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From YouTube: Committee on Education 2-22-23
Description
The Committee on Education of the Council of the City of Philadelphia held a Public Hearing on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 to hear testimony on the following items:
210218
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to identify and examine potential systemic biases in oversight that create inequalities between Black and white led schools, resulting in fewer resources or support for Black founded and led institutions.
A
A
C
A
I
would
like
to
know
for
the
record
that
council
member
Jones,
our
Majority
Leader,
is
present
with
us
and
is
hearing
councilmember
Jones
good
morning
as
well
good
morning,
Mr
chairman,
thank
you
a
quorum.
The
committee
is
present
in
this
hearing
is
now
called
the
order.
This
is
a
public
hearing
of
the
committee
or
education
regarding
resolution.
Number
210-218,
Mr
Maynard.
Will
you
please
take?
Would
you
please
be
the
title
of
the
hearing
resolution
to
be
held
today.
A
Thank
you,
Mr
clerk
before
we
begin
to
attest,
to
hear
testimony
from
the
witnesses
we
have
today.
Everyone
who's
been
invited
to
the
meeting
to
testify
should
be
aware
that
this
public
hearing
is
being
recorded
because
the
hearing
is
public,
participates
and
viewers
have
no
reasonable
expectation
of
privacy.
By
continuing
to
be
in
the
meeting,
you
are
consented
to
being
recorded
additionally
prior
to
recognizing
members
for
questions
or
comments
they
have
for
Witnesses.
A
I
will
know
for
the
record
at
this
time
that
we
will
use
the
chat
feature
available
at
Microsoft
teams
to
allow
members
to
signal
that
they
would
like
to
be
recognized
in
order
to
comply
with
the
sunshine
act.
The
chat
feature
must
only
be
used
for
this
purpose.
Mr
Maynard.
Will
you
please
call
the
first
panel
that
we
have
to
testify
unless
any
members
of
the
committee
would
like
to
make
any
open
opening
remarks.
A
Okay,
I'll
have
plenty
of
remarks
throughout
the
course
of
our
hearing
today.
So
I
won't
start
with
opening
remarks.
I
think
it's
important
that
we
move
right
into
the
panel,
so
Mr
Maynard.
Would
you
please
call
our
first
panel
to
testify
and
for
the
panel
for
the
panelists?
That's
here
to
testify.
Please
remember
to
state
your
name
for
the
record
before
you
proceed
with
your
testimony.
Mr
Maynard.
B
E
Thanks
so
much
first,
let
me
say
it's
a
huge
honor
to
be
here:
I
used
to
do
work
in
Philadelphia
years
back
in
the
2000s.
So
it's
a
you
know
that's
a
long
time
ago,
especially
on
our
this
Philadelphia
is
the
hometown
of
Marcus
Foster,
who
was
one
of
the
greatest
educational
leaders
of
the
late
20th
century
and
the
first
black
black
big
city,
school
superintendent.
Actually,
his
birthday
100th
anniversary
of
his
birth
is
coming
up
on
March,
31st
and
I
hope
that'll
that'll
be
honored.
E
Dr
Foster
taught
us
a
lot
of
lessons
and
I.
You
know
I
think
one
is
the
importance
of
community
empowerment,
something
that
he
did
up
did
a
lot
and
you
know
wrote
about
in
his
own
book
and
I'd
say:
Charter
Schools
I've
spent
a
lot
of
the
last
20-year
studying
charter
schools
in
about
a
dozen
states
Pennsylvania,
some
isn't
there.
E
We
think
there's
some
evidence:
Regulators
favor
people
who
are
a
little
more
like
them
and
whether
intentional
or
unintentional,
we
think
it's
probably
unintentional.
Clearly
this
this
causes
some
inequities
that
really
have
to
be
looked
at
carefully.
More
recently,
we
published
in
a
prominent
journal
and
a
couple
of
blogs.
