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
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