excel Academy11 North, I did struggle at times attempting12 to resist all of the negative temptation13 surrounding me. However, thanks to the14 consistency and professionalism of the15 staff at Camelot and the education they16 provide, within the first few months I17 was able to obtain executive status in18 the Eagles Club, which is the student19 government at Excel Academy North. This20 is the highest status one can achieve in21 our school. Additionally, I have taken22 advantage of every academic opportunity23 that has been afforded to me at Camelot.24 This is why I'm proud to say that after25 255 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 maintaining a GPA of 3.76 at Excel2 Academy North and after graduation on3 June 10th at the Verizon Hall in4 Philadelphia, I will be attending5 Harrisburg University on a near full6 scholarship. I cannot wait for the fall.7 (Applause.)8 MISS SERRANO: I am presenting9 my story to you because of the10 opportunity that Camelot has given me. I11 now have the tools to be successful, and12 I will. I know that whether or not the13 budget is cut, I will be in college14 making my way to my career goals.15 However, if there are budget cuts16 specifically to Camelot, I am concerned17 that my classmates, future students and18 other dropouts in Philadelphia will not19 have the same opportunities to be as20 successful as I did, and that frightens21 me.22 What I gained at Camelot is23 more than just a diploma. It is the24 mindset to be productive and successful.25 256 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 If Camelot were unable to help their2 students and future students, it would3 not just be a loss to the City but4 specifically to those thousands of5 students and families who might not6 otherwise know how close they are to7 success.8 Thank you.9 (Applause.)10
Thank11 you.12 MISS SANTIAGO: Hi. My name is13 Victoria Santiago. I stand here before14 you to discuss the issue of disembodying15 alternative schools such as mine.16 Students in this day and age need schools17 like Excel Academy South, Excel Academy18 North and Excel Academy Central, because19 the dropout rate is increasing every20 year. And if students that are willing21 to give school another try, they wouldn't22 have had the opportunity to do this if it23 wasn't for those alternative schools.24 The adults are always25 257 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 addressing the issue about how2 students -- how school is important and3 how us students are the future. If the4 Council decides to go through with5 getting rid of our schools, what will6 happen to our future then? Not only am I7 speaking for myself, but I am speaking8 for students that attend my school and9 the other alternative schools when I say10 we need Excel, we need Fairhill and we11 need all the other alternative schools we12 can get.13 It's disturbing to think how14 much the dropout rate would increase if15 you get rid of these schools. I know16 this because I'm speaking from personal17 experience. I was a student attending18 Northeast High School. I was constantly19 cutting classes and I was always in and20 out of the hallways when I supposed to be21 in class learning and bettering myself.22 When I did go to class, there were about23 30-plus students there. So when I would24 ask a question, the teacher would answer25 258 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 it once, then move on to the next topic.2 If I still needed help understanding the3 subject, they would get frustrated and4 say something like, I explained this to5 you already, or Weren't you not paying6 attention? I felt like school wasn't7 somewhere I wanted to be. I felt like I8 couldn't learn anything. So I had all9 F's and D's on all of my report cards,10 and I wasn't going to graduate until I11 was 21 in public school.12 While at Excel Academy South,13 they don't do that. If you need help,14 the teachers are more than willing to15 give it to you, no matter how many times16 you ask. Students need that. They need17 to be assured that the teachers really do18 care. The teachers really are preparing19 them for post secondary and the future.20 Not only are they willing to21 help you with your schoolwork, but they22 are also willing to help you with your23 personal problems as well. For example,24 I am an honor roll student and I am25 259 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 always up and about. If I am having a2 bad day, they will notice. They will3 take their time to talk to me about it.4 It's refreshing to know your teachers5 care for you.6 Establishing a good7 relationship with your teachers and staff8 is important at my school. Shouldn't we9 always have teachers like that?10 Because of Excel Academy South,11 I can honestly say I turned my life12 around, and I am more than grateful that13 I got the opportunity to come here and14 have a fresh start. If you were to ask15 me what I wanted to do with my life or16 what I'm going to do after high school a17 year ago, I would probably would have18 said something like, I don't know, I'm19 not graduating. But I can't say that20 now. What I can say is, I'm going to21 college now, all because of the support22 and care and opportunity I received at23 Excel Academy South.24 Without these schools, myself25 260 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and a great handful of students would2 have been the future dropouts of3 tomorrow.4 Thank you.5 (Applause. )6
Hi. My name is9 Anne Gemmell. I'm a parent of three10 children, two at Meredith -- well, three11 at Meredith Elementary, one is heading to12 Central High School. I've also been a13 teacher in the School District. I'm14 currently a teacher at Mastery Charter15 Schools.16 I'm here as a citizen and a17 voter as well. Unlike a gentleman a few18 moments ago, he said don't think about19 the next election, make the best20 decision. By contrary, I want you to21 think about the next election and I want22 everyone in this room --23 (Applause.)24
-- to make25 261 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 sure -- and I don't mean to sound2 threatening. I'm just say the3 political -- and it was not meant as a4 threat at all. I just want to take the5 moment to urge everyone in the room to6 make sure that you're registered to vote,7 and I want you to ask yourselves, did you8 vote in the last election, Tuesday, May9 17th. We had an election with abysmal10 turnout, and I say that as my committee11 woman in the second ward. I take that12 hat off now and just speak to you as a13 School District -- a parent in the School14 District.15 City Council, leadership16 matters. Funding matters. All of these17 young students that are here, the18 beneficiaries of the Rendell years in19 Harrisburg. He knew that funding20 mattered, but he also knew that21 leadership mattered. Leadership22 mattered. And he fought hard for a new23 funding formula, and all these students24 here are the beneficiaries of that new25 262 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 funding formula.2 So, yes, I have called3 Harrisburg. Yes, I'm advocating for4 continued investment from Harrisburg into5 our city schools, but now it's time, as6 leadership has changed in Harrisburg,7 it's time for us in Philadelphia to do8 our fair share. So that means both9 paying our fair share by raising the10 property tax share to 60 percent here at11 home. It's been flat for several years.12 We have not increased the investment13 locally in our School District despite14 academic achievement gains, despite15 success stories that we've seen come to16 the microphone endlessly today.17 We also need to start keeping a18 better eye on what goes on in the School19 District. We need to talk to the SRC20 members more regularly or maybe even21 clean house at the SRC, because they are22 not doing --23 (Applause.)24
They are not25 263 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 doing their job. Being a rubber stamp2 for Arlene Ackerman is not the job of the3 SRC, and who is going to hold them4 accountable? Who is going to do that? I5 can't vote for the SRC. They don't come6 up for reelection. Who is going to hold7 the SRC accountable?8 So funding matters.9 High-quality education costs money.10 Rendell knows this. Mayor Nutter11 campaigned on it. Funding matter. And12 the City needs to walk the walk as well13 as talk the talk about funding. Managing14 your money matters. Well, that's where15 leadership comes in, leadership from16 everywhere.17 But, lastly, actions matter.18 And I'm not just here -- I'm asking you19 to do things, to take action on certain20 things. One, use your elected leadership21 as a bully pulpit to advocate in22 Harrisburg, reach out to other city23 councils in Upper Darby. There are urban24 school districts all around the state25 264 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that are being assailed, totally under2 attack by Governor Corbett. Reach out,3 build a coalition with other urban school4 districts. That's the first thing I5 would like to see City Council people do.6 (Applause.)7
The second thing8 I mentioned, I already mentioned pay our9 fair share. Take the tough vote.10 Demonstrate leadership in tough times.11 If you can't make the case now for12 increasing the share to school districts,13 I don't know when you can make it. We14 had a meltdown, economic meltdown, that15 we are all suffering from in 2008. If16 you can't use this opportunity to17 increase the fair share to protect our18 children, to protect our success stories19 in this School District, I don't know20 when. Then you just are never going to21 have a moment to step up to leadership.22 Third, reconsider the soda tax.23 Why are taxes off the table? Are we24 republicans? Come on. Put soda tax on25 265 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the table. I dare Coca-Cola. I dare2 Coca-Cola to come in here and tell me3 that the schools don't deserve a teeny4 bit of tax on Coca-Cola.5 (Applause.)6
The second7 thing -- fourth thing -- third thing.8 Where am I? SEPTA. SEPTA, we pay for9 SEPTA with our tax dollars and we fund10 SEPTA, and then SEPTA turns around and11 charges our children and the School12 District full price to ride their buses.13 Why are they charging us full price to14 get our children back and forth to15 school? I need you as leaders to16 advocate for SEPTA to give us -- to get17 smart about this. First of all, not just18 give us a break as a handout, but to get19 smart. It's like marketing free samples.20 Why can't we get the next generation21 hooked on public transportation? In this22 day and age when gas prices are rising,23 let's be ecologically smart. Let's get24 our next generation on the bus.25 266 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2
And last, but not3 least, I went to Central for the freshman4 orientation, and I was so proud. I sat5 in that auditorium. My daughter is in6 Class 274 at Central. Very excited. The7 diversity was beautiful in the Central8 freshman orientation. I mean, Asian,9 Hispanic, black, white, all10 neighborhoods. They are your11 constituents in that freshman class at12 Central. And then I took the tour of the13 building, and the heart that I have for14 civic pride absolutely sank, because as15 beautiful as those children are and as16 deserving as they are of the best that we17 can offer them, we are not offering them18 our best. Those hallways have been19 neglected. They show the neglect of the20 many years of neglect in Harrisburg. So21 if you want to show the School District22 that you're not happy with the way that23 they're managing funds, this is my24 proposal: Move Central High School to25 267 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 440 North Broad Street and ask --2 (Applause.)3
If you could4 please ask the School District officials,5 who are overpaid, yes, to work up at6 Central where there is no air7 conditioning and neglected facility, I8 think that would be a beautiful thing on9 many levels. And that's it.10 (Applause.)11
Good afternoon.14 My name is Maurice Blackwell and I'm15 representing Camelot, Excel Central.16 Before I came to this school,17 I've been having a very difficult time18 with school. Schools I attended in the19 past were not giving me help and giving20 me the support that I needed. I had poor21 attendance, hung out with the wrong22 crowds and began to not care. But now23 that I'm at Excel Central, I think24 positively, get along with my peers as25 268 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 well as staff.2 Staff at Camelot treat us like3 family. And if we are going through4 anything, they are always there to5 support us and help us 100 percent. I6 came up with the school song called We7 Don't Drop Out, We Drop in to show my joy8 and happiness about the school. I also9 was on the news and was on the radio for10 the song that I did about my school to11 show how happy I am about the school.12 (Applause.)13
