The School District of Philadelphia Board of Education Public Meeting Minutes June 27, 2024 A public meeting of the Board of Education was held in hybrid format on June 27, 2024. Some Board Members, select staff, and some registered speakers participated in-person, while others participated remotely. Members of the general public who did not attend in-person participated via the Zoom meeting platform. The meeting was convened at 4:00 p.m by Reginald Streater, President. Opening Remarks President Streater reported and commented on the following: ● Congratulations to students graduating all across the District throughout the month of June; ● Recognition and Acknowledgement of outgoing PFT President Jerry Jordan; ● Acknowledgement and appreciation for teachers, staff, and administrators across the District for all that they did for school communities throughout the school year; ● Recognition of May teachers and seniors of the month ○ Margaret Myers, teacher from Olney High School
○ Nia Devard, senior at Sayre High School ○ Aleycha Peralta, senior at Mastbaum High School ● Acknowledgement of special celebrations including Eid Mubarak on June 17, Juneteenth on June 19, and LGBTQIA+ Pride Month all throughout June; ● Acknowledgement and appreciation of community members who attended the Board’s June 6, 2024 public hearing at Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School to share their thoughts and experiences known to the Board; ● Announcement and updates related to which Board Members will lead each of the Board’s committees and support our Student Board Representatives and Parent and Community Advisory Council: ○ The facilitation of our Goals and Guardrails Committee of the Whole meetings will be a shared responsibility with all Board Members rotating into this facilitator role. ○ Board Member Wilkerson and Board Member Stern will co-chair the Board’s Policy Committee and Board Member Harper and Board Member Lam will serve as members.
○ Board Member Andrews and Board Member Harper will serve as co-liaisons for both the Student Board Representatives and the Board’s Parent and Community Advisory Council. ● Announcement that the Board will begin transitioning away from the NovusAgenda Meeting Materials platform to a new meeting materials platform known as OneMeeting Announcements Vice President Novales made announcements concerning recording, copyright, participation in, and viewing of the meeting. President Streater invited Board Member Wilkerson to provide a legislative update. 1
Board Member Wilkerson shared that the Board remains hopeful that our elected officials in Harrisburg will successfully pass a budget in a timely manner that provides adequate and equitable funding to school children all across the Commonwealth. Additionally, Board Member Wilkerson highlighted intergovernmental collaboration that took place in the month of May, noting that the Board had a very productive meeting with members of Philadelphia’s House Delegation including Chairs Cephas and Harris as well as a meeting with Councilman Thomas which took place on the morning of June 27, 2024. Roll Call and Minutes Lynn Rauch, General Counsel, announced that the Board met in Executive Session on June 6th, June 13th, June 20th and earlier today to discuss confidential, privileged quasi-judicial charter school matters, on June 6 to discuss the following litigation: A.B vs. The School District of Philadelphia et. al, Philadelphia
County Court of Common Pleas #2205-0611, and today to discuss confidential, privileged, personnel, and privileged quasi-judicial charter school matters. Ms. Rauch conducted Roll Call. Members Present: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 Members Absent: Ms. Lam - 1 Attending: Tony B. Watlington, Ed.D, Superintendent, Doha Gassem, Student Board Representatives, De’Naiza Watson, Student Board Representative The minutes from the May 30, 2024 Board of Education Action Meeting were presented for approval. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0 Committee Reports Student Board Representatives Gassem and Watson provided a report on the Student Board Representatives’ activities throughout the month of May as well as throughout their term. Student Board Representatives Gassem and Watson shared that they engaged in the following activities:
● Participation in Dr. Watlington’s Student Advisory Council meeting on June 4, 2024 ● Attendance at the Board’s June 6, 2024 public hearing ● Participation at the June 13th Goals and Guardrails Committee Meeting Student Board Representatives Gassem and Watson also reflected on their terms as student board representatives for the Board and noted that this experience has helped them to gain valuable insights into school district governance and policy-making processes, sparked a passion for public service, and exposed them to many different people and spaces where they could share my perspective and hear from members of the community. Student Board Representatives Gassem and Watson also thanked Board 2