We
looked
at
charter
school
closings
and
there
we
look
quantitatively
at
again
through
the
2010s
2010
2018-19.
E
We
looked
at
Charter
closings
in
24
States,
and
we
found
that
among
Charter
Schools
serving
majority
black
students
604
of
1894.
That
is
almost
32
percent
closed
many
books
of
State
action,
not
because
parents
wanted
them
closed
because
because
Regulators
closed
them
down,
so
the
32
percent,
almost
a
third
of
of
Charters,
serving
mostly
black
kids
closed
among
all
other
Charters.
E
Only
900
or
460
closed
22,
so
32
percent
versus
22
percent
which,
and
it
certainly
looks
like
a
potentially
serious
inequity
among
Charters,
founded
by
by
black
educational
entrepreneurs,
31
almost
a
third
closed,
compared
to
just
under
15
percent
of
other
Charters.
So
again,
about
a
two
about
a
two
to
one
in
equity.
E
You
know.
I
would
hope
that
the
results
of
that
study
and
a
lot
of
parent
testimony
would
be
considered
before
before
the
before
the
school
board.
Or
are
you
folks
considered
further
steps
in
terms
of
Charter
closing
and
with
that
I'll
conclude
my
remarks
so
I'm
happy
to
answer
any
questions
again.
It's
it's
a
real
honor
to
be
here.
A
Thank
you.
Thank
you
for
all.
You
do
and
I
apprecially.
Thank
you
for
the
Marcus
Foster
reference
I
think
the
lineage.
There
is
directly
related
to
me
and
I'll.
You
know
I
one
of
my
mentors.
His
father
was
mentored
by
Marcus
Foster,
so
you
can
see
that
direct
lineage
as
it
relates
to
even
the
work
that
I
do.
As
a
member
of
city
council,
chair,
recognizes,
Majority,
Leader,
Jones,.
F
A
Hold
on
council
member
Jones,
I'm,
sorry
I'm!
Sorry
to
interrupt
you
just
real
quick
on
the
tech
team.
Can
you
guys
just
check
in
with
Channel
64
to
make
sure
everything
from
a
technical
perspective
is
working
correctly
we
have
some
viewers
who
are
communicating
to
us
that
they're
having
audio
issues
before
councilmember
Jones.
Thank.
A
Thank
you
all
right.
Let's
just
give
it.
Let's
just
give
the
tech
team
a
few
seconds
to
make
sure
that
everything
is
working
correctly
and
then
we'll
jump
right
back
into
the
hearing
into
the
conversation
and
I'll
pass
it
to
councilmember
Jones.
Also.
Colleagues,
please
remember
to
use
the
chat
feature
to
communicate
your
questions
for
all
of
my
guests.
A
Here,
please
remember,
you
cannot
use
the
chat
features
for
Council,
Members,
Only
and
I
will
also
take
a
moment
to
acknowledge
the
fact
that
councilmember
Brooks
is
present
in
today's
hearing
as
well
good
morning,
councilmember
Brooks
in
Modesto.
As
soon
as
you
tell
me,
we're
good
to
go,
we'll
jump
right
back
into
it.
You
know
pass
it
to
councilmember
Jones
right
away.
F
E
The
the
that's
that's
perfectly
stated:
there's
there
was
a
huge
impact
and
we
you
know
we
did
my
grad
students
and
I.
We
studied
this
nineways
to
Sunday.
We
did
a
ton
of
tests
and
kind
of
any
way.
You
slice
the
numbers.
There
was
a
huge
impact
about
two
to
one
and
who
got
approved
to
open
and
then
whether
you
looked
at
whether
they
were
serving
we
only.
E
We
looked
only
looked
at
black
Ron
and
black
serving
schools
for
the
closing
study,
but
but
there
there
was
anywhere
between
a
fifteen
hundred
percent
difference
that
that
huge,
disparate
impact
and-
and
we
can
say
that
with
certainty
and
I'm
glad
by
the
way,
I
think
I
sent
this
to
to
Don
chavu
I'm
glad
to
share
the
the
links
to
to
any
of
the
studies,
but
yeah.