So if they was14 going to take this program and school15 away from me, it would affect me really16 much, because I am now on the right page17 and doing well. I can't imagine what18 would I do or where would I be without me19 being at Camelot.20 So I really would like to be21 here next year to graduate, to continue22 my success, my goals and dreams. P.S. -23 keep Camelot alive.24 (Applause.)25 269 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank2 you very much. Young people were just3 great. Thank you. Wish you the best.4 And we did see you.5
Thank7 you.8 Cheryl Mahoney, Eli-akim Hicks,9 Brandon Johnson.10 (Applause.)11 (Witnesses approached witness12 table.)13
Thank14 you for your patience. Please identify15 yourself for the record and begin.16
Good evening. My17 name is Cheryl Mahoney and I'm glad to18 finally be up here.19 My name is Cheryl Mahoney and I20 currently teach at Dr. Ethel Allen21 Promise Academy. It's truly an honor to22 be before you this evening, especially23 you, Councilwoman Blackwell, my former24 seventh grade teacher, who made such an25 270 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 indelible impact on my life.2
Thank3 you. That's why you're so successful.4 (Applause.)5
I don't need to6 tell anyone how important education is to7 you. This is my first visit to Council.8 Again, I'm honored, but I am saddened and9 disappointed. I really expected to see10 more Councilpeople. I'm sure there's11 other pressing business.12 (Applause.)13
But this is14 really sad to me for such a crisis15 situation.16 I am here to report to you from17 the front lines and give you a simple18 message, and that message is that we need19 more and not less. I'm not suggesting a20 blank check with no accountability, but21 the additional resources have truly22 provided us at the Promise Academy to23 show children that we absolutely put them24 first, and we've done this through25 271 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 extended time with them and additional2 school -- an hour on the school day and3 an additional week. We meet for Saturday4 schools, where children do come. They5 show up even in the snow. So they want6 to learn. They want to be there.7 The smaller class size8 initiative has allowed us to realize9 gains. We have supplemental and10 supportive staff, ongoing professional11 development. These are things that we12 know work, and we need them to remain in13 place. We really do.14 We've also been able to15 seriously engage parents as partners16 through family outings, trips. We have17 the FAST program, parent universities.18 All of these things bring our parents19 into the building. They are showing up.20 They were here today. We need those21 programs to continue.22 We ask that you not only23 consider our academic gains, and we have24 made them, but also our gains in25 272 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 attendance and engagement as well. I do2 believe all of you here this evening,3 Councilmembers, do support public4 education, so I'm asking you to please,5 please, please take our sense of urgency6 very, very seriously. We cannot allow7 our children to be shortchanged. I mean,8 half-day kindergarten, no art or music,9 we cannot afford to allow these things to10 go away.11 I personally view Dr. Ackerman12 as a civil rights leader. She has dared13 to imagine the best for the students of14 the School District of Philadelphia. I15 applaud her bravery, and I just ask that16 we move forward together and not17 backwards.18 Thank you.19 (Applause.)20
Hello. My name is21 Eli-akim Hicks. I am a student at El22 Centro Estudiantes.23 (Applause.)24
Yes. Which is an25 273 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 accelerated school. And I'm also a2 member of Youth United for Change. I am3 currently in the Pushout Chapter.4 (Applause.)5
During our research6 at the Youth United for Change and the7 Pushout Chapter, we have learned that8 accelerated schools is the last chance9 for many of our young people, and that10 currently the plan is to cut -- to make a11 50 percent cut on all alternative12 schools. And there are only two forms of13 alternative schools. There is14 accelerated schools and there is15 disciplinary schools or transitional16 schools. And the cut on the alternative17 schools will affect a lot of students18 where we won't be successful.19 Alternative schools have a great history20 on making kids successful. And that at21 disciplinary schools, for example, have a22 lot of -- in accelerated schools it has a23 lot of disciplinary students in there.24 And, for example, I know several25 274 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 disciplinary students that attend El2 Centro Estudiantes, which is on their way3 graduating this year.4 (Applause.)5
For a school that6 has been open for two years, that is a7 lot of progress. Well, at the Pushout,8 we have found that we have done studies9 on the percentages. There is only 2310 percent of students that's come from11 disciplinary schools that actually are12 even reengaged within schools within two13 years of disciplinary schools.14 So as a student at an15 accelerated school, I feel that16 accelerated schools are a much better17 place for students to excel in their18 lives. As a student at El Centro, I feel19 I can express myself. I am an artist,20 and El Centro allows me to help us and21 the community that surrounds us. A22 school like El Centro helps us to develop23 into successful adults and gives the24 chances to students that nobody wants.25 275 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 At El Centro, we have something2 called real-world learning opportunities,3 A/K/A RWLOs, or formerly known as. In my4 RWLO, I do Capoeira Angola, which is a5 form of martial arts originated within6 Central and West Africa. It has aspects7 of dance, music and science. And also8 it's a form of defense, self-defense. We9 learn from our advisor named Adi and also10 has master, Chicago.11 Capoeira gave me freedom.12 Capoeira opened my mind so I can see13 things a little bit differently.14 Capoeira helped my body, my mind and my15 soul.16 Capoeira did a lot for me for17 expressing myself, and I learned many18 things from Capoeira. I learned biology.19 I learned human anatomy. I learned how20 about muscle memory. I learned how21 Capoeira can help make your body stronger22 and more flexible. I learned how to23 defend myself. I learned history about24 Brazil and Africa. I learned about the25 276 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 history of the art itself. I learned2 about geography about Africa and Brazil.3 There's so much that I have4 learned from Capoeira Angola, and that if5 El Centro Estudiantes is closed, it will6 cut that.7 In El Centro Estudiantes, the8 world is our classroom and we are the9 students. At accelerated schools,10 teachers -- at accelerated schools in11 general, teachers are your friends, and12 in El Centro, we termed them as advisors,13 not teachers. And they don't only teach14 us; they learn from us. They don't only15 teach us; we learn -- they learn from us.16 They become like an older brother, an17 older sister, an aunt or an uncle.18 At accelerated schools for me19 is a place where I'm able to grow as a20 student and a man.21 Please save accelerated22 schools, and thank you.23 (Applause.)24
Thank25 277 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you again. Thank you. Excellent2 presentation.3 Thank you, Ms. Mahoney. God4 bless you. It's good to see you. Thank5 you.6 Is Brandon Johnson here?7 (No response.)8
Nicole12 Hunt?13 (No response.)14 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:15 Vanessa Albert Lowry?16 (No response.)17
Maria18 Guaranda, David Bromley, Crystal Revere19 and Colleen Jackson.20 (Applause.)21 (Witnesses approached witness22 table.)23
Thank24 you very much. Good evening. Please25 278 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 identify yourself for the record and2 begin your testimony.3
Good evening. My4 name is Nicole Hunt. I serve as the5 elected Secretary-Treasurer of Unite Here6 Local 634 representing the food service7 workers and noontime aides in the8 Philadelphia School District.9 We oppose the proposed layoffs10 in food service and noontime aides11 because they will harm school safety,12 reduce healthy food options and create13 hardships for the least among us, the14 lowest paid School District workers.15 Our understanding is that the16 following layoffs can be expected: 65017 noontime aides, this is 40 percent of all18 noontime aides who provide supervision in19 the cafeterias, hallways and playgrounds.20 Over 100 layoffs from food service. This21 may happen if full-service kitchens22 become pre-plate cafeterias that serve23 pre-prepared food.24 The District has not proposed25 279 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 any severance to cushion the blow of2 these layoffs. Their scale and scope is3 simply staggering and devastating. But I4 wanted to highlight not only the bad5 impact that this will have on these6 employees, but also the crippling impact7 that it will have on our students, our8 children who attend public school.9 Fights and violence often begin10 in the school cafeteria. Many schools11 already leave noontime aides alone in the12 cafeteria to maintain order and safety.13 Now the District proposes to cut over 4014 percent of all noontime aides. This15 increases the potential for violence at16 the worst possible time.17 Healthy food: An epidemic of18 childhood obesity demands that we teach19 our children to eat healthy, but the20 District proposes replacing many21 full-service cafeterias with satellite22 service, feeding pre-plate TV dinners to23 our children. For example, food service24 cafeterias provide salad and fresh fruit25 280 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 every day, while satellite service2 provide salad and fresh fruit maybe once3 a week. We should not go backwards.4 New federal regulations favor5 healthy food alternatives. Unattractive6 lunches mean fewer kids will eat lunch,7 which means many kids will go without8 eating for the rest of the school day.9 Lowest paid workers, the10 workers represented by Local 634, only11 just finished negotiating their contract,12 which finally achieves the minimum City13 living wage. Low pay means layoffs --14 excuse me; means layoffs must cut deeper15 to achieve comparable savings. This16 means fewer people in the schools. It17 also means more people out of work,18 without other options, and depending on19 state or city services for their20 survival. Why should layoffs hit lowest21 paid hardest since this produces the22 least savings with the highest personal23 costs? This is the worst way to make24 cuts.25 281 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Early childhood: We join2 thousands across the City to oppose cuts3 to early childhood education. This is4 critical to children's economic future5 and the future of our city.6 The school budget should not be7 balanced on the backs of people who feed8 our children and keep our kids safe. We9 deserve better, and our students deserve10 better.11 Thank you.12 (Applause.)13
Thank14 you very much. As you know, we raised15 these issues yesterday. We agree with16 you, and we're told in one area they17 wouldn't be cut and in the other area not18 specific information since they said19 3,800 people are in jeopardy. So we're20 with you, and we want to continue to work21 with you.22