Members and staff for their experiences serving as Non-Voting Student Board Representatives for the 2023-2024 school year. President Streater invited Board Member Andrews to provide brief remarks. Board Member Andrews recognized the dedication and hard work that all of our student board representatives have been in throughout the year. Board Member Andrews noted that Student Board Representatives Gassem, Snaith, and Watson have constantly reminded the Board that each decision they make directly impacts the student experience. Board Member Andrews also thanked the student board representatives for their dedication and commitment to serving as representatives for your peers throughout this school year. Registered Student Speakers The meeting was opened to the public for presentation of statements by registered students speakers. Ms. Rauch provided the applicable provisions of the speakers’ policy for the meeting. Ms. Rauch called the following student speakers:
The following students spoke about their experiences at Global Leadership Academy Charter school and urged the Board to approve Action Item No. 64. - Revised Application for New Charter School – Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School - Added 6.25.2024: ● Jayden Myricks, student ● Abdul-Haleem Hawkins, student ● Troy Williams, student ● Jamir Crump, student ● Brooklynn Edwards, student ● Elijah Rawlings, student Superintendent Remarks President Streater invited Dr. Watlington to provide remarks. Dr. Watlington reported/commented on the following: ● District Recognition and Appreciation of the following: ○ Students, teachers, principals, administrators, Climate managers, Counselors, SISLs, Building Engineers, Food Service Workers, Bus Attendants, and everyone who serves our students each and every day. ○ Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Union President, Mr. Jerry Jordan. ● Personnel Updates
○ Deputy Superintendent of Talent and Culture, Jeremy Grant-Skinner, will transition from his position and leave the District on July 19, 2024. ○ Chief Strategy Officer, Kalyan Connally, will transition to become the Chief Talent Officer. ○ Dr. Jayme Banks will serve as the The Interim Chief of Student Support Services ○ Kimberly Newman has been appointed as Associate Superintendent of School Performance - Elementary I ○ Hilderbrand Pelzer, III has been appointed as Associate Superintendent of School Performance - Elementary II ○ Dr. Alphonzo Evans has been appointed as Assistant Superintendent for School Performance 3
○ Dr. Timothy Jones has been appointed as Assistant Superintendent for School Performance ○ Dr. Timothy McKenna has been appointed Assistant Superintendent for Post-Secondary Readiness ○ Donna Ragsdale has been appointed as Assistant Superintendent for School Performance ○ Mark Vitvitsky has been appointed as Assistant Superintendent for School Performance ● Conditions for Success ○ Increase School Safety ○ Increase Student Attendance - 66% for May 2024 ○ Increase Teacher Attendance - 76% for May 2024 ○ Decrease Dropouts - 2,168 students who have dropped out in the month of May ● Extended Day & Extended Year Update (Accelerate Philly Priority Area 3: Accelerate Academic Achievement Strategic Action 3.6 - Pilot a year-round and extended-day school calendar) ○ Focus for Year 1: SY 2024-2025: ■ Twenty (20) pilot schools ■ Increased Out of School Time slots ■ Extended OST hours (7:30 AM - 6:00 PM) ■ Increased enrichment programs ■ Optional programming during Breaks (Winter & Spring)
■ Pilot Prek Out of School Time programming ● Focus on Parent Engagement - Accelerate Philly Priority 2: Partner with families and community Copies of presentations are included within the meeting agenda. Board Members asked clarifying questions to better understand the work being done to partner with city partners, community organizations, and support with Extended School Year/Out of School Time programming. Board Members also asked for information related to strategies being used to help improve teacher attendance, Presentations President Streater invited Mariel Ziegler, Interim Chief of Charter Schools to provide a brief presentation. Ms. Ziegler provided a presentation and overview of the revised and resubmitted new charter application. Ms. Ziegler provided the Board with an overview of new charter application evaluation areas, evaluation process, and timeline. Ms. Ziegler presented an overview of the revised and resubmitted new charter
application submitted by Global Leadership Academy International High School. Board Members asked clarifying questions to better understand Ms. Ziegler’s presentation. Public Testimony, Elected Officials, and General Speakers Board Member Jones acknowledged the receipt of and summarized three (3) pieces of written testimony submitted to the Board from: ● Lisa Haver, community member ● Cecelia Thompson, community member, Parent, and Former Board of Education member ● Jo Lin, Parent 4
Complete copies of the written testimony are included within the meeting agenda. The meeting was opened to the public for presentation of statements by registered general speakers. Ms. Rauch provided the applicable provisions of the speakers’ policy for the meeting. Ms. Rauch called general speakers: Councilman Curtis Jones Jr., Philadelphia City Council, spoke in support of Action Item No. 64. - Revised Application for New Charter School – Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School - Added 6.25.2024 and asked the Board to approve the revised and resubmitted application. May Freda Watson, community member, spoke about the importance of connecting with students to understand their needs and to give them the necessary support such as counseling. Jordan Kardasz, community member, expressed concern and disappointment in the District’s decision to reschedule the June 18th listening session intended to create a safe space for Palestinian and Sudanese
