Nonprofit directing $3 million to two schools in North Philly

A local nonprofit group is investing $3 million to help two Philadelphia public schools. The money is designed to help in a turnaround of the educational institutions.

The grants will be for the Kelley and Blaine Elementary schools in North Philadelphia, which are both facing a 50 percent increase in enrollment due to nearby closing schools. Mark Gleason, executive director of the Philadelphia School Partnership, which is supplying the funding, says the investment comes because the two schools have good leadership.

“These are two principals who have demonstrated to us that they are laser focused on creating academic environments to help children learn even those with the biggest challenges,” Gleason said.

He contends building better schools and, if necessary, shutting down the weak ones, is the direction the district has to go.