Thank24 you.25 282 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2 MISS GUARANDA: My name is3 Maria Guaranda. I attend El Centro4 Estudiantes.5 (Applause.)6 MISS GUARANDA: I was a former7 dropout for about a year and a half.8 Prior to that, you know, I went to a9 disciplinary school. Disciplinary school10 simply really wasn't working for me.11 Public school wasn't working for me. So12 I found out about the accelerated program13 here at El Centro. It was a perfect and14 it was a great fit for me. Now I'm15 graduating within three weeks.16 I represent --17 (Applause.)18 MISS GUARANDA: I represent my19 school countless amounts of times. I'm20 always there to help the community and21 anything that has to do with my school.22 When I found out about these funds23 cutting schools and then I found out that24 they really didn't want to help these25 283 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 accelerated schools, I don't know, it2 basically brang me to tears, because just3 to know that they want to do this and4 take these schools away from us, that's5 really a horrible thing to me. Because I6 feel as though I'm one of the perfect7 examples of why these schools and why8 these programs, accelerated programs, why9 these --10 (Applause.)11 MISS GUARANDA: I think I'm the12 perfect example of why we need to13 continue and have these schools and these14 teachers to help us try and realize that,15 you know, these youth that basically16 didn't make it in these public schools,17 that there's still hope for us and we18 still can succeed and we don't want no19 one to give up on us, especially not the20 government. I really hope that these21 schools continue, because I know that we22 need these youth and we need them and we23 need people like the government to just24 stay there and really realize that just25 284 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 because we might have not made it in2 public school, the journey for us does3 not end there. And I really don't want4 them to give up on us. That's why after5 I graduate high school, I always say my6 number one passion is working with youth,7 and I would like to be a representative8 and help youth that have struggled in the9 path that I have struggled through.10 (Applause.)11
Good evening. My12 name is David Bromley. I'm the Executive13 Director of Big Picture Philadelphia.14 And before I even continue, I got to say,15 if there's a silver lining to the School16 District's proposal to eliminate these17 alternative schools like ours, El Centro,18 it's that given Maria and a lot of19 students the opportunity to advocate for20 themselves, and these are skills that we21 hold in high esteem for our students.22 They're skills that benefit them both in23 post secondary college and workforce.24 I'm the Executive Director25 285 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 again of Big Picture Philadelphia, and2 we're a non-profit organization that's3 part of the national acclaimed Big4 Picture Learning Network. We've started5 and supported over 90 innovative schools,6 highly acclaimed schools around the7 country.8 I had the honor about three9 years ago of founding Big Picture10 Philadelphia as part of this network11 after returning home to Philadelphia with12 my family. Big Picture Philadelphia is13 here to be a part of the citywide14 education reform efforts to provide these15 powerful learning opportunities for all16 of our youth.17 In the 15 testimonies to18 follow -- yes, 15 -- you will hear19 exactly why El Centro is vital to the20 futures of these young men and women and,21 in turn, an important part of this city's22 efforts to reduce the dropout rate and23 increase the college graduation rate.24 El Centro is in the process of25 286 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 completing just its second year, and we2 are enormously proud of its3 accomplishments. Starting any new school4 program is immensely difficult. It5 requires years of dedication from highly6 talented adults. It requires painstaking7 self-analysis and organizational analysis8 to get better on behalf of the youth we9 serve.10 Over the past two years, Big11 Picture Philadelphia has provided and12 worked with the teachers over 300 hours13 of professional development support to an14 immensely talented group to educators,15 and the hard work is paying off.16 We have learned that this17 student population benefits tremendously18 from close student-adult relationships,19 and as such, we have implemented an20 advisory system where students remain21 with the same teacher until graduation.22 We have learned that students23 need to learn how to live peacefully and24 respectfully in the community, and as25 287 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 such, we have implemented a school-wide2 restorative justice practice.3 We have learned that when4 students are engaged in educational5 opportunities that are relevant and6 meaningful to them, they become more7 motivated and committed to their8 education. As such, we've implemented a9 comprehensive community-based internship10 program where students engage in11 challenging and authentic work. We have12 implemented intimate literacy and13 seminars to further develop the student's14 core academic skills.15 We have learned that when16 students are provided the opportunity to17 think about their future, they will rise18 to the occasion, and as such, every19 student has completed a post secondary20 plan that includes higher education and21 the world of work.22 This summer, El Centro will23 graduate its first cohort of students, as24 you heard Maria just say. We are very25 288 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 proud to say that of all the students who2 are eligible to graduate this summer, at3 least 70 percent will receive their4 diploma and 80 percent of the eligible5 population --6 (Applause.)7
And 80 percent of8 this eligible population has been9 retained at the school, and we expect to10 do better. However, this data for a11 program finishing just its second year12 already stands up against the School13 District data, and when comparing to a14 similar population, a vulnerable15 population in the School District of16 Philadelphia, whose annual graduation17 rate is just 22 percent, we have a lot of18 reason to be proud.19 (Applause.)20
So why is the21 School District -- why does the School22 District want to eliminate El Centro and23 the rest of the schools that are serving24 this most vulnerable student populations?25 289 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 The School District believes that they2 can do it better. You have heard and3 will continue to hear from the students4 speaking today how the School District5 was unable to serve them in the past, and6 yet now the School District believes they7 can do better.8 Furthermore, you heard9 yesterday from the School District that10 they can do better for less money. Our11 students are already being funded at a12 rate lower than this District average.13 This begs several questions. First off,14 why should we be funding these students15 at a lesser rate? Why when the District16 correctly has been espousing the need for17 a more equitable funding formula are18 these most vulnerable youth being19 shortchanged? And yesterday why was the20 School District extolling its desire to21 fund these students at an even more22 reduced rate?23 Any way one cuts it, there is a24 fundamental issue of equity here that25 290 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 needs to be looked at.2 So what will happen if this3 proposal stands? One can only speculate,4 but most likely many of these students,5 despite our best efforts, will not attend6 the proposed District-run learning7 centers and drop out once more. There is8 a fundamental lack of trust between these9 students and families and the School10 District.11 And in closing, Big Picture12 Philadelphia is honored to be part of13 this collective work around educating our14 youth. We hope that next year we can15 stand before you and boast about El16 Centro's third year. We hope to develop17 and support schools for Philadelphia's18 in-school youth as well. In short, we're19 excited to be here. We're excited to be20 working in the City of Philadelphia, and21 I thank you for your time and support.22 (Applause.)23
Thank24 you.25 291 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Hello. My name is2 Crystal Revere and I'm a parent. My3 daughter, Colleen, goes to El Centro, and4 she's been there since the beginning.5 This school has helped my6 daughter in so many ways. When she just7 wanted to give up, teachers like Sandra,8 Matt, Andrew just wouldn't let her do it.9 They were in her corner. El Centro gave10 my daughter hope. She's passing all her11 classes. I brought her sheets so you can12 she's passing every class. Every class.13 (Applause.)14
Every class.15 Every class.16 But most of all, El Centro is a17 great school.18 She's going to college soon,19 but if you take --20 (Applause.)21
But if you take El22 Centro from children like my daughter,23 that's not giving them a fighting chance.24 We need El Centro. We need El Centro to25 292 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 keep their doors open. Please don't take2 that away from the rest -- take that away3 from the rest of the children that has a4 future.5 El Centro was good to my6 daughter and good to me. I just want to7 say thank you.8 (Applause.)9
Thank10 you.11 MISS JACKSON: Hi. My name is12 Colleen Jackson and I'm a student at El13 Centro Estudiantes, Big Picture high14 school.15 Hope is a thing that I didn't16 believe in until I came to El Centro.17 The teachers are like angels sent from18 God himself. They have helped me when I19 wanted to give up on myself. They pushed20 me to be all I can be.21 Today I call them my angels,22 because my teachers care about every23 single student and just kids in general.24 If you close our doors, you will close25 293 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 success and hope for kids like us and2 kids of the future.3 At our school, success and hope4 looks like this: Kids going from D5 students to A students, kids coming from6 not coming to coming to school every day.7 At our school we have no metal detectors8 and no fights. When kids like me and my9 fellow students --10 (Applause.)11 MISS JACKSON: -- tried to get12 into schools -- when kids like me and my13 fellow students tried to get into schools14 like Fels, Olney and Kensington, they15 turned their backs on us, but when we16 came to El Centro, they gave us a chance17 for hope and to live and learn again.18 I know it's the same for other19 accelerated schools too. Now I feel like20 they're taking our success away.21 Sometimes traditional schools doesn't22 work for some people. When we -- while23 it works for kids like me at El Centro.24 This may be kids last chance,25 294 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 so please don't take away hope from kids2 like me and my fellow students at El3 Centro and the other schools.4 (Applause.)5 MISS JACKSON: Now, I would6 like the other kids and the kids from my7 school to stand up and take a bow for8 success, because they were supposed to do9 so. Everybody that's in an accelerated10 school, stand up and take a bow.11 (Applause.)12
In my school, we13 done a lot of things like blogs and14 stuff, trying to keep our school open.15 So here's a couple documents from my16 school that people signed like a petition17 to keep our school open.18 (Applause.)19
Thank20 you.21 MISS JACKSON: Thank y'all for22 y'all time.23
Thank24 you.25 295 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Are any of these other students2 on the list to testify?3
Does5 that mean -- OIC, I promise you, you're6 next.7 Does that mean Frankie Bonilla,8 Maia Cucchiara, Luis Molina, Maryelis9 Santiago, are all of you from the school10 as well?11 (Yes.)12
What13 about Forrest Laws, Lillian Vallines,14 Trish Maunder and Joandaly Chavez? And15 that is it for that school; am I correct?16 (No.)17
Olivia18 Sparrow, Benjamin Gutman, Selena Mendoza,19 Todd Rodriguez, all of you are from this20 school?21 (Yes.)22
OIC,23 how many of you are here?24 (Six.)25 296 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
You've2 been telling me that for the last hour.3 So I'll try to get this group, put you4 on, go back to it. Okay? I promise.5 Thank you. Please identify6 yourself for the record. We'll take this7 group who are here and then we'll call8 you -- who are in front of us, and then9 we'll call you next as soon as this group10 finishes. So that's six people and then11 you six.12 Thank you. Please identify13 yourself for the record and begin your14 testimony.15
My name is16 Frankie Bonilla. I'm an academic advisor17 at El Centro Estudiantes, a Big Picture18 Philadelphia school.19 I wanted to -- I'm not going to20 bring a lot of stats. I just wanted to21 share some stories.22 I began teaching in 2003 at23 Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter School in24 North Philadelphia, and this has been a25 297 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 tough year for me because several of -- I2 don't talk about this a lot. Excuse me.3 Several of my students this year that I4 had in the sixth grade died because of5 gun violence and -- excuse me.6 (Applause.)7