students to share their experiences across the District. Kristin Luebbert, district staff member, spoke about her more than twenty years of experience attending SRC and Board of Education meetings and all that she has experienced during this time. Mrs. Luebbert also noted an incident that took place during the May 30, 2024 Board of Education meeting after community stakeholders arrived to speak on the issues related to Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and Haiti. Mrs. Luebbert expressed that she believes that all staff and Board Members should be willing to hear the voices and concerns of stakeholders or they should not be working for the District or on the Board. Cecelia Thompson, community member, expressed community and families concerns related to extended school year noting that school buses continue to arrive late. Ms. Thompson suggested that the District consider debriefing with families and staff to find out how ESY went with hopes that their feedback will
help improve the experience for next year. Ms. Thompson also asked that the District ensure that support is provided for students with disabilities who are looking to participate in the Extended School Year programming in the 20 pilot schools. Lynda Rubin, APPS, asked questions regarding Action Item 28 - Ratification of Contract with F. W. Webb Company for the Purchase of Hydration Stations ($100,000). Ms. Rubin asked for information regarding how many schools have hydration stations vs. how many do not. Ms. Rubin also asked clarifying questions related to Action Items 61, Action Item 62, and Action Item 63 and expressed concerns regarding the timeframe in which these items are posted to allow members of the public to review materials. The following individuals spoke in support of Action Item No. 64. - Revised Application for New Charter School – Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School - Added 6.25.2024: ● Omar Barlow, community member
● Shania Davis, community member ● Vanessa Nedrick, community member Stefanie Arbutina, Children First, spoke in support of Action Item No. 40. - Contract with Mission Partners Group, LLC dba Bloom Planning ($600,000). Ms. Arbutina also noted that this action item will authorize the evaluation and assessment of educational quality for District students enrolled in residential on 5
grounds schools at residential treatment facilities and asked that the District oversee the work of the evaluators to develop a high quality rubric that can provide information analysis and recommendation to those who license these facilities. Andrew Post, community member, discussed an interest in working alongside the District to provide both physical and mental health services through his telehealth company, Hazel Health. Elly Porter-Webb, parent/guardian, spoke in support of the Educators for Palestine’s demands for the District to condemn the war in Gaza, to make space and share resources with students and teachers to facilitate honest and critical dialogue in the classroom about what is taking place, to protect teacher and students rights and well being and confidentiality. Mrs. Porter-Webb also called on the District to respond promptly to incidents of discrimination, to condemn the most recent act of discrimination that took place in
a South Philadelphia High School, and to ensure that there are policies in place to ensure student safety: Lisa Barrett, parent/guardian, expressed fear regarding students being protected due to a Zionist teacher who leaked private information. Ms. Barrett expressed that black and brown students in the District are most vulnerable and noted the recent incident at Northeast High School that resulted in a students podcast being taken down. Ms. Barrett also asked about the listening sessions that were promised for students to discuss their safety and expressed concern that the District is not preparing students for the future and respecting their rights. Nived Lakshman, community member, spoke about strategies that can be used to support students who may be struggling with their mental health and considering suicide. Mr. Lakshman proposed that the District finds a way to help the student population understand the signs of depression, suicide, and mental
instability so that students are able to help one another. Barbara Dowdall, APPS, spoke about equity across the district noting some schools that have functioning libraries while others do not, schools with playground while others have concrete, and now some schools offering Extended School Time programming while others do not have this new resource. Mrs. Dowdall urged the Board to seek equity as stated in their Goals and Guardrails. Horace Clouden, community member, urged the Board to reopen indoor pools. Mr. Clouden also urged the Board to take a close look at the SPREE report noting that student outcomes should be of concern. Mr. Clousen noted that while the Extended School Time model is a good model, he believes that the more appropriate model is to bring back junior high schools to enhance overall student outcomes. "Mama" Gail Clouden, community member, asked the Board to do what is needed to make a difference.
