FINAL 1 The School District of Philadelphia Board of Education Public Meeting Minutes September 21, 2023 A public meeting of the Board of Education was held in hybrid format on September 21, 2023. 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 Zoom meeting platform. The meeting was convened at 4:00 p.m., Reginald L. Streater Esquire, President. President Streater reported and commented on the following: ● Key changes to the Board’s speakers procedures ● Acknowledging the passing of Dr. Constance E. Clayton, who served as the School District of Philadelphia’s Superintendent from 1982-1993; and Dr. JoAnne A. Epps, who was serving as the President of Temple University. ● September 15th through October 15th, the School District will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
● Yom Kippur will be celebrated on September 24th and 25th, and all district schools and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 25th. Non-Voting Student Board Representative Appointment Ceremony Board Member Andrews announced that the Board will appoint the new Student Board Representatives for the 2023-2024 School year. Board Member Andrews shared that Student Board Representatives are essential to the composition of the Board of Education; helping Board Members as they make tough decisions by sharing with us the successes and concerns of their peers, and most importantly, bringing their voice to the discussion. Additionally, Board Member Andrews noted that the Board received 28 applications from qualified applicants from across Philadelphia and detailed the application process. Board Member Andrews thanked members of the selection committee who put in many dedicated hours and supported the selection of the newest student board representatives.
Board Member Andrews announced that De’Naiza Watson and Cavance Snaith were selected as this year’s Student Board Representatives and Doha Gassem as the alternative Student Board Representative. Board Member Andrews invited Mayor Jim Kenney, City of Philadelphia, to provide brief remarks. Mayor Kenny shared remarks congratulating the students and wishing them well throughout their term. Following Mayor Kenny’s remarks Board Member Andrews invited Dr. Watlington, Superintendent to provide remarks on the importance of student voice, thanks the teachers and principals who recommended Cavance, De’Naiza and Doha. Following, Dr. Watlington’s remarks, Board Member Andrews introduced Principal Dunn (Constitution High School), Principal Lehman (SLA Center City), Mr. Remal (STEP Coordinator at Academy of Palumbo) and invited them to provide remarks on their respective students.
FINAL 2 Following Principal remarks, Board Member Andrews invited President Streater to present the administration of the Oath of Office. Following the administration of the Oath of Office, Non-Voting Student Board Representative’s Cavance Snaith and De’Naiza Watson as well as Non-Voting Alternative Student Board Representative Doha Gassem shared brief remarks thanking their families and school communities for their support as they prepare to serve in their roles. Opening Remarks Vice President Fix-Lopez made announcements concerning recording, copyright, participation in, and viewing of the meeting. Vice-President Fix-Lopez also provided a legislative update and shared that Board President Streater submitted testimony to the Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission last Thursday, September 14th. Additionally, Vice-President Fix-Lopez noted that earlier this year, Commonwealth Court Judge
Jubelirer ruled that the current system of funding schools in Pennsylvania is unconstitutional because it results in wide disparities in spending between low-wealth and high-wealth districts. Vice President Fix-Lopez also shared that the Board looks forward to the Governor and the Legislature acting to provide a fair, adequate and predictable funding system that enables all children to meet state academic standards and does not discriminate against low-wealth districts. Roll Call, Minutes, Announcements Lynn Rauch, General Counsel, announced that the Board met in Executive Session on that the Board met in Executive Session on September 7th to discuss confidential, privileged personnel matters, on September 14th to discuss confidential, privileged, and quasi-judicial charter school matters; and today, September 21st, to discuss privileged, confidential, personnel matters and information or strategy in
