State Sen. Kitchen outlines bill to block school closures

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State Sen. Kitchen outlines bill to block school closures

POSTED: Friday, February 1, 2013, 4:33 PM

For community and parent groups looking for a deus ex machina to stop controversial school closures in their tracks, State Sen. Shirley Kitchen is ready to step in. The Senator has proposed legislation to suspend the School Reform Commission's authority to close or merge schools through June 30, 2014.

Kitchen, a Philly Democrat, said in a statement. “The superintendent's plan came as a shock to many families and school district employees across the city. Now, families are scrambling to figure out how their children will safely get to their new schools, and teachers and staff are worried about their jobs. Many of these schools are in close-knit communities where families and staff alike care deeply about the education of our children, and it’s shameful that they were blindsided by the closures. … We want to make sure that this plan has been thoroughly examined so that we can explore any alternatives that will not disrupt our children’s education and will sustain jobs. My bill will allow more time to ensure that a solid plan for the future of our school district is in place.”

Superintendent William Hite proposed closing 22 elementary, four middle and 11 high schools while reshuffling dozens of programs. 

Kitchen's bill suggests that both the school district and the General Assembly could use this time to consider financial reform — which would hopefully mean finding more money for our perpetually underfunded schools from the state budget. 

Posted by Samantha Melamed @ 4:33 PM  Permalink | 1 comment
1 comments
Comments  (1)
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:25 PM, 02/02/2013
    I agree 100 percent. The new superintendent has a very difficult job ahead of him, but I do feel that once he??? get to know and understand the hardship that these closures would have on our, children and our community . Please make the powers that be Change their minds.
    e

    granniepam


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