I don't share8 this a lot. And though I've been told9 not to blame myself, it's hard not to,10 you know, because you always feel like11 you could do more.12 When I did my interview for El13 Centro, I had to do a mock lesson in14 front of a bunch of students. And the15 way they interviewed teachers at the16 school, the kids get to interview you and17 they get to ask you questions. And one18 of the things that they asked me was, you19 know -- because I came from a traditional20 school setting. I'm a certified teacher.21 I'm certified in elementary education and22 secondary Spanish. And they said to me,23 Why do you want to teach here? Why don't24 you want to stay at a regular school?25 298 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 And that impacted me, because it showed2 me the kind of work that we have to do in3 our city. It's not just that we're4 giving students the importance of5 education, but we have to teach them how6 to love themselves again and understand7 that there are people that care out8 there. And one of the things that9 impacted me the most is that as a10 teacher -- I'm also an assistant11 pastor -- people don't learn what you12 have to show them until they know you.13 And every single time I've talked, the14 kids first have to get to know me. The15 people who I've taught at church first16 want to get to know me first, and then17 they want to know what I got to say. And18 by cutting funds and closing a place like19 El Centro, we're starting -- whether20 these children are able to sustain21 another school or not, this whole process22 has to start all over again. And what's23 occurring is that the trust that we've24 established with them, the trust that25 299 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 they've even established with the rest of2 the teachers and academic advisors and3 the school officials starts all over4 again. And I don't know if some of them5 have the desire to want to do that again,6 because I myself grew up in Section 8, on7 welfare, and it took teachers to tell me8 that I can be an educator. I didn't want9 to go to college. I didn't want to --10 (Applause.)11
Thank you.12 I really didn't care about13 graduating from high school, but it14 took -- I remember Mrs. Matthews. I15 remember Ms. Ritter. I remember these16 teachers that pulled me out and said to17 me, You can be somebody. And I had to18 trust them. It took a long time. I had19 trust issues. And many of our young20 people do the same. And if we cut these21 funds and now they really know that it's22 based on the school budget, they're going23 to lose hope in a system that they're24 starting to trust again. They feel like25 300 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 they have a voice.2 This nation has began to3 progress. We recently had the first4 African American President. So just from5 the view of that, people are starting to6 have hope, but if we begin to shut doors7 in places that the hope has started to8 grow, then we're sending them the wrong9 message.10 So I'm here advocating and11 telling stories and giving testimony so12 that we understand that this is a real13 serious issue, that if we shut these14 places down, we're sending them a15 message. As a person that needed help16 and needed to be advocated for, it made17 me to be an advocate. So if we don't18 allow a place to be open for them to19 understand that somebody is advocating20 for them, then we're also cutting the21 people who are later going to advocate22 for others as they grow up.23 So that's all. Thank you very24 much.25 301 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2
Good evening.5 My name is Maia Cucchiara and I am a6 Professor at Educational Leadership at7 Temple University. You'll be hearing8 tonight from many people whose lives were9 changed by their involvement with El10 Centro. I too have been inspired by the11 school and by the Big Picture12 organization, which has one of the most13 effective and transformational approaches14 to working with at-risk students that I15 have ever seen.16 I have also had the distinct17 privilege of working with several El18 Centro teachers in a course -- in my19 Master's course on urban education at20 Temple, and I've been consistently21 impressed with their talent and22 dedication. It's really, really23 remarkable.24 I see one of my students right25 302 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 there.2 (Applause.)3
But I want to4 talk today about something different. I5 want to talk about what we know happens6 to kids who don't get to go to schools7 like El Centro, kids who never get the8 kinds of support, attention and9 educational experiences that Big Picture10 provides.11 I also want to talk about how12 hard this work is and how important it is13 to support and maintain interventions14 like El Centro that have been proven to15 be effective.16 So here's some things that we17 probably know, but I'm just going to say18 it anyway. Dropouts are significantly19 more likely than high school graduates to20 be unemployed. On average, they earn21 about half of what high school graduates22 earn. They're more likely to receive23 government support, including welfare,24 Medicaid and food stamps, and four times25 303 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 as likely to end up in prison.2 Looking at taxes paid versus3 costs from government benefits and4 incarceration, the average high school5 graduate contributes nearly $6,000 a6 year, while the average dropout costs7 $7,000. A national study on the dropout8 crisis estimated that individual lifetime9 contributions adds up to more than10 $250,000 more for every person who11 finishes high school rather than dropping12 out. $250,000. The cost of maintaining13 schools like El Centro that turn dropouts14 into graduates pales in comparison.15 This report goes on to describe16 the types of programs proven to be17 effective in reengaging dropouts. These18 programs are generally small. They are19 led by committed and experienced20 educators, and they focus on providing21 real-world learning experiences. In22 other words, what works looks a lot like23 El Centro.24 I understand that the District25 304 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 is proposing to provide similar project-2 based instruction in the alternative3 programs it plans to run if schools like4 El Centro are closed. This proposal is5 really, really worrisome. The history of6 urban education is filled with failed7 efforts to implement innovative and8 student-centered programs. Failure is so9 common for two reasons. First, providing10 the sort of project-based individualized11 experiences that Big Picture provides at12 El Centro is really, really hard. It's13 hard to structure these experiences, hard14 to make them both engaging to students15 and educational, hard to find a staff16 with the skills to manage them, and hard17 to sustain the system over time.18 Second, it's especially hard to19 do this, to do all of those things, with20 a student population, as we've been21 hearing, has had years of bad experience22 with schools, is often way below grade23 level and faces a variety of personal24 issues and problems that can interfere25 305 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 with regular school attendance. And yet2 El Centro does all of these things very3 well.4 Given the challenges involved5 with this work and the consequences6 associated with not doing it well, it7 seems to me that our goals should be8 expanding rather than cutting programs9 that have been proven to be effective. I10 urge you to find the resources that will11 allow El Centro to continue serving the12 students it serves. Doing so would not13 only give the students a chance for a14 different life, it would also help them15 contribute to the City's future.16 Thank you very much.17 (Applause.)18
Thank19 you.20 (Mr. Molina testifying through21 interpreter.)22
Hello. My name is23 Luis Molina. I am a student at El Centro24 Estudiantes, a big Picture school.25 306 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I have heard about the proposal2 to close these types of schools. It's a3 great shame to hear this, and I feel very4 dismayed. But I hope that you will help5 us and that these plans are not6 successful. I, like many of the students7 at my school, believe this is bad news8 for our nation, because the future of9 this nation is us, the young Latinos, who10 come from countries and who excel11 studying here in the United States. We12 have good plans for this country, study13 hard and getting good grades in school.14 Hopefully you make the right15 decision, as this is a subject that is16 very important to us youngsters, our very17 future.18 At this school I've had the19 great opportunity to get an internship20 and to develop my knowledge of the21 accounting career. I have worked for the22 last three months at Congreso de Latinos23 Unidos. This is an opportunity I would24 not have had in another school.25 307 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Personally I have learned to do large2 exhibitions, explaining and showing the3 independent project work I have done. I4 would love for my sister to have the5 opportunity to attend a school like this6 and for her to develop her skills like I7 have.8 This school has given me the9 opportunity to learn and grow in a way10 that is not possible in other schools in11 the City. This is why I am here and12 expressing myself this way about the13 school.14 Each student is a reflection of15 the school, and so this is the difference16 that this school has made for me.17 Thank you.18 (Applause.)19
Thank20 you, all. Thank you.21 Please identify yourself for22 the record and begin.23
My name is24 Benjamin Guzman. I go to El Centro.25 308 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I came from Kensington CAPA,2 the new building down Berks Station.3 That school is almost a $50 million4 building, $50 million. That that school5 itself proves that money can't buy6 everything. I learned more in three7 months in El Centro than I ever did in8 three years that I have at high school.9 It came from the hood that's always10 getting judged on the tattoo that's on my11 skin than who I really am inside.12 Cutting schools like El Centro13 is the exact opposite of what we need to14 do with our schools. Take some kids from15 Edison, Kensington and schools like that16 and put them in our school and see what17 happens. I guarantee you it will make a18 huge change in their lives like it did19 mine.20 I never wanted to do anything21 with my life that was positive, but now I22 want to go to college to become a23 journalist and make something out of24 myself.25 309 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 My school is my life. I go2 home and can't wait to see my teachers3 and my classmates in the morning. The4 school is all I have. Taking away the5 school is taking away my life. It's6 taking away my future. It's taking away7 from me. It's taking away who I am.8 I'm a man now because of my9 teachers and my school. If you were to10 see this school from my perspective, you11 will see that schools like this is what12 our kids really need.13 I know there needs to be cuts.14 Everything has to do with money, but15 please take anything from me, but not my16 school.17 (Applause.)18
