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