Mama Gail also thanked staff that have worked with her to get things done “off the grid”. Mama Gail asked the District to find a way to pay her family for the work that they have done over the years to support multiple school communities. Leah Clouden, community member, asked about the students who have dropped out the past few years rather than just this year. Ms. Clouden also commented on the need to educate students when they are in the building and questioned how many teachers the District plans to hire, urging the District to bring back junior high schools. Charisma Presley, Friends of Philly Aquatics, urge the Board and the District to rebuild Marcus Foster and renovate the James Pickett pools. Mrs. Presley also shared an example of children playing in fire hydrants because they don’t have adequate access to pools in their neighborhoods. 6
Maura McInerney, Education Law Center, spoke in support of Action Item 40 - Contract with Mission Partners Group, LLC dba Bloom Planning ($600,000) well as an addendum that includes data elements such as number of instructional hours provided by qualified teachers vs. virtual learning, number of days students have missed while in placement, whether the student is receiving grade level instruction, number of credits earned while in placement, access to core curriculum, and special education programming. Ms. McInerney also asked that the Board convene an independent policy meeting to address the growing needs of the District’s English Language Learners and look at issues related such as delayed enrollment, dismantling of the multilingual learning center, and deficiencies related to bilingual counseling. Meir Baruchin, community member, spoke about what is taking place in Gaza and how important it is to
allow students in Philadelphia to engage in discussions around what is occurring. Ms. Baruchin also shared how students in Palestine are unable to learn or discuss what is taking place in Gaza. Lisa Haver, APPS, urged the Board of Education to deny the revised and resubmitted application for Global Leadership Academy International High School. Mrs. Haver also raised concerns regarding the need for new charter schools in any part of the city of Philadelphia noting that over 60% of the city’s charter schools are under enrolled. Jonas Divine, community member, expressed concerns related to growing extremism, ideological indoctrination, and bigotry among the educator community as it relates to the current events taking place in Israel. Mr. Divine addressed previous speakers who have participated in Board of Education meetings and welcomed the opportunity to engage and hold dialogue with one another.