That's
exactly
what
we
found.
F
E
Some
of
it
is
that
that
Charter
management
organizations
we
tend
to
favor
policy
makers,
bureaucrats
tend
to
favor
them
because
you
know
they're
big
organizations.
They
know
how
to
do
a
standard
application.
They
have
all
those
resources
behind
them.
So
it's
not
it's
not.
Maybe
intentional
I
don't
think
it's
intentional
racism,
but
I
think
it's
for
those
kind
of
reasons.
Those
CMOS
and
Emos
are
more
likely
to
be
white
and
Asian.
E
So
I
think
it's
a
it's
a
mix
of
things.
I
I!
Think
that
the
big
takeaway,
though,
is,
is
it's
concerning,
especially
to
the
degree
the
which
that
the
charter
movement
is
supposed
to
be,
or
a
lot
of
us
think
it
should
be
movement
that
represents,
represents
communities
and
and
lesser
the
powers
that
be
and
again
I.
Don't
think
anybody
needs
anything
nasty
here,
but
but
this
this
disparity
is
big
enough
to
I.
Think
offer
some
real
concerns.
E
E
I
personally
think
you
have
to
do
a
holistic
look.
You
have
to
look
at
test
scores
and
value
added,
of
course,
but
you
also
just
have
to
look
at
whether
parents
want
to
go
to
a
school
and
if
they
want
to
go
to
a
school,
probably
that
gets
its
safety
in
building
culture
and
other
things
and
and
I.
Think
that
really
you
have
to
look.
E
You
can't
look
at
those
in
openings
because
the
charters
aren't
open
yet,
but
when
you're
thinking
about
closing,
you
have
to
look
at
that
whole
range
of
things
which
which
usually
parents
are
in
a
better
position
to
judge
than
people
who
are
further
away,
but
I
was
I.
I
was
I've,
been
on
both
the
charter
board
and
a
district
school
board
and
I
found
that
that
sometimes
had
been
an
issue
with
board
members.
We
didn't
really
survey
parents,
we
didn't.
E
You
know
certain
middle
and
upper
class
folks
downtown
in
you
know
kind
of
in
in
what
we
used
to
call
gentrified
areas
or
are
in
the
suburbs
to
understand
and
I.
Think
that's
I
think
that's
definitely
part
of.
What's
going
on
here
and
I
know.
When
I,
when
I
do
field
work,
I
I
find
that
sometimes
I
have
to
kind
of
ReDiscover
my
roots
a
little
bit
or
try
to
when
I'm
doing
field
work
in
some
communities.
I
think
that's!
That's
absolutely
right
and
I.
E
I
I
think
that
being
part
of
a
community
and
and
Charters,
certainly
black
LED,
Charters
and
Latina
Latin
excellent,
Charters
I,
think
are
more
likely
to
be
coming
from
the
community.
I
think
one
of
the
big
advantages
they
have
is
maybe
local
credibility
that
that
people
know
they're
there
they're
not
going
to
go
away
and
I
think
a
second
kind
of
Advantage
they
might
have
is
if
I
go
into
a
community.
It's
not
my
community
I
might
have
a
lot
of
judging
a
lot
of
trouble.
E
Judging
the
stories
that
parents
tell
me,
I
might
have
a
lot
of
trouble,
judging
people
applying
for
jobs
because
they
are
from
a
different
culture
and
if
I'm
from
that
Community
I'm,
just
maybe
going
to
be
better
at
judging
you
know,
is
this
person
really
going
to
do
the
work
or
not?
Are
they
are
they
straight
or
are
they
just
feeding
me
along
I?
Think
that's!
That's
part
of
the
value
there
and
I
think
that
does
lead
to
more
credibility
for
those
those
local
institutions.
