Carly Sitrin
Philadelphia Bureau Chief
Chalkbeat Philadelphia is led by Bureau Chief Carly Sitrin, who joined Chalkbeat in March 2023. Carly came to Chalkbeat from POLITICO, where she covered New Jersey education and established herself as a go-to source on school funding, teachers’ unions, and school integration. Carly began her education reporting career at our partner NJ Spotlight News, where she worked as a reporter covering schools, cannabis and other policy issues and also held the role of social engagement manager. She has also worked in a variety of roles at Vox, Muckrock, The Boston Globe, and Scripps Howard News Service.
As smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the Northeast, Philadelphia school leaders say outdoor activities like field trips and athletics should be moved inside or canceled.
While they’re unsure why participation is low, district officials say they’re working to reach more students next school year.
Board members approved millions in spending on technology, summer programming, and curriculum. They also denied a charter school application.
Superintendent Tony Watlington wants new incentives for educators to work at schools that are difficult to staff, a $70 million overhaul to curriculum materials, and more.
Superintendent Tony Watlington has been promising to release a five-year strategic plan since he took office. Almost one year and a $450,000 consulting contract later, that plan is set to go to a vote May 25, but the public knows next to nothing about it.
Cherelle Parker and Tony Watlington haven’t shared details about how big changes to the academic calendar would work.
Parker — who is poised to become the first woman to serve as Philadelphia’s mayor — has big ideas for schools, but the teachers union and other power players will help determine their fate.
Cherelle Parker and David Oh will advance to November’s general election. Philadelphia’s next mayor will have the power to reshape the school board and influence several education issues, including charter school authorization.
The report also includes measures of equity, including a racial breakdown of suspensions and access to Advanced Placement courses.
Jesse Mell, the city school district’s drumline coordinator, wants to grow the program until it’s in every school. This year, for the first time, the district will offer drumline as a summer program.
Leah Wood said she’ll go to great lengths to get her students engaged with what they’re learning
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas wants to discuss creating a new authority to manage school construction and repairs, although a similar approach in New Jersey has fared poorly.
C.W. Henry is the fourth school building to close in recent weeks and district officials anticipate more closures could be looming.
The contracts cover everything from prekindergarten and office supplies to HVAC and strategic communications.
The district has come under fire for failing to present a long-term plan for students if more schools shut down.
The mayor has no direct control over the schools, but does have the power to appoint all of the school board members who can then carry out the mayor’s vision regarding charter schools, the lottery admission process, and other education issues. Here’s where the candidates stand.
Students at the board meeting criticized district leadership for failing to quickly fix asbestos-ridden buildings, a flawed admissions process, and a lack of transparency.
Candidates want to lengthen the school day, offer free transportation, knock down old buildings, and raise teacher pay, among other ideas.
In Philadelphia, 83% of early childhood programs are currently facing a staffing shortage and nearly 3,000 children are on a waitlist.
During a high school visit, Gov. Josh Shapiro also discussed his plans to hire more teachers and increase education spending in his proposed budget.