Thank19 you. Very nice.20 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I will21 be reading this on behalf of Maryelis22 Santiago, who she had to leave.23 Her words are, I stand here24 today as a concerned sibling, guardian25 310 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and as a product of the North2 Philadelphia community, the schools, the3 local organizations and the people who o4 support accelerated schools. I was once5 one of these students, a student who6 lacked support at home, feeling like I7 wasted my time in a public school every8 single day because my success meant9 nothing in comparison to the straight A10 students. This is not always the case,11 but it does. A student who struggled to12 prove my potential because the system13 only highlighted those who are visibly14 perfect, not those students whose parents15 have language barriers or are simply16 disengaged, who suffer behind poverty,17 who have issues at home and use school as18 an outlet to run from pain, those19 students who simply need guidance,20 support and resources, a helping hand. I21 was one of these students and now my22 15-year-old sister, who is under my23 guardianship, now she is one like every24 other student here today.25 311 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 These alternative schools2 provide these kids with a foundation of3 positivity where they learn, have4 support, grow as individuals and5 professionals, where they have the6 opportunity to shine and prove their7 potential every single day. These8 students aren't walking into schools9 every morning. They're walking into10 their second homes.11 I have come across students who12 are closer to staff than their own13 parents, and because of that, they are14 motivated from day one and graduate to15 come back and help others who like them16 have been labeled as straight, because no17 one ever cared to hear their story.18 I'm here to tell mine because19 of these students is me, now a working20 professional, a parent and a college21 student at the age of 22 who has overcame22 barriers and made it through23 dysfunctional schools with the help of24 mentors and leaders who are now the faces25 312 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 behind these schools. As a guardian, I2 have wanted significant and valuable3 changes for my sister and for many4 students who I associate with regularly.5 These schools are not only for students6 with behavioral problems or students who7 have children or students who simply8 didn't want to go to school. These9 schools are schools of acceptance,10 discipline, mixed with family values,11 learning and growth. These schools have12 made a major impact to our communities13 and have changed many lives. Don't try14 to fix something that isn't broken.15 These schools are our home. They provide16 more opportunities for one-on-one17 interaction, and their outcomes are18 proven every single day with general19 people like me.20 Please look into this issue21 closely and dig deeper, because in little22 time, these schools have managed to do23 what school districts have been trying to24 figure out for years, and that's how to25 313 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 keep every single one of these kids2 engaged.3 (Applause.)4
Good evening. My5 name is Forrest Laws. I am a student at6 El Centro.7 Over the past few days, me and8 my fellow classmates have heard there was9 going to be a proposal cut of all 1310 accelerated schools, and El Centro is11 included. The main reason why I'm12 attending El Centro, because I dropped13 out of a Philadelphia public school. I14 dropped out because all the stress and15 lack of careness the teachers around the16 school brung to the students.17 I chose El Centro for one thing18 only: Respect. From the first day I19 walked in until this day, they show me20 the same amount of respect each and every21 day.22 While I've been attending El23 Centro, I have learned a lot about myself24 that I never knew I could do. My25 314 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 advisor, Helen, has pushed me all through2 the year of becoming a leader that I am3 now.4 (Applause.)5
I am here today6 because I care enough to not lose my7 school, a school that made me a better8 person inside and out. I hope that my9 school, El Centro, does not shut down.10 It will not only affect me but the school11 community as well.12 I hope our school, our home,13 does not shut down. I really hope I14 graduate, class of 2012 of El Centro High15 School.16 (Applause.)17
Thank18 you very much.19 You all did a wonderful job.20 Now we're going to defer to OIC before21 the others come. Come on, OIC. Then22 we'll let any other students who want to23 speak from El Centro come back.24 OIC, I've been promising you25 315 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 for the last hour and I know you have to2 get your bus. Thank you for your3 patience.4 (Witnesses approached witness5 table.)6
Now, I7 know that a few of you will speak, and8 we're happy for you to introduce everyone9 from OIC who is here. I have Najir10 Jennings, Canensha Davis and several11 others. I will let you -- for those who12 are not speaking, they can come forward13 with you and they can be introduced since14 they've been here all day anyway.15 So we welcome you, and thank16 you for your patience, and please17 identify yourself and begin your18 presentation.19 MISS PITMAN: My name is20 Shakira Pitman from OIC CADI.21 What is education? Education22 is the process of receiving or giving23 systematic instruction. Why give us24 education for this long period of time25 316 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and then take it away from us? If the2 School District of Philadelphia says we3 are the kids of the future, how come we4 aren't getting the opportunity to show5 what we can achieve? If parents and6 others are giving so much money in taxes,7 how come we are in debt?8 What is the dropout rate?9 Well, statistic have shown that 49.210 students are not graduating. If these 1311 schools close down, then the dropout rate12 will increase. I thought the plan of the13 schools was to help students receive14 their high school diploma and move on15 with life. The School District of16 Philadelphia isn't doing anything but17 pushing the students back, basically18 telling us to be uneducated people.19 (Applause.)20
My name Najir21 Jennings and I attend CADI.22 If the City of Brotherly Live23 truly value education, then why are they24 making budget cuts to our alternative25 317 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 schools? At the same token, these are2 the same people that were just saying in3 their political campaigns education is4 the key to success in our city. How are5 the young people of this city supposed to6 be future scholars, entrepreneurs,7 doctors, lawyers, preachers and teachers8 and any other professions without any9 education or institutions?10 (Applause.)11
How are we12 supposed to sharpen up our physical and13 social development with no extra14 resources outside of academics? How are15 we supposed to get jobs like McDonald's16 without the minimum requirement of a high17 school diploma? Oh, I get it, it's18 better to invest financial in the prison19 systems than the education.20 (Applause.)21
But we are22 supposed to be the future. Is this why23 11 percent was taken out of the school's24 budget and put into the prisons?25 318 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 It takes $22,600 per person per2 year to keep them in prison versus3 keeping these students in high school for4 $9,644 per year.5 (Applause.)6
With this being7 said, this to me is encouraging me to go8 to jail, because if you're putting 119 percent -- if you're taking 11 percent10 out of education and putting it into11 prison, I should go to prison. That's12 how I look at it.13 But due to the fact that14 dropout numbers will increase, along with15 the amount of harassment subjected to16 students from police officers, with no17 place to go when they are supposed to be18 in school.19 What are the scholars that need20 one to three credits going to do -- what21 are the scholars that need one to three22 credits going to do if the summer23 programs are going to be cut? What is24 your plan for students that cannot go25 319 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 back to a traditional high school?2 With alternative schools being3 some students' last chance, what are4 those students supposed to do? In5 addition to most alternative students6 being over high school age, what are they7 supposed to do?8 We have so many questions, and9 your only solution is to get rid of10 schools. An alternate solution to budget11 cuts, professions such as judges,12 governors, mayors, state representatives,13 the superintendent and principals, just14 to name a few, why can't some of these15 people take a cut?16 So what would Dr. Martin Luther17 King, Jr. think of your decision? And18 the women who fought for education, Ms.19 Mary McLeod Bethune? And why are you20 cutting education budgets? What are the21 kindergartners going to learn in four22 hours? What about the statistics that23 suggest full-day kindergarten has a24 tremendous positive impact on their25 320 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 employment and subsequent grades? Well,2 you know what they say, the first five3 years are the most important.4 And, again, I say, we have so5 many questions and your only solution is6 to get rid of schools.7 Thank you for taking the time8 to listen to my presentation.9 (Applause.)10
Thank11 you very much.12 MISS DAVIS: My name is13 Canensha Davis. I'm 19 years old,14 graduating on June 10th from Career15 Academic Development Institute, also16 known --17 (Applause.)18 MISS DAVIS: -- also known as19 CADI. I attended traditional high20 school. I did not succeed. I did not21 take my education very serious. I had no22 confidence in myself and no hope for my23 future. My high school I was attending24 told me I would not graduate until I was25 321 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 22 years old, or I had to attend an2 accelerated school where I could graduate3 in half the time, so I took this4 opportunity as my last chance to reach my5 goals in life. It was either there or be6 a failure, and failing, again, was not an7 option for me.8 Going into CADI, I was a little9 scared, thinking I couldn't pass in10 regular high school, how would I pass at11 a fast-paced school. But when I started,12 I found a better environment for me,13 smaller classes, teachers who took their14 time to teach on a personal level. They15 also helped keep me aware of my progress.16 Coming into CADI, I was way17 behind my original graduating class of18 2010, so I started CADI from scratch,19 zero credits, and here I am now20 graduating one year later versus21 finishing high school three years late.22 How great is that?23 Everyone has their own story24 and deserves a second chance. I received25 322 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 mine, so why take away the second chance?2 Keep accelerated schools open.3 Thank you.4 (Applause.)5
Thank6 you. Very good. Thank you.7 Good evening.8
Good evening. My9 name is Anaja Lions. I'm 17. I attend10 Creative Learning Academy.11 The concept of alternative12 schools was developed with the intention13 to reach out to all young adults whom14 either found it difficult or because of15 the personal situations that hindered16 them from succeeding. Creative Learning17 Academy offers structure with a18 close-knit atmosphere that allows us to19 succeed academically without normal20 pressures of high school.21 I don't think that it's fair22 that we have to lose programs that are23 beneficial to us, such as free24 transportation, free lunch and our25 323 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 academic curriculum, due to extenuating2 circumstances that we have no control of.3 How can you allow such thing to happen?4 Allowing such a thing to happen would be5 a tragedy and detriment to education as a6 whole.7 As a member of the student8 body, I feel the need to express my9 feelings of anger, sadness,10 disappointment and the loss of a powerful11 educational tool to further advance12 academically.13 Creative Learning Academy14 helped me develop a confidence and15 reassurance that other schools weren't16 able to provide. Why is it that17 education is no longer a priority? If18 not education, what is? I mean, we are19 the future, but what will we have to20 offer it?21 Thank you.22 (Applause.)23
Thank24 you.25 324 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 MISS COLEMAN: Hi. I'm Sheila2 Coleman and I'm a student of CLA,3 Creative Learning Academy.4 When I heard that alternative5 schools were getting shut down, I thought6 it was a big joke, until I heard more7 people talking about it. I'll be8 devastated if CLA, Creative Learning9 Academy, will close down. This means so10 much -- this school means so much to me11 because I learned a lot of things and12 everyone is so nice. If this school13 closes down, what will we do? What would14 I do?15 I heard that people were saying16 that they wouldn't go back to a regular17 public school because they're just going18 to drop out. Even I heard that people19 will just go back on the streets. Is20 that what you want?21 Me, I don't know what I would22 do. I can't go back to my community23 public high school, because they weren't24 so nice. I was bullied there because how25 325 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I looked and acted. If CLA closed down,2 I probably would just move to avoid one3 public school or go to another. If4 alternative schools close down, what will5 we do?6 Thank you.7 (Applause.)8