connection with the following litigation: UrbEd and APPS v. Board of Education Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, No. 210302041 (alleging violations of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act); Philadelphia Federation of Teachers vs. School District of Philadelphia Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court No. 337 CD 2021 (withdraw of appeal); Sample-Oates vs. The School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas #230401226 (including claims of defamation); Tannin Et. Al vs. School District of Philadelphia U.S District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania No.23-02189 (alleging civil rights violations); Memphis Street Academy Charter School v. The School District of Philadelphia, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 22-CV-2760 (alleging discrimination and civil rights violations); and matters before the Pennsylvania Department of Education regarding charter school
reimbursement rates under School District of Philadelphia vs. Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter School (“Hostos”) and Antonio Pantoja Charter School (“Pantoja”) PED docket matters all starting with EEFM 12-2018-02, 09-2019-01, 06-2020-23, 10-2021-03, 12-2018-03, 08-2019-02, 06-2020-24, 10-2021-02, 00-2016-29, 00-2016-91, 08-2017-02, 00-2018-07, 06-2018-38, 10-2018-03, 00-2020-07, 02-2020-23, 10-2021-02, 00-2016-25, 00-2016-29, 06-2017-20, 08-2017-01, 06-2018-36, 10-2018-04, 00-2020-05, 06-2020-23, and 10-2021-03, Pennsylvania Commonwealth matters Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter School (“Hostos”) and Antonio Pantoja Charter School (“Pantoja”) vs.School District of Philadelphia ED docket nos. 1436, 1437, 1438,1439, and 1400 CD 2022 and 167 MD 2019. Ms. Rauch conducted Roll Call. Members Present: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson (remotely), Ms. Wilkerson – 9 Members Absent: 0
FINAL 3 Attending: Tony B. Watlington, Ed.D, Superintendent, Doha Gassem, Non-Voting Alternate Student Board Representative, Cavance Snaith, Student Board Representative, De’Naiza Watson, Student Board Representative The minutes from the August 17, 2023 meeting of the Board of Education were presented for approval. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: Ms. Thompson - 1 Committee Reports Board Member Thompson provided a report from the Parent and Community Advisory Council, including: ○ Advisory Council members participated in our Board of Education Action meeting by providing testimony on Action Items during the August 17, 2023 Action meeting. ○ Aided their school communities in the following ways: ■ Provided information on back-to-school resources and participated in backpack drives and school supplies giveaways with those in their school communities.
■ They continue to provide information and assistance in obtaining groceries and fresh fruits and vegetables from many non-profit organizations, as food insecurities are still an issue for many families. ■ They provided assistance and participated in the various back-to-school events, many ensuring a Title I meeting was properly held where families knew about Title I activities in their schools. ○ The Advisory Council shared the perspectives from their school communities on the first weeks of school, including shutting down those schools that do not have proper ventilation Student Speakers Ahliya Frazier, student, expressed concerns regarding last year's school selection process and noted that the process and criteria has forced students to go to schools outside of their neighborhood and is not rigorous enough. Ms. Frazier shared her experience with the school selection process and noted that she found the process to be inequitable and limiting for students' opportunities.
