PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Kenney released the following statement in response to receiving 18 additional recommendations for the new Philadelphia Board of Education from the Educational Nominating Panel:

“I again would like to thank the members again for taking on the considerable task and responsibility of selecting Board of Education nominees.  This group has been working non-stop for nearly two months to make sure that the transition from the SRC to a local Board of Education can be smooth and successful.  I’m very impressed with all of the names they’ve sent over for my consideration—all 45 represent an enormous breadth of talent, commitment and devotion for our City’s children. We’re looking for a Board made up of exceptional people who will work well together, bring diverse ideas and perspectives to the table, and challenge each other to move our schools in the right direction. The Nominating Panel has certainly provided me with the recommendations that will allow me to assemble the most effective board possible. For that I am incredibly grateful.”

The Mayor will now review the new candidates that the Panel voted to recommend. He will consider both lists when making his appointments to the 9-member Board, and has 20 days (until April 5) to do so.