Thank9 you.10 MISS HAMMOND: Hi. My name is11 Danielle Hammond and I am a student at12 CLA.13 CLA getting shut down was a big14 shock to not only myself but to all15 students and staff. I never realized how16 serious it was, until I walked in school17 today and saw all the looks on18 everybody's faces. It immediately got me19 thinking, what will I do? Where will I20 go? A regular high school was not an21 option, so it left me with nowhere but22 the streets.23 A couple months ago I wouldn't24 have cared about being on the streets,25 326 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 but now I have a dream and now I have2 aspirations, and it hurts to have it all3 washed away right before my eyes and not4 do nothing about it.5 Life is like a clock, and time6 waits for nobody. I feel sorry for7 people who are almost 21. Most of them8 can't afford to pay for a GED. So I9 guess we are all nothing but statistics,10 just like the other ones. It really11 hurts to hear something like this from12 the same people who picks us off the13 streets and puts us on the right path to14 become somebody, not a statistic.15 Thank you.16 (Applause.)17
Thank18 you. Thank you. All of you young people19 were wonderful.20 How many people here do we have21 left who would like to testify?22 (Audience members raising23 hands.)24
Do we25 327 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 have individuals here who are not part of2 the schools just mentioned?3 (Yes.)4
Okay.5 Then that means we have got to go back6 through our list.7 All right. We're going to try8 to deal with the students first. Did we9 get all of the OIC folks?10 (Yes.)11
Thank15 you. Thank you, OIC.16 So now we'll go back to this17 school. We want students to come who are18 here to testify and parents who are with19 students, of course, parents and teachers20 who are with the students.21 How many more? Four more after22 this? That's fine.23 So come. We welcome you. We24 thank you for your patience. So we will25 328 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 have two more panels for this school and2 that will be it, am I correct, for the3 students and parents or teachers?4 Thank you for your patience.5 We welcome you.6 (Witnesses approached witness7 table.)8
Can we9 be quiet as we leave so that the other10 students may be heard. Thank you.11 Thank you for your patience.12 Yes. Remember, three minutes so13 everybody gets a chance. Thank you.14 MISS CHAVEZ: Good evening.15
Good16 evening.17 MISS CHAVEZ: My name is18 Joandaly Chavez. I want to thank the19 Councilmen and women for giving me an20 opportunity to speak my mind on the21 proposal to close the 13 alternative22 schools in the School District of23 Philadelphia.24 First I want to start off25 329 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 saying that every day I fight for my2 future, whether it's in school or outside3 of school. To me, El Centro de4 Estudiantes is my high school, my pride,5 my integrity and, most importantly, my6 education.7 When I first applied to El8 Centro, I was a troubled teen, as many9 are here in Philadelphia. A year10 previously I was in a public high school11 with a background of fights, suspensions,12 student riots, teacher neglect and, worst13 of all, bullying from students and14 teachers. I felt alone. I was failing15 the most important school years of my16 life. I was also involved in a lot of17 the violence that surrounded my school18 and neighborhood.19 The teachers from the School20 District of Philadelphia who taught at21 the public high school assured my parents22 and me they will keep me focused, give me23 an excellent education and would never24 let me down, yet in reality, I was25 330 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 neglected and viewed as just another2 young woman who would eventually drop3 out. Due to those conditions, I did drop4 out.5 Coming into El Centro gave me6 hope. There's no comparison to the7 teachers at El Centro, because they have8 a higher level of understanding. They're9 way more than just teachers to me and my10 peers. They're like an astonishing older11 brother or sister. When I have the12 smallest doubt in my mind about actually13 being a somebody and graduating, not only14 do my advisors lift my head up high but15 so do my peers. We're all united as one.16 One family. No one is above anyone.17 I take school seriously more18 than anything now. I am no longer19 getting into fights, and my grades are20 even better.21 I just want to end my testimony22 with this question up in the air for you23 to answer, Councilmen and Councilwomen.24 What's going to happen to all the25 331 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 students that have no assurance,2 dedication and commitment before Big3 Picture came into their lives? I believe4 that if all 13 accelerated schools were5 to shut down, I'll go back to my old6 ways. This is not because I want to, nor7 because I am a follower, but because no8 one but the students and teachers9 understand what El Centro de Estudiantes10 and the 12 other accelerated schools mean11 to our education and future.12 Big Picture Philadelphia is the13 name I want printed on my transcript when14 I graduate. I was one of Philadelphia's15 troubled teens who is now truly honored16 to stand strong and believe that I am17 going to be successful with the help of18 Big Picture Philadelphia Schools. This19 is why I strongly ask that you let us20 keep our schools, our educations, our21 futures, our homes, our hope.22 Thank you very much.23 (Applause.)24
Thank25 332 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you.2
Good evening.3 My name is Lillian Vallines. I'm a4 parent of a student at El Centro.5 What El Centro means to me is6 when my daughter started at El Centro,7 she was shy and to herself, and what El8 Centro has done for her and the teachers9 is broke her out of that shell. She has10 improved in everything in less than a11 whole year more than that -- more than12 she has did in any other school.13 I've never been to so pleased14 in what I've seen in my daughter. She's15 happy and willing to move on into the16 next level without second-guessing17 herself, and for that, I am grateful to18 El Centro and their hard work with not19 only my child but with the rest of the20 students.21 And with that being said, I22 really think shutting down kids' school23 down and sending them back to where they24 were is not going to work. It just won't25 333 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 fit. El Centro is perfect for my2 daughter and her classmates. Don't take3 that hope away.4 Thank you.5 (Applause.)6 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I wrote7 a letter, because I have boy that go8 to -- his name is Sadique that goes to El9 Centro. I remember when they first10 opened, they treated us like family. And11 I say, Well, I want my son to go there12 because I don't want him to go the13 neighborhood schools because they don't14 have interest and it's always fighting15 and, you know, all kind of things going16 on, but El Centro has been there. They17 have exhibits. You can come in and sit18 with your children and you can take paper19 and write down and ask questions. And he20 has been doing great in that school, and21 I just thank God, because he keeps him22 and covers him in this school. And I23 thank him for El Centro, because without24 the school, these kids will be nothing.25 334 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 They will have no place to go. There2 will be a war, just out war, because3 these kids don't know nothing else but4 school. And the ones that want something5 out of life, you can't take that from6 them.7 So that's why I came on the8 behalf of every parent and teachers of El9 Centro, that you do not close El Centro10 School.11 (Applause.)12
Thank13 you. I will tell you, all you speakers14 have convinced us that it's just great.15 So we know it works for you and we know16 it's a special place. Thank you all.17 (Applause.)18
Next19 three young people, parents and/or20 teachers come forward.21 (Witnesses approached witness22 table.)23
We're24 very proud of all of you. Very proud.25 335 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 MISS RODRIGUEZ: Good evening.2 My name is Tyna Rodriguez and I am a3 student at El Centro.4 There are many reasons why I5 would like El Centro de Estudiantes to6 remain open. El Centro has given7 students like me an opportunity to finish8 high school and accomplish our goals.9 This school isn't like any other high10 school, but we all have one thing in11 common, we all want to become your future12 doctors, nurses, police officer, web13 designer and so much more.14 We all have dreams. Just15 because we are on accelerated high school16 doesn't mean we should be treated17 differently. Just because we couldn't18 make it through a regular high school19 doesn't mean that accelerate and more20 successful opinion should be shut down.21 When I tell people what kind of22 school I attend, they respond by saying23 my school dumb or I don't know learn24 anything there. What they don't know is,25 336 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we learn a lot more and teachers there2 are very helpful. Furthermore, the3 students get along real great with each4 other, unlike any other high school I've5 been to that has constant threats of6 violence. We also have smaller classes,7 which a lot of students like. We don't8 have to be in a class with 20 or more9 students where the teacher can't give you10 the attention you need.11 All I'm saying is that we12 should have the right to not only have13 our school but all the other alternative14 schools open, because when we thought we15 couldn't make nothing of ourselves or go16 nowhere, their school was here and gave17 us a chance and space to follow our18 dreams.19 (Applause.)20
Hello. My name is23 Ryan Rivera and I'm a student from El24 Centro. I started going to El Centro25 337 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 after Kensington Business High School2 would not accept me. My mom called the3 School District and the school a number4 of times, but nothing got done. They5 just kept telling my mom to do the same6 thing, which was to call the School7 District, then the School District would8 tell my mom to call the school. This9 went on back and forth for hours. At10 that point, I didn't have a school to go11 to.12 I was out of school from about13 September to January, until I found out14 about El Centro. And after I applied, it15 was all good from there.16 I think El Centro is the best17 school I've ever been to. As soon as I18 got started here, they had an art gallery19 opening, and I was involved. It was all20 students' art, and we had a lot of people21 who came and liked what they saw. Now22 that art class in my school is called a23 RWLO, real-world learning opportunity.24 And they have more classes like that.25 338 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 They also have LTI classes, which are2 internships where you can work anywhere3 you want as long as that internship is4 involved with the school. I had an5 internship at a motorcycle shop where I6 learned about motorcycles, how they ran,7 how to take off parts and stuff like8 that.9 Now I know for a fact that the10 alternative schools the School District11 runs do not have classes like this. I've12 had my experiences. I went to CEP, and13 it wasn't fun. It was filled with -- it14 had packed classes filled with disruptive15 kids, no learning happening there, and I16 felt as though they were always violating17 my space by searching us whenever they18 wanted to. Even when I would go in in19 the morning, they would make us walk20 through metal detectors, but that wasn't21 enough, because they would still search22 us by hand.23 Ever since I got to El Centro,24 it's been way different. There are no25 339 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 metal detectors. We don't get searched.2 It's just way better.3 I can't even call El Centro an4 alternative school. To me, an5 alternative school feels like a prison,6 but El Centro feels like home. Don't7 take away my home.8 They were there -- they opened9 their door for me when the School10 District didn't.11 And also, I would like to thank12 one of my teachers for helping me with13 this essay up until just a few minutes14 ago when I wanted to add some things.15 Thank you, Kara, for helping me. Because16 our teachers from El Centro are still17 here up until 7:00 something, but they18 still here fighting with us to keep our19 schools open. We don't want our school20 to close.21 Thank you.22 (Applause.)23