Benise Lyra Bacani, student, advocating for the national campaign for the Green New Deal for Schools which includes demands related to school environments and safety, implement climate disaster plans in schools, school lunches, pathways to green jobs, and an honest and comprehensive climate curriculum. Superintendent Remarks President Streater invited Dr. Watlington to provide remarks. Dr. Watlington reported/commented on the following: ● Introduction to new District Leadership
FINAL 4 ○ Kaylan Connally, Chief Strategy Officer ○ Markita Floyd, Assistant Superintendent - Learning Network 2 ○ Richard Gordon, Assistant Superintendent - Learning Network 1 ○ Hilderbrand Pelzer, Assistant Superintendent - Learning Network 13 ● Preliminary Student Achievement Outcomes for the SY 2023-2023 School Year ○ Improvement across each of the testing areas except for Grade 3-8 reading ● School Reopening Updates ○ 99.5% Classrooms Clearned ○ 95.5% - Classroom Teacher Positions Filled ○ 99,6% - Principal Positions Filled ○ 98.4% - Student Rostered ○ 100% - Math Instructional Materials Orders Delivered by Vendor ○ 97.6% ELA Instructional materials Orders Delivered by Vendor ○ 76.4 - SDP Transportation Action Requested Processed ○ Day 12 enrollment is 115,953 which is 853 students higher than day 12 last school year ● School Selection Update ○ School selection launched on September 15, 2023 ● School District Remembrance ○ Remembering the Legacy of Dr. Constance “Connie” Clayton
Board Members engaged in a question and answer session following Dr. Watlington’s presentation. Dr. Watlington invited the following individuals to provide response to Board Member’s questions: ● Dr. Tonya Wolford, Chief of Evaluation, Research & Accountability ● Oz Hill, Chief of Operations Copies of presentations are included within the meeting agenda. A recess was taken at 6:15pm and the meeting resumed at 6:33pm. Public Testimony and General Speakers Board Member Salley shared brief remarks on behalf of the Philadelphia High School for Girls Alumni Association acknowledging the recent passing of Dr. Constance E. Clayton. Board Member Salley acknowledged the receipt of and summarized written testimony submitted to the Board from: ● Horace Clouden ● Stacie DeLise and Maryanne Cullen ● Clarissa ● Sonya Brintnall and Tamara Sepe ● Barbara McDowell
FINAL 5 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 students, elected, and general speakers. Ms. Rauch provided the applicable provisions of the speakers’ policy for the meeting. Ms. Rauch called general speakers: Steve Satell, community member, spoke about filling the hole in education and engaging parents and teachers in supporting students with behavioral challenges. Mr. Satell also invited Board Members to attend the 8th Annual Legacy Award - this year’s theme is education honoring Senator Vincent Hughes and Sheryl Lee Ralph and Veronica Joyner. The following individuals spoke in support of Local 634 sharing the importance of the work that they do to support students and asked the District to listen to the concerns of Local 634 to ensure that staff are being offered a living wage. Individuals also urged the Board of Education to ensure that the School
District of Philadelphia and individuals who are sitting at the bargaining table are negotiating a fair agreement regarding wages and personal leave days : ● Nicole Hunt, Local 634 ● Kiara Coleman, Local 634 ● Tanya Edmonds, District Staff Member ● Antoinette Ford, District Staff Member ● June Cohen, Parent/Guardian ● Michael Royal, District Staff Member ● Stephanie Lee, District Staff Member ● Linda Kilby, District Member Phillip DeLuca, district staff member, spoke about a need for school building accessibility. Dr. Robin Cooper, Teamsters Local 502 CASA, expressed concerns regarding how letters and emails are sent to families noting the removal of a contact person from communication results in a lack of accountability measures for individuals. Dr. Cooper is requesting a timeline to have people support school leaders and not using generic emails for concerns and communications with principals and school leaders. Dr. Cooper also asked that the District pay the 15 intervention.
Horace Clouden, PCAC, expressed concerns regarding the progress toward priority area 3, the need to bring back junior high schools, and utilizing the already allocated funds in the budget to get the work done. Mr. Clouden also shared that he feels that the Board is not coming together collectively to work in the best interest of the students and spoke about Board Members having special interest on specific topics. “Mama” Gail Clouden, community member, expressed concerns about the wellbeing of children in the School District of Philadelphia and urged the student board representatives to ask questions. Leah Clouden, community member, spoke about what it truly means and honors Dr. Clayton buy naming the central office building after Dr. Constance E. Clayton, bring back swimming pools, considering South/Southwest Philadelphia when discussing how to Accelerate Philadelphia schools, and asked that
the Board refrain from stating that we are underfunded given the tax abatements provided to companies that can afford them.