Yvette Young, community member, spoke about the impact of structural racism on our educational structures. Ms. Young noted that it is critical that we make the Extended School Time model work. Ms. Young requested that Elwood school be added to the list of pilot schools that will be engaging in this model. Ms. Young also asked that the District make space for difficult conversations. Russell Hicks, community member, urged the Board to do everything in their power to protect all children regardless of their religion and to find it in the budget to invest in programs, policies, and procedures that do so. Mr. Hicks also urged the Board to not only listen to recommendations being made but to act on them as well. Dina Portnoy, community member, spoke about the importance of supporting teachers and students to learn about the current situation in Palestine and Israel as well as Gaza. Ms. Portnoy also expressed the
importance of equipping teachers with the tools necessary to help them facilitate difficult discussions. Mordechai Liebliing, community member, expressed disappointment in the District’s current decision to limit free speech in schools. Mr. Liebliing spoke about students and teachers being harassed for speaking out about what is happening in Palestine and Gaza. Mr. Liebliing also noted that the purpose of a school is to facilitate honest dialogue and diverse points of views amongst students and that the District needs to provide more professional development to support teachers in facilitating these discussions. Noor Suhailah, community member, spoke about the importance of free speech and asked the District to acknowledge the genocide that is taking place in Palestine and ask that the District create safe spaces for students to have their voices heard. Norman MacQueen, district staff member, spoke about the need for spaces for educators to learn about
the context and history of Palestine and Israel to better understand the genocide that has been taking place since October. Mr. MacQueen shared how these spaces will support teachers in facilitating dialogue in their classrooms and give them the tools to support students in having difficult conversations. 7
Charlie McGeehan, district staff member, presented the Board 6 demands issued by Philly Educators for Palestine to condemn genocide, support students who are suffering, protect freedom of speech, and provide educators with resources to take difficult but vital conversations. Mr. McGeehan also expressed frustration with the District’s lack of responsiveness to requests for protected listening sessions to listen to the experiences of Palestinian students. Jethro Heiko, parent/guardian, shared that he is a part of a group of parents who recently launched a group called The School District of Philadelpha Parents for Palestine. Mr. Heiko spoke about the incident of censorship at Northeast High school and lack of accountability for the teacher at the school who docks students. The Board took a recess at 7:42pm. The meeting resumed at 7:58pm Consideration of Action Items President Streater described the process of how Action Items would be presented for consideration:
Lisa Haver, on behalf of the Alliance of Philadelphia Public Schools, stated an objection under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act on Item No. Ad Prima Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal, Action Item 61, Laboratory Charter School of Communication and Languages – Application for Charter Renewal, Action Item 62, Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal, Action Item 63, Maritime Academy Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal, and Action Item 64, Revised Application for New Charter School – Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School. ● Action Item 4, Memorandum of Understanding Between The School District of Philadelphia and Drexel University Regarding Powel Elementary School and Science Leadership Academy Middle School and Action Item 8, Administration’s Recommendation for Termination of Professional Employees have been withdrawn by staff. ● Priority Item(s):
○ Action Item 43, Contract with Various Vendors - Out of School Time Programs for Expanded Learning Opportunities ○ Action Item 60, Ad Prima Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal ○ Action Item 61, Laboratory Charter School of Communication and Languages – Application for Charter Renewal ○ Action Item 62, Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal ○ Action Item 63, Maritime Academy Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal ○ Action Item 64, Revised Application for New Charter School – Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School ● Consent agenda for the remaining Action Items, which are Action Items 1-3, 5-7, 9-42, and 44-59.
Item No. 1 - Acceptance of Donation from Lovefutbol; License and Right of Entry with Urban Soccer Park for Installation of Turf Field and Related Schoolyard Improvements at the Russell Conwell Middle School ($130,000) - Updated 6.10.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 8
Item No. 2 - Acceptance of Donation from the Indochinese American Council; License and Right of Entry with TinyWPA for Exterior Schoolyard Improvements at the Jay Cooke School ($81,600) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 3 - Acceptance of Funds and Execution of Agreement with the City of Philadelphia, Department of Human Services (DHS) Foster Care Student Transportation ($200,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 4 - Memorandum of Understanding Between The School District of Philadelphia and Drexel University Regarding Powel Elementary School and Science Leadership Academy Middle School - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF 6.13.2024
Item No. 5 - Official School File - 2024-2025 School Year Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 6. - Approval of Personnel Hires - Updated 6.25.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0 9
Item No. 7 - Approval of Personnel Terminations - Updated 6.27.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 8. - Administration’s Recommendation for Termination of Professional Employees - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF 6.25.2024
