Response to Expulsion Policy

Many community members who had been in discussion with the District about improving discipline policies and the disciplinary transfer process were surprised to learn that the District's new expulsion policy reportedly resulted from the findings of the School Safety Advisory Committee. No such conversation ever took place during SSAC discussions. Some of these members responded with an email to the District:

October 20, 2008

Although representatives from our organizations served for many months on the School Safety Advisory Committee, we were surprised to learn of the request by the School District for new expulsion schools, and that this new request is in some way related to recommendations set forth by the Committee. The topic of expulsion as discussed in committee meetings was understood to refer to state and federal guidelines around weapons, and the need for greater clarity for case-by-case decision-making. We believe any endorsement of a new expulsion policy and heightened Zero Tolerance policy is a distortion of the endorsements of the committee. Since many members of the community were engaged in this committee, we believe it is important to clarify the record to assure the maintenance of trust between the School District and entities it often refers to as “partners” in the education of Philadelphia children.

Sincerely,
Deborah Gordon Klehr, Education Law Center
Sheila Simmons, Public Citizens for Children and Youth
Alan Liebowitz, Education attorney, former principal
(added Oct. 22) Rhonda McKitten, Bob Listenbee, Defender Association of Philadelphia
Rev. LeRoi Simmons, Germantown Clergy Initiative

Alternative Education Task Force (task force proposal was accepted by SSAC):
Venard Johnson, Director, S.E. Pa. Network For Family Health, Education & Welfare

Teachers Wanted?

If you think our kids are the reason behind not enough high-quality teachers landing in Philadelphia classrooms, check out this email below . . . - Sheila


I am writing in response to Kristen Graham's piece, in which you were quoted, on the vacancy crisis in the School District of Philadelphia. I applied for a teacher position in Philadelphia a year ago. I have tenure, permanent PA certification in 2 areas, a doctoral degree and 10 years of teaching experience.

I interviewed last year on Halloween and was placed on two eligibility lists a few weeks later, hoping to return to the classroom after being home with my children for 4 years. I figured with my qualifications and experience combined with last year's teacher shortage I would be hired in a short time. I did not receive an offer for employment until 2 weeks ago! Not only do I already have a job I love, teaching at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral School in East Camden, NJ, I find it appalling that the School District of Philadelphia is offering jobs to teachers in October. Are they unaware that school started over 6 weeks ago?

Many people felt I was crazy for turning down a position that would have paid more than double my current salary, but I do not wish to be part of a system that's bureaucracy is collapsing under its own weight. I would be fearful that it would be impossible to make a difference in the academic lives of children who so desperately need it.

Kathleen Dianora Duffy, Ed.D.
Haddon Township, NJ