Parents, others filing complaint to stop school closings
In an attempt to halt the Philadelphia School District's school closing process, a group of parents and others say they are filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights.
Parents, others filing complaint to stop school closings
Kristen Graham
In an attempt to at least temporarily halt the Philadelphia School District's school closing process, a group of parents and others say they are filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights. The parents, who include members of the community group ACTION UNITED, say that school closings disproportionately affect African American students.
The group hopes to win a moratorium on school closings, and they want an investigation into the school closings and phase-outs that took effect this year, which they say were discriminatory. Advocates for the group say that at six of the eight schools that closed or began the closing process, at least 13 percent more African American students are enrolled than district average. They say that at seven of the eight schols, the white population is at least 11 percent below district average.
The district is currently in the beginning stages of a plan to close up to 40 schools this year. Meetings on criteria for determining schools to be closed are now being held; a list of possible closures is expected in November, with final School Reform Commission approval next year.
Members of the group taking this action have scheduled a press conference outside the school district headquarters for tomorrow morning.
A school district spokesman said the district had not seen the complaint, but would have no comment on the pending litigation.
Grasping at straws. The real action to take would be to force a change of management at the top. The question remains, Why close all of these neighborhood schools and keep the posh 440 Administration building open? The best idea that I have heard would close and sell 440 and relocate the office workers throughout the under used schools. It's a win win. And since all of those workers already have child abuse and criminal clearances, these workers could help keep the school more secure just by their physical presence. Sounds more like a plan than just to close and bus.— D.C. Stinkley
This is one of the most outrageous uses of the 'race card' I've ever heard. Why should the district keep open a failing school, no matter what the racial make-up? Maybe some of the children in this under-performing school can now attend a school where they can receive a better education!— psumc10- Shameful use of the "Race Card." Philly Schools are in financial trouble, so these dumbheads sue and cost the schools more funds. Brilliant!— thepaguy
- Hey wake up & smell the coffee, I'm at one of the schools that was combined. Discipline is better, but i'm beginning to think there are no more neighborhood students, school smaller than last year, Where did all the students go!!!! We have 10 year old books, bet charters don't use 10 year old books, whenever we get them!!!!— ramuller32
- As a parent of two kids who attend charter schools I would be more than happy to take you up on that bet. — barlowjames1
- And here we go again with the race card. Pathetic.— The_Unknown-Poster
- Okay folks...look...Nuthin' up my sleeve. PRESTO!! Another race card. What do you know about that? — D.C. Stinkley
- sounds like a kickback to me..— noncents
- Schools are closing because the populations in those schools no longer adequately us e the facilities. I ti s not racial..most of the decision makers are African American..It is simple economics. As to where did the kids go ramuller32..probably charter schools I taught for 10 years and just retired..theore district is a mess at many levels. All the schools I taught in were built in 1925 or earlier. folks need to stop looking for racial reasons. the district does nothave enough $$$ for what it needs to provide. In adequate facilites and the folks in Harrisburg are not interested in Philly's problems. certainly the new gov could care less. no shale to drill here..— bull****meter
- While I agree that it is wrong to make this a racial issue, there is no question that Governor Corbett is starving schools in low income areas to force parents to move their kids to charters. This gives the charter owners access to taxpayer dollars while lowing the living standards of school employees.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/08/poor_schools_hit_hardest_by_bu.html— tom-104 
Comment removed.- Don't worry, they are not suddenly concerned. Look who filed the complaint - " group of parents and others ". Guess who the "others" are. Go ahead guess. — D.C. Stinkley
- Where did all the students go? They were bussed to schools in different neighborhoods, contributing to the overcrowding of some, and the emptiness of others... And now they complain???— dee99999
- I looked it up. Based upon the PSSA report card for the SDP, AA students are 55% of the student body. Bad use of the race card.
http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC12D126515001.PDF— Go-Eagles
During the school year, you’ll frequently find her hosting live chats about the district on Philly.com. Please do pass along the scoop about what’s going on at your Philadelphia public school; Kristen welcomes tips, story ideas and witty banter at kgraham@phillynews.com or 215-854-5146.
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