Item No. 9. - Approval of Resignations and Retirements - Updated 6.27.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 10. - Contract with Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders- Neubauer Fellowship ($297,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 11. - Contract with Various Vendors - ELA Curriculum Based Instructional Coaching and Professional Development ($6,232,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 12. - Contract with Handshake for Recruitment ($50,625) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 13. - Amendment to PowerSchool - Learning Management System Contract ($1,107,022) 10
Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 14. - Stop Loss Insurance for Health Insurance Program ($2,498,264) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 15. - Contract with CNI Sales Inc dba Corporate Networking for Application and Network Load Balancing Solution ($150,000) - Updated 6.25.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 16. - Contracts with Various Vendors for Cloud Computing Services ($300,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 17. - Contracts with Various Vendors for Enterprise Licensing and Support ($871,032) - Updated 6.25.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 18. - Contract with Databank IMX and ScribSoft Holdings for Physical Records Storage and Digital Records Management Platform ($2,437,500) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 11
Item No. 19. - Settlement of Claim - Christopher Boileau and Michelle Forte Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 20. - Amendment of the Contract with Citizen Developer for Legal Matter Management System ($60,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 21. - Cooperation Agreement with The Trust for Public Land Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 22. - Change Orders at Various Locations ($631,004) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 23. - Capital Award for Interior Door and Window Replacement at James G. Blaine Elementary School ($3,600,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0 12
Item No. 24. - License Agreement with The Camelot Schools of Pennsylvania, L.L.C., High School Continuation Education Program at Olney High School Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 25. - Contracts with Philadelphia Water Department and Vicinity Energy for Water/Sewer Services and Steam Heat ($9,500,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 26. - License Agreement with Police Athletic League (PAL) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 7 No: Abstention: Ms. Stern - 1
Item No. 27. - Authorization of School Bus Vehicle Purchases, Infrastructure Investments, and Related Equipment and Services from Various Vendors under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program ($41,500,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No:
Item No. 28. - Ratification of Contract with F. W. Webb Company for the Purchase of Hydration Stations ($100,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 29. - Amendment of Contracts with General Fire Equipment Co., Inc., Harring Fire Protection, LLC, and Philadelphia & Pennsylvania Fire Protection Co., Inc. - Fire Extinguisher Recharging, Repair & Replacement ($200,000) 13
Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 30. - Amendment of Contract with Miller Environmental for Cleaning of Oil Storage Tanks ($100,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 31. - Contract with Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc. - Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel ($1,500,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 32. - Contract with Milk Industry Management Corporation dba Balford for Milk Distribution ($6,600,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 33. - Contract with the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health-Cafeteria Food Safety Inspection ($180,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 34. - Contract with 151 Foods, LLC dba Amoroso’s Baking Co. for Fresh Bread Distribution ($1,200,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 14
Item No. 35. - Contract with Various Vendors to Install CCTV Security Camera and Video Management Systems at 11 Schools ($3,268,471) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 36. - Memorandum of Understanding with Hazel Health Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 37. - Memoranda of Understanding for School-based Health Centers - Updated 6.10.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 38. - Memorandum of Understanding with IBHS Providers Authorized by Community Behavioral Health (CBH) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 39. - Contract with LanguageLine Solutions - Telephonic and Video Foreign Language Interpretation Services ($1,000,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 40. - Contract with Mission Partners Group, LLC dba Bloom Planning ($600,000) 15
Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 41. - Memorandum of Understanding with Philadelphia Academies, Inc. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 42. - Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Philadelphia for Out of School Time Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 43. - Contract with Various Vendors- Out of School Time Programs for Expanded Learning Opportunities ($20,000,000) - Updated 6.10.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 44. - Contract with Quakertown Veterinary Clinic for Farm Animals at Fox Chase Farm & Saul H.S. ($35,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 45. - Contract with St. Christopher Hospital for Children - Work-based learning program Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 16