Thank24 you.25 340 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 MISS MENDOZA: Hello. My name2 is Karina Mendoza and I'm a student at El3 Centro de Estudiantes. I would first4 like to start off asking the questions,5 what happened to No Child Left Behind or6 the Equal Right to Education?7 Coming to El Centro has changed8 me in so many way. I can hardly put in9 into words when people ask me what El10 Centro means to me. One of my biggest11 problems when I was in my other school12 was speaking out, but El Centro showed me13 that everyone's voice should be heard,14 and without speaking up, there is no15 hope. It has even gave me the courage to16 speak here today.17 If it wasn't for El Centro, I18 don't know where I would be in life.19 When I think of El Centro, many things20 pop into my head, things like faith and21 happiness, love and care, success and22 future, things you would take away from23 me and every single person in my school,24 along with the 12 other schools you're25 341 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 trying to shut down.2 There is no worse feeling than3 having your home taken away from you. So4 why are you taking our home away? El5 Centro is more than a school. We are a6 family like any other. We're not going7 down without a fight. So before you make8 your final decision, please take a second9 to think about all the kids being10 affected by this.11 Thank you.12 (Applause.)13
Thank14 you very much. We're not trying to take15 your school away, believe me. Thank you.16 Are there more of you who would17 like to testify? Thank you.18 (Witnesses approached witness19 table.)20
Thank21 you very much. Please identify yourself22 and begin.23 MISS PARIS: Hi. My name is24 Shawna Paris and I'm a tenth grader,25 342 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 sophomore, and I'm a student at El Centro2 Estudiantes.3 I would like to thank you all4 of the Councilmen and women for giving me5 a chance to speak and to share my6 thoughts with you.7 Basically since I've been in8 school, I've been bullied because of the9 way I act and the way I dressed. When I10 came to El Centro, I found that here I11 can be whoever I want to be. That was12 the best part of it, is you can be13 whoever you want to be.14 I was bullied by all the other15 students. For a while I was home16 schooled. Then my sister started going17 to El Centro, and then my mom found out18 about it from a friend, and then I got19 enrolled. I've been at El Centro for two20 years now, and the two years have been21 the best years of high school I can22 imagine.23 My neighborhood school is24 Rhoads. My parents knew that I wouldn't25 343 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 survive at Rhoads, because Rhoads is all2 fights and I really -- my parents never3 agree with uniforms.4 Going here has taught me to5 speak my mind and not be as shy as I used6 to be. Before I came here, I was shy and7 I always kept my feelings to myself.8 Coming to El Centro now, I've been able9 to share my feelings with my family.10 Thank you.11 (Applause.)12
What's13 the address of your school?14 MISS YOUNG: 2010 North Mascher15 Street.16
Thank17 you.18 Thank you. Who is next? Feel19 free to identify yourself and begin your20 testimony.21 MISS YOUNG: Good evening. My22 name is Precious Young. I am a senior at23 El Centro de Estudiantes.24 I've never really been a25 344 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 troubled student or been in trouble2 either. I'm a good student and have3 always gotten good grades. However, the4 things I've had trouble with are5 self-confidence, public speaking and6 other skills that will help me throughout7 my future.8 After graduating from middle9 school, coming out of a private school on10 a scholarship, there weren't many schools11 my parents approved of. So my parents12 tried home schooling me, but I needed a13 more hands-on environment where I could14 actually talk to my teachers in person15 than get help over the Internet. So that16 wasn't working, and one day my mom ran17 into an advisor from El Centro. It had18 just opened. They were talking about it19 and it sounded like the type of school we20 were looking for.21 When we got there, it was more22 than just a school. When I say "we," I23 refer to me and my mother, because this24 school is all about having the parents be25 345 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 a part of the students' education and2 always knowing what's going on.3 It's a school where everyone4 has an equal chance at learning what they5 need, whether it be academic or life6 skills. If they don't have what you7 need, they'll find a way to accommodate8 you.9 When I felt I wasn't being10 challenged, they set it up so I was11 enrolled in a dual enrollment program at12 CCP. There I got a taste of what college13 is going to be like. I was able to have14 that chance because they trust the15 students at El Centro.16 Internships are a major part of17 Big Picture learning. That's where you18 learn what it will be like to be out in19 the real world working. I had two20 internships while going to El Centro, and21 through them I've learned what I want and22 don't want to do in the future. It saves23 me time and money wasted from changing24 majors because I'm unsure of what I truly25 346 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 enjoy.2 El Centro has taught me a lot3 about the friends and connections you4 make along the way and what they'll5 continue to mean to you. It's through El6 Centro that I learned that my voice has7 meaning and how to use it and speak up8 about what I truly want. At El Centro,9 the school is the students' domain. It's10 where we feel comfortable and are able to11 do what we love and learn. I've been so12 blessed to be a part of this school.13 As a part of the first14 graduating class of El Centro de15 Estudiantes, I wanted to be a part of the16 first group to leave our legacy behind17 for the next class. I don't want to be18 the class that's the only legacy.19 They've been doing20 extraordinary work with the students,21 some who have just gotten to enjoy22 learning and get something out of it for23 the first time. Everyone keeps saying24 that we children are the future, but25 347 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 without schools like this, the future2 looks pretty dim.3 Thank you.4 (Applause.)5
Good8 evening. My name is Previous9 Young-Patterson. I'm a mother and aunt10 to some of the students.11 You are proposed to filter back12 into the school system that couldn't or13 refused to nurture and inspire them to14 have and maintain a passion for life,15 growth and learning. Their world of16 positive possibilities have begun and17 continues at these alternative high18 schools such as El Centro de Estudiantes19 that are labeled as alternative.20 El Centro is an extension of my21 family, and when I go to work and see my22 daughters off each day, I know they're in23 safe, caring and passionately nurturing24 hands of those such as Marie, Laura,25 348 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Kara, Adeem, Helen, Judan, Amanda, Gabe2 and Deja, to mention a few names.3 (Applause.)4
The5 loving environment and level of6 communication speaks to me daily.7 As a family member of the El8 Centro community, I know and experienced9 the commitment to each student's bright10 and successful future.11 In closing, I ask each of you12 here, if your child or young loved ones13 were in a caring and positively14 stimulating environment that complemented15 your values and beliefs in loving and16 being accepting, would you volunteer to17 take such an enriching environment and18 throw it into the City dump?19 Please remember, these20 so-called alternative schools are not the21 problem. They are, however, part of the22 solution, and will continue to be so.23 So thank you for listening to24 where and how I want my tax dollars25 349 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 spent.2 (Applause.)3
Thank4 you very much. We appreciate your5 testimony.6 I understand there is another7 young lady back there who would like to8 testify. Is there anyone else? I know9 Madeline Shikomba is here. So we have10 three people that I'm aware of who want11 to testify. Please come forward.12 Councilwoman Tasco.13
Yes. I'd14 just like to say to all of the witnesses15 today, thank you. We were not here early16 in the morning, but we were doing some17 other -- taking care of some other issues18 for Council tomorrow. But I've enjoyed19 the testimony from the students. We20 appreciate the work that's going on at El21 Centro and CADI and CLA and --22 (Applause.)23
-- and24 that you are reaching out to these young25 350 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 people. And it's very important for them2 to know that they can come into City3 Council and have a voice, not just only4 about their school but about any other5 issues that they may have they want6 Council to hear and go on the public7 record. I think it's a good experience8 for them to be here to champion the9 survival of their school. And not10 knowing too much about it, I really11 learned a lot and really appreciate the12 work that's there and the success that13 these students will have because they14 will be good, producing productive15 citizens of Philadelphia or wherever they16 go.17 So thank you all for coming and18 thank you for your testimony, very19 passionate, very sincere. I seen them on20 little pieces of paper. So they wrote21 those, the testimony.22
Thank23 you, Councilwoman. I think we all agree.24 We're all very impressed. I can't figure25 351 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 out where they are located, but after I2 figure that out, I'll be better off3 but --4
We're a half a5 block south of North Square in6 Kensington.7
Thank8 you. That helps me a lot. But we're9 very impressed. We're very impressed10 with the commitment of the parents, of11 the teachers, of all the adults and of12 the students. They are all well spoken,13 very much committed, and it is obvious14 that this school has made a difference in15 their lives, so we commend all of you.16 (Applause.)17
I18 mean, after all, as Councilwoman Tasco19 was saying in her way, that's what it's20 all about. We have to realize that we21 have to help one another. We have to22 love one another enough to try to make a23 difference in lives, and it's obvious24 that all you are a part of a very, very25 352 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 important program and an important dream2 and that you are saving lives. So God3 bless you all.4 (Applause.)5
After6 these three individuals, is there anyone7 else who would like to testify?8 So why don't you come forward9 and sit in one of these seats inside the10 aisle.11 Anyone else? Is there anyone12 else who would like to testify?13 (No response.)14
Then15 the gentleman who is coming inside the16 gate, he will be the last one. So we17 have our last four people who are going18 to testify.19 Thank you for coming. We'll20 start from your right, my left, and we21 will do that --22
This next23 student is Bennett bound.24 MISS BRITT: Yes, I am.25 353 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:2 Bennett bound?3