FINAL 6 Barbara Dowdall, community member, gave a tribute to Dr. Constance E. Clayton following her passing on Monday September 18, 2023. Lisa Haver, APPS, expressed concerns regarding Action Item 34 and shared that it is difficult to testify on an item such as this when added only a few days before the Board Meeting. Ms. Haver asked that the Board explain what is happening with Action Item 34 and why the Board is reconsidering Action Item 7 - Authorization of Keystone Opportunity Zone - Arsenal. Anne Dorn, parent/guardian, spoke about the school selection process and previous barriers to access in specific criteria based schools. Consideration of Action Items President Streater described the process of how Action Items would be presented for consideration: ● Action Item 2 - Review of Board Policies - NO ACTION TAKEN ● Action Item 8 Administration’s Recommendation for Termination of Professional Employees WITHDRAWN BY STAFF ●
● Action Item 20 Agreement for Service with TBD - School Selection Evaluation - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF 9.18.2023 ● Priority Items: ○ Action Item 7, Authorization for Keystone Opportunity Zone - The Arsenal ○ Action Item 30, Administrative Only Amendment to Authorizations for Keystone Opportunity Zones to Correct the Referenced Bill Number ○ Action Item 32, KIPP DuBois Charter School - Application for Charter Renewal ○ Action Item 33, KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School ○ Action Item 34, Approval of Release and Settlement Agreement with Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter School, Antonio Pantoja Charter School, and Aspira Inc. of Pennsylvania ○ Action Item 35, Acceptance of Bequest from the Robert Cameron Trust for the Benefit of Girls High ● Consent agenda for the remaining Action Items, which are items 1, 3-4, 6, 8-19, 21-29 and 31.
Item No. 1 - Acceptance of Donation from Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates; Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding; License and Right of Entry Agreements for Various Schools ($138,000) Board Member Thompson thanked the Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates for the work that they do and expressed a desire to attend the ribbon cutting once the work has been completed. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 2 - Review of Board Policies (REVIEW - NO ACTION) Updated 9.14.2023 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 3 - Approval of Personnel Hires (Updated 9.14.2023) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 4 - Approval of Personnel Terminations (Updated 9.21.2023) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 5 - Administration’s Recommendation for Termination of Professional Employees - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF
Item No. 6 - Approval of Resignations and Retirements (Updated 8.17.2023) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 7 - Authorization for Keystone Opportunity Zone - The Arsenal Vice President Fix-Lopez noted that she will be voting yes for this item in alignment with her previous votes for items when there are environmental concerns. Board Member Lam noted that she voted no when this item was before the Board on August 17, 2023 and shared some of her concerns. Board Member Lam noted that while she does not believe a tax incentive is necessary for this properly to be economically viable, she does believe the tax incentive helps the property get into this space. Board Member Danzy noted that she still believes that 20 years is a long time despite environmental concerns and can not support the project. Board Member Salley noted that she had the opportunity to visit the property and meet with the developer to understand the journey of the property, who owns the building, the environmental history of the building and has gathered that there are several issues that have arisen over the
years as a result of multiple layers of approvals and moving parts to get the work done. President Streater noted that his vote will reflect additional information shared with the Board following last month’s vote. Yes: Ms. Andrews,, Ms. Egea-Hinton, Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: Ms. Danzy - 1
Item No. 8. Amendment of Enterprise Network Firewall Equipment and Services ($300,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 9 - Change Orders at Various Locations ($2,106,351) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Wilkerson – 0 No: Ms. Thompson - 1
Item No. 10. - Amendment of the Contract for the Provision of General Construction, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Services at the Bethune and Brown Elementary Schools and the Dimner-Beeber Science Leadership Academy, under the GESA 2 project - No Cost Time Extension
FINAL 9 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 11. - Amendment of the Contract for the Provision of General Construction, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Services at the Vare-Washington Elementary School - No Cost Time Extension Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 12. - Ratification of Amendment of the Electrical Contract for the Decatur School – No Cost Time Extension Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 13. - Ratification Amendment of the Mechanical Contract for the Feltonville Intermediate School – No Cost Time Extension Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 14. - Ratification Amendment of the Mechanical Contract for the John F. Hartranft Elementary School, New Construction Project – No Cost Time Extension Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 15. - Second Amendment of Contract with Gannett Fleming, for Professional Design Services at the Vare-Washington Elementary School - No cost time extension Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9
