Tell us: As Philadelphia inches toward reopening some school buildings, what are parents and students thinking?

Young girl in mask plays with blocks while masked and gloved woman watches
Chalkbeat Philadelphia wants to hear from families and students at this moment in time. Our short survey will be used to gain insight into what families are experiencing and what questions they may have. We plan to use the results of the survey to inform our coverage. (FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images)

Philadelphia students in prekindergarten to second grade are supposed to head back to classrooms the week of Feb. 22, two weeks after Mayor Jim Kenney unveiled a vaccination plan for teachers and school staff. 

This would be the first time students and teachers have returned physically to a classroom since March — but the school district and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers are still at odds over the district’s plan to keep educators safe.  

Chalkbeat Philadelphia wants to hear from families and students at this moment in time. Our short survey will be used to gain insight into what families are experiencing and what questions they may have. We plan to use the results of the survey to inform our coverage. Know that this form is confidential and if you are uncomfortable with your name being used, please let us know at the end of the survey.

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The announcement at a Tuesday meeting comes as substantial changes for IPS are on the horizon that will dilute the elected school board’s power.

Supporters framed the bill as a money-saver for families. “I’m raising two daughters right now, and I think every $5 you can keep in your pocket is important,” one state lawmaker said.

College advisers said students with undocumented family members are fearful of filling out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid. The state also has lost a FAFSA data tool that made tracking student progress on the form easier.

Democrats hold the majority on the board, and they argued that the board should stay focused on key education issues such as literacy.

Sherrill’s first budget proposes more than $13.8 billion to education with record funding for K-12 and preschool aid, expanded high-impact tutoring, and new mental health services timed to the state’s first year of phone-free schools.

Despite campaigning to end mayoral control, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is fighting to keep it — but his former Albany colleagues aren’t making it easy.