Oh,6 okay. We know about you and Bennett7 College, Councilwoman Tasco. 9 So we're very happy to have10 you. 12 MISS BRITT: My name is Kirsten13 Britt. 16 Who will help me? 18 They range from elementary to high school19 age, even have some in college. 21 I've watched my children suffer22 day in and day out. They go to school23 such as Anderson, Edmonds, Vare, Ben24 Franklin and Vaux. 1 needs. Some are caught up in the drug2 game. Some have suffered at the hand of3 senseless violence. Even more have4 watched it. I try to convince them to go5 to school even if there are no books,6 overcrowded classrooms, students out of7 control, teachers who don't care, not8 enough security, low-quality food,9 deteriorating buildings and less and less10 creative outlets. 16 I guess you're wondering a17 little bit about me. I'm 31, a graduate18 of Bennett College, a product of the19 Philadelphia public school system,20 graduating from John Bartram High School21 and a single surrogate mother to hundreds22 of students. 5 I have acquired my children6 through these programs, and I am here on7 their behalf. I have worked in all of8 the aforementioned schools or have family9 in them. So my concerns are as real as10 the students who attend them. My jobs11 have been about promoting a college12 atmosphere in schools. 20 Before it became a Promise Academy, it21 was just Vaux. Students consistently not22 meeting AYP. Simply put, they couldn't23 pass a minimum basic skills test. 2 Classroom management was a3 joke. Fights were often, and students4 were suffering. Dr. Ackerman saw that5 Vaux wasn't alone by any means and6 decided to undertake a new model to try7 to save our kids. She made us a Promise8 Academy. There was much resistance, but9 it had to happen. Staff changed,10 students changed, and the look of the11 school changed. 20 This wasn't the work of one21 person. 9 So if Vaux is doing so well,10 why am I here? Simply this: The current11 budget cuts put Vaux in danger of12 returning to its lean-on-me days. The13 extra resources which should be standard14 in all schools allowed this Promise15 Academy to work, but the Promise Academy16 model doesn't come cheap. The teachers17 and staff need to be paid and materials18 need to be purchased. Models like this19 are only as strong as the people who work20 them. If you decrease the workers, you21 increase their work, and their pay22 remains the same. Do you honestly think23 you will have a staff giving you 10024 percent? You won't. 5 I used Vaux as an example of6 what this money can do for students all7 across Philadelphia. 15 The Council is concerned about16 the money not being able to be reversed,17 and it shouldn't. 20 The Council is concerned about21 not being guaranteed where the money will22 be allotted? Really? 1 serving our students? Do I believe that2 there should be a level of3 accountability? Of course. Everything4 has to be accounted for. 8 We trusted the City to take our9 tax money and do what is best for our10 city, abandoned houses, potholes,11 closures of City pools, libraries. Crime12 is still rampant. 13 Snow removal is slow. Help me be assured14 as to where our money is going. )22
Hello. My name is25 360 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Kim Smith. I'm am the Parent Council2 Coordinator for G.W. Childs Elementary3 School. I'm also a block captain and I4 work in the South Philadelphia community,5 and I've waited my six hours to get my6 three minutes.7
Actually, I believe10 everything happens for a reason, and11 actually sitting in this courtroom today12 I was overwhelmed, and I was flattered13 listening to the children and the14 speakers speak today. 16 I'm not going to sit here and17 pretend I know about the budget or the18 allocation or where funds should be. 21 I'm not going to put the blame22 on the teachers. They're only dealing23 with the resources that are given to24 them. 4 I'm accepting the blame myself5 as a parent, but am I to blame if my6 parent didn't parent me correctly? 8 I'm going to blame Arlene Ackerman. 14 We're sending them mixed messages. 4 Our priorities are not in order. And5 who's to blame? 6 All of the clergy that was in7 this room today, amazing. Our state8 representatives, amazing. When we need9 them for whatever we need them for,10 they're there. But the point is or the11 point I'm trying to make, we need to come12 together collectively and work out these13 things. I'm the type of person that if14 you give me lemons, I'm going to make15 lemonade. 19 Our school was relocated20 because they did not keep up our21 building. So the children are dealing22 with that. 23 They're proposing to cut it in half some24 more. 10 If they're giving the casinos11 money, that casino is bringing money in12 into our city. Why aren't we benefitting13 from that? 15 And I don't want to keep going16 on and on. I can go on for days and days17 and days, because my children are my18 passion. I have two biologically, but I19 have so many children. 5 But if you keep chopping away at our6 future, you are contributing to the end,7 the beginning of the end. 10 So we need to step up. Everybody needs11 to step up. Not just you, not just the12 Governor, the Mayor. Everybody needs to13 step up. If you take all the clergy that14 was in this room, state representatives,15 you take the Mayor, you take the16 Governor, you take the President, if we17 put all our heads together and we put all18 this collective thinking and all these19 brains and this education that we should20 be giving our children, it would be21 amazing. 23
Thank24 you.25 365 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
My name is2 Madeline Shikomba. I'm a grandparent, a3 former educator.4 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:5 Madeline, Ms. Shikomba, spell your last6 name for the stenographer.7
S-H-I-K-O-M,8 like in Mary, B, like in boy, A.9 I'm a grandparent, a former10 educator, and today I'm here as a11 taxpayer, too.12 One of the worst things you13 ever did was get rid of the School14 District as it existed before the School15 Reform Commission was formed. They have16 not done a better job. They have done a17 worse job. And now we can't get rid of18 them. At least in the past the Mayor had19 some influence over them. They have none20 now.21 They started out with the idea,22 Oh, we want to run the school like a23 business. You can't run education like a24 business, because a business is based on25 366 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the thing of monetary profit. There is2 no monetary profit in education. The3 only profit in education is our kids and4 giving them the education that they can5 go forward to find jobs and become6 independent, so they can -- I would tell7 them when I was teaching them, pay for my8 Social Security. Okay? Because they9 were the backbone. Now today, they're10 not the backbone.11 We have people in there like12 Ackerman. They give her such a huge13 salary that she control, Oh, I'm giving a14 couple furlough days. Now, if she said15 she's willing to cut her pay by16 one-third, I would say she did something.17 But she ain't doing that. She hasn't18 even suggested that.19 Has there been any suggestion20 that maybe there should be some cutting21 at the -- where she has all her staff?22 Has there been that suggestion? I23 haven't heard it. Is there one? Well,24 then she need to cut her staff, and maybe25 367 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we would have more money for teachers and2 maybe cut her pay. You know, her3 severance pay is such that you could4 probably keep El Centro and some other5 schools going altogether if she was6 terminated. They give her that kind of7 package? What has this woman got that8 deserves that kind of package? Now, had9 we had the old School Board and they did10 something like that, we would have some11 say so, but we don't have the old School12 Board.13 I come here as a taxpayer14 because you're going to use my taxes15 as -- my real estate taxes. I am an16 educator. I know kids have to be17 educated. I don't have any problem --18 yes, I do really, because contributing.19 But I know this has to be done, because20 they are our future. Listening to them21 speak, I was so impressed how eloquently22 that they spoke, you know. At least I23 have hope for the future, because if you24 read in the newspapers, there's no hope.25 368 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 They thugs, they kill, they die and so2 forth. There's no hope. But listening3 to them today, there was hope. I mean,4 they spoke so eloquently, you know. And5 I am a product of the public school6 education. My kids are a product of the7 public school education. I don't know8 where all the sudden this thing that we9 don't have education going on in our10 schools. I came out of it, you know.11 We definitely need to do12 something. And I don't mind paying the13 taxes. It's just that I don't think that14 people like Ackerman should be getting my15 full share of my taxes. I think her16 salary should be cut.17 We need to get control from18 back from the state. I'm sick of them19 controlling the school system of20 Philadelphia. We're the only system21 that's being controlled by the state, and22 I'm tired of it. The reason they took it23 over no longer exists, because the people24 they replaced them with is not doing any25 369 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 better.2 Thank you.3
Thank4 you, Ms. Shikomba. Thank you very much.5 We have one gentleman left.6 Yes, ma'am.7
I came here with 208 students at 1 o'clock and they had to go9 home, and about ten parents. So I'm the10 last one standing.11
Sir,15 thank you. You're our last special16 guest. We thank you for your patience.17
Thanks for18 staying. I'll keep this short.19 My name is Kevin Grauke. My20 wife and I have two children currently21 attending C.W. Henry, a K through 822 public school in Mount Airy.23
Excuse24 me. Would you spell your last name for25 370 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the stenographer.2
I'm a product of7 public schools. My wife is a product of8 public schools. I believe very strongly9 in the mission of public schools and what10 public schools should do for children.11 You've heard from several12 people today about the impact that the13 current budget crisis will have on the14 entire district. However, I'd like to15 tell you about what this means for our16 neighborhood school and my kids in17 particular.18 C.W. Henry is one of19 Philadelphia's public school success20 stories. Our test scores are pretty21 good. The quality of our art, music and22 gifted support programs is as good as or23 better than what you'd find in many24 private schools. We have an enviable25 371 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 level of parent involvement and a2 community that values and supports the3 school. Families move in to Henry's4 catchment in order to send their children5 there.6 Henry's teachers, principal and7 parents manage to do all of this on very8 little year after year. We already9 operate without a cafeteria and a10 library, but just like every year, we'll11 be making more cuts to an already12 bare-bones budget. However, this year13 the District is considering cuts that I'm14 not sure our school can recover from.15 I'll touch on just a few.16 We'll lose art. My son's17 artwork is currently on display in the18 District building on Broad right at this19 moment, artwork created in a class that20 he loves and that will disappear next21 fall.22 We'll also lose gifted support.23 My daughter currently receives gifted24 support once a week. While that may not25 372 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 sound like much, the difference that this2 program has made in her attitude and3 enthusiasm for school has been amazing.4 By the way, in addition to all5 of the students currently receiving6 gifted support, our GS program also7 provides enrichment programming8 throughout the school year to all of our9 students.10 Finally, we'll lose our school11 nurse. School nurses are important to12 all children, but the nurse at Henry is13 particularly important to my family since14 my son has both asthma and severe15 allergies. It scares me to think that16 there won't be a medical professional on17 site to help him when he gets sick.18 My wife and I chose to send our19 children to a public school in this city.20 We had other options, but Henry is a21 great school. If Philadelphia expects to22 keep middle-class families like mine,23 it's got to do a better job of supporting24 our public schools.25 373 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Thank you for your time and2 consideration.3
Thank4 you. Thank you very much. Thank you for5 your patience and your testimony. You've6 been our special guest. You're the final7 guest today, and we thank you for8 testifying.9
Is11 there anyone else who would like to12 comment, speak, say any remarks before we13 recess this hearing?14 (No response.)15
This16 hearing then will be recessed until 9:3017 tomorrow morning.18 Thank you all very much.19 (Committee on Streets and20 Services recessed at 7:40 p.m.)21 - - -22 23 24 25 374 1 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on May 25, 2011, and that7 this is a true and correct transcript of same.8 9 10 11 12 --------------------13 MICHELE L. MURPHY14 RPR-Notary Public15 16 17 18 (The foregoing certification of this19 transcript does not apply to any reproduction20 of the same by any means, unless under the21 direct control and/or supervision of the22 certifying reporter.)23 24 25