Union, schools, Penn announce collaboration plan

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the School District of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania on Friday announced plans to collaborate to provide services to students and their families in West Philadelphia.

Officials said they would use an innovation grant from the American Federation of Teachers, totaling $600,000 over the next three years, to develop plans to create nine community schools that will act as service hubs to aid low-income families. For example, Penn already has located a medical clinic at Sayre High School to serve students and families.

The PFT said leadership teams were forming at the schools that would assess community needs, and plan and coordinate resources. The participating schools are Lea, Wilson, Comegys, Bryant, Hamilton and Huey Elementary Schools, Shaw Middle School, and Sayre and West Philadelphia High Schools. "This is truly a work in progress," said PFT president Jerry T. Jordan. - Martha Woodall