Public schools in Philadelphia will return to local control next month, when the new Board of Education appointed by Mayor Kenney assumes governance over the School District of Philadelphia.

To prepare for their new role, the incoming Board members recently invited Philadelphians to share their ideas, hopes and concerns in person through a city-wide series of listening sessions. Between April 25 and May 23, over 400 students, parents, educators, and residents gathered at meetings across the city to discuss the future of public education in Philadelphia.

The “Listening Tour” stopped in five different neighborhoods, thanks to the following hosts:

  • Dobbins CTE High School
  • South Philadelphia Library
  • Blackwell Regional Library
  • Coleman Regional Library
  • Lawncrest Library

The front of the Lawncrest Library building reads "Free Library of Philadelphia"

Each event began with a welcome from Otis Hackney, and an overview of the event plan from the PPCE facilitators.

Otis Hackney stands in front of a seated crowd, welcoming community members

 

To ensure that everyone could speak and be heard, the sessions primarily took place in small discussion groups, with a Board member in each group.

Moderators speak before group of seated small groups at the listening session

 

During the discussions, the small groups addressed big topics in education, and considered how the Board’s leadership could support progress and solutions.

Community members talk, write down solutions in small groups

A large sheet reads "How would you like the new board to address these cares/concerns?" Community members discuss

 

Participants were also able to share their thoughts and concerns through video testimonials and writing.

Large sheet reads "Post a message or idea for the School board use stickies below" Sticky note with suggestions for the board is attached

A man with a hat on speaks into a microphone as students sit by and record his testimonial to the school board

 

The turnout at the events was diverse, and discussion groups were randomly assigned to ensure that students, educators, parents and neighbors were all in dialogue with each other. The School District’s Office of Family and Community Engagement provided interpretation as needed.

Community members at Dobbins High School face each other at desks in a circle to discuss their thoughts on the new school board

Reasons why attendees are at the listening tour: "new to Philly here to learn about the schools, district teacher for 25 years, school neighbor and pre-parent, neighbor and parent."

 

Board members sat with community members, listened in, and shared their reflections at the end of the event.

Board member Maria McColgan sits with community members at a listening session

Board member Mallory Fix Lopex speaks to community members "I heard that people need help navigating systems and support for teachers. It is not nine people that are going to save the school district, it is up to all of us."

 

The event facilitators also took notes from the discussions so that all Board members – and members of the public – could learn what was discussed in every group. The notes will go into a public report.

Several large sheets are covered in thoughts from listening tour participants

 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the tour! The full Listening Tour report will be published on the Mayor’s Office of Education website in the coming weeks.

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