SRC ends, Philly schools get local control

Listen 49:18
Douglas Leach, teacher and graduate of Lincoln High School, holds up a sign at a rally ahead of a School Reform Commission meeting in November. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)

Douglas Leach, teacher and graduate of Lincoln High School, holds up a sign at a rally ahead of a School Reform Commission meeting in November. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)

Guests: Donna Copper and Bill Green

After nearly 16 years of contentions debates, including walkouts and other forms of demonstrations by political leaders, education advocates, parents and students, the School Reform Commission (SRC) has voted to end its control of the School District of Philadelphia. On Thursday, the five-member body approved an end to the commission after this academic year. On July 1, the District will return to a local Board of Education which will be made up of nine members. So, what comes next? In this hour, Marty talks with DONNA COOPER, executive director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth, KENDRA BROOKS, organizing member of Parents United and member of Our City Our Schools and BILL GREEN, SRC commissioner about the history of the state takeover, charter school expansion and the future of Philadelphia’s schools.

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