Item No. 46. - Contract with Careers through Culinary Arts Program, Inc.($62,400) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 47. - Purchase of Various State-Approved PreK Core Curriculum Resources ($5,000,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 48. - Purchase of Various High-Quality Pre-K Supplemental Instructional Materials ($4,000,000) - Updated 6.26.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 49. - Contract with Project Based Learning, Inc.- The Workshop School ($600,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 7 No: 0 Abstention: Ms. Cubbage - 1
Item No. 50. - Approval of Act 80 Exception - Instructional Time Board of Education Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 51. - Contract with Kompan - Olney Elementary Playground ($110,000) 17
Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 52. - Capital Award for ADA Bathroom Modernization at George W. Childs School ($2,247,272) - Added 6.10.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 53. - Capital Award for ADA Bathroom Modernization at Martha Washington School ($2,836,040) - Added 6.10.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 54. - Contract with Ewing Cole, Inc. - Professional Design Services for the Renovation of the Sayre Morris Recreation Center ($1,250,775) - Added 6.10.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 55. - Fourth Amendment to the Lease Agreement with 18 South Seventh Street Associates, L.P., PMC Property Group for Constitution High School ($3,446,173.52) - Added 6.10.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 56. - Ratification of Contract with The Center for Black Educator Development Presenter ($2,500) - Added 6.10.2024 18
Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 57. - Authorization to Apply for State Facilities Improvement Grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development for Edison High School/AVTS. ($1,531,500) - Added 6.25.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 58. - Authorization to Apply for State Facilities Improvement Grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development for Martha Washington Elementary, Childs Elementary, Blaine Elementary, Overbrook High School, Cayuga Elementary, and Hopkinson Elementary. ($21,161,261) - Added 6.25.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 59. - Authorization to Levy and Assess Taxes - Real Estate Tax, Use & Occupancy Tax, School Income Tax, and Liquor by the Drink Tax - Added 6.25.2024 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 60. - Ad Prima Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal - Added 6.25.2024 A motion has been made and seconded to approve the renewal charter for Ad Prima Charter School, effective July 1, 2024. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0 19
Item No. 61. - Laboratory Charter School of Communication and Languages – Application for Charter Renewal - Added 6.25.2024 A motion has been made and seconded to approve the renewal charter for Laboratory Charter School of Communication and Languages, effective July 1, 2024. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 62. - Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal - Added 6.25.2024 A motion has been made and seconded to approve the renewal charter for Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School, effective July 1, 2024. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 63. - Maritime Academy Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal - Added 6.25.024 A motion has been made and seconded to approve the renewal charter for Maritime Academy Charter School, effective July 1, 2023. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 64. - Revised Application for New Charter School – Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School - Added 6.25.2024 A motion has been made and seconded to deny the revised new charter Application of Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School and to adopt an Adjudication in support of the denial. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0 Abstention: Mr. Jones - 1 20
Adjournment President Streater announced that the Board will hold its next Goals and Guardrails Committee Meeting on August 1, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., via hybrid format. President Streater announced that the Board will hold its next public business on August 22, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., via hybrid format. On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07pm. Reginald L. Streater, Esq., President Board of Education Tony Watlington, Ed.D. Superintendent 21
The School District of Philadelphia Board of Education Intermediate Unit 26 Minutes June 27, 2024 A public meeting of the Board of Education sitting as the Board of Directors of the Intermediate Unit was held on June 27, 2024. The meeting was convened at 8:08 pm by Reginald L. Streater Esquire, President. Roll Call Lynn Rauch, General Counsel, conducted Roll Call. Members Present: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 Members Absent: Ms. Lam - 1 Attending: Tony Watlington, Ed.D., Executive Director Consideration of Action Items The following Action Item was presented for formal action by the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Intermediate Unit 26: Cecelia Thompson, community member, objected to the Intermediate Unit noting that the meeting does not have a separate speakers list.
Item No. 1 - Contract with QBS Midco LLC for Staff Professional Development in Safety Care ($482,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0
Item No. 2 - Amendment of Contracts with Various Vendors - Supplemental Materials - No Cost Extension Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Cubbage, Ms, Harper, Mr. Jones, Ms. Novales, Ms. Stern, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0 22
Adjournment President Streater announced that the Board will be holding its next Goals and Guardrails Committee meeting which will be taking place on August 1, 2024 beginning at 4:00 p.m President Streater also announced that the Board will be holding their next regularly scheduled action meeting as well as the annual budget hearing on August 22, 2024 @ 4:00pm On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m. Reginald L. Streater Esquire, President President Board of Directors Philadelphia Intermediate Unit #26 Tony Watlington, Executive Director 23