FINAL 10 No: 0
Item No. 16. - Amendment of Contract with Thackray Crane Rental, Inc. for mobile crane rental services ($75,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 17. - Contract with Catapult Solutions LLC for Professional Services ($345,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 18. - Ratification for an Amendment of Contract with ATIS Elevator Inspections, LLC for Elevator Inspection ($50,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 19 - Memorandum of Understanding with Center for Supportive Schools Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 20 - Agreement for Service with TBD - School Selection Evaluation - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF 9.18.2023
Item No. 21 - Amendment of Contracts with Various Qualified Vendors - Preschool Programs ($2,330,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 22 - Contract with Various Vendors - ACT 158 Industry Recognized Credentials and Career Training ($638,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: 0 Abstention: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 23 - Ratification of Memorandum of Understanding with The City of Philadelphia for Out of School Time ($17,250,000) Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 24 - Contract with Aramark Regarding Facilities Condition Assessments ($375,593) - Added 9.7.2023 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 25 - Contract with Various Vendors - Mathematics Curriculum Based Instructional Coaching and Professional Development ($6,232,000) - Added 9.7.2023
FINAL 12 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 26 - ERP Finance System Functional User Support Consultant ($100,000) - Added 9.7.2023 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 27 - Ratification Amendment of the IDIQ Contract for Structural Engineering - No Cost Time Extension - Added 9.7.2023 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 28 - Ratification of Amendment of the General Construction, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Contracts for the Anna B. Pratt Elementary School – No Cost Time Extension - Added 9.7.2023 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 29 - Ratification of Contract with Racial Empowerment Collaborative Presenters ($20,000) - Added 9.7.2023 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 30 - Administrative Only Amendment to Authorizations for Keystone Opportunity Zones to Correct the Referenced Bill Number - Added 9.13.2023
FINAL 13 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 31 - Approval of Settlement Agreement with Altria ($968,959) - Added 9.13.2023 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson,Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0
Item No. 32 - KIPP DuBois Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal - Added 9.18.2023 A motion has been made and seconded to approve the renewal charter for KIPP DuBois Charter School, effective July 1, 2023. Lisa Haver, community member, objected to the Board votes on Action Items 32 and 33 in violation of section 710 c of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, President Streater, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 33 - KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School – Application for Charter Renewal - Added 9.18.2023 A motion has been made and seconded to approve the renewal charter for KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School, effective July 1, 2023. Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, President Streater, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 34 - Approval of Release and Settlement Agreement with Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter School (“Hostos”), Antonio Pantoja Charter School (“Pantoja”), and Aspira Inc. of Pennsylvania (“Aspira”), including Renewal Charters for Hostos and Pantoja, Withdrawal of Revised New Charter Applications by Aspira, Payment of Funds by Hostos and by Pantoja to settle withholding requests to PDE, and withdrawal by Hostos and Pantoja from Commonwealth Court litigation and other PDE appeals - Added 9.19.2023
FINAL 14 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, President Streater, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Wilkerson – 8 No: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 35 - Acceptance of Bequest from the Robert Cameron Trust for the Benefit of Girls High ($1,675,000) - Added 9.19.2023 Yes: Ms. Andrews, Ms. Danzy, Ms. Egea-Hinton , Ms. Lam, Vice President Fix-Lopez, Ms. Salley, President Streater, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Wilkerson – 9 No: 0 Adjournment President Streater announced that the Board will hold its public hearing on October 5, 2023 at 4:00pm @ Thomas Edison High School in a hybrid format. President Streater announced that the Board will hold its next public business meeting on October 19, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., via hybrid format. On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:49 pm Reginald L. Streater, Esq., President Board of Education Tony Watlington, Ed.D. Superintendent