F
A
So
we
do
have
the
school
district
as
a
panel,
but
I
doubt
that
pong
specifically
is
one
of
the
panelists
representing
the
school
district.
We
do,
however,
have
the
school
board
here
who
the
Charter
office
reports
to
so
you
can
get
some
answers
before
we
leave
as
it
relates
to
the
content.
That's
being
discussed
right
now,.
E
F
E
Really
great
question
and
it's
one
that
I
haven't
studied
nearly
enough
I
mean
I
think
in
a
strange
kind
of
way:
I'm
gonna
I'm,
originally
from
Maryland
I,
spent
a
lot
of
time
in
Pennsylvania
Virginia
before
I
landed
in
Arkansas
back
in
08
I.
Guess
it's
been
15
years
now
in
a
strange
kind
of
way.
I
think
Arkansas
is
is
starting
to
get
it
right
for
for
an
interesting
reason,
which
is
we're
kind
of
a
small
state
and
so
people,
people
sort
of
know,
each
other
people
across
Regional
lines.
E
People
across
across
racial
and
class
lines
know
each
other.
It's
not
that
hard
to
travel
around
I
was
building
a
partnership
once
with
some
schools.
Our
our
part
of
the
state
where
the
flagship
University
is
is,
is
almost
all
white
and
latinx.
Actually
a
lot
of
a
lot
of
Hispanic
immigrants.
Here,
the
Delta
Little
Rock,
Little,
Rock
3
integrated
Deltas
is
mostly
black
and
it's
an
area.
We
don't
know
that
well
and
we
built
a
partnership
there
for
a
bit
and
my
Dean
an
excellent
Dean.
E
We
we
just
traveled
the
Delta
I,
went
there
a
lot,
but
he
went
there.
A
couple
pipes
he's
a
busy
guy.
The
chancellor
was
there
a
couple
times
and
just
visited
people
and
visited
schools
and
talked
to
folks
and
invited
them
to
visit
us
up
in
Fayetteville
I.
Think
in
a
way
having
a
smaller
being
part
of
a
smaller
State
like
Arkansas
makes
it
a
little
bit
easier.
E
So
you
go
just
beyond
the
numbers
and
you
try
to
really
get
to
know
people
and
and
sort
of
build
links
to
communities
that
are
not
like
you,
so
I
gotta
I
gotta
push
my
own
state
for
a
bit,
but
you
ask
you,
ask
overall
really
great
question
and
I
and
honestly
overall
I
I,
don't
know
the
answer.
I
know
what
to
look
for
but
I.
If
you
were
going
to
tell
me
the
state's
amazing
I
I,
don't
know
if
I
could
answer,
which
one
that
is.
A
I
appreciate
your
candor
yeah
honesty.
I'd
have
to
say
that
almost
every
day
of
the
week,
but
it's
about
the
future
is
so
I
can
respect
that
and
I
appreciate
your
perspective.
Thank
you
for
your
testimony.
We
appreciate
it
and
if
you
could
just
hang
into
this
panel
is
over
because
there
may
be
another
question
as
we
continue
to
to
other
members
of
this
panel.
Mr
Maynard
I.
E
A
A
H
My
name
is
Jay
artist.
Wright
I
am
the
executive
director
of
the
freedom
Coalition
for
Charter
Schools.
We
are
a
National
Organization,
we're
a
national
advocacy
organization
that
supports
black
latino,
Charter
School
leaders
and
their
families.
We
are
in
10
regions
across
the
United
States
and
we
advocate
for
the
growth
and
expansion
of
charter
schools
run
by
people
of
color.
H
Our
organization
evolved
from
a
collective
movement
of
black
and
brown
Charter
School
leaders
who
run
successful
schools,
but
were
often
overlooked
and,
at
the
same
time,
were
the
first
on
the
chopping
block
when
it
came
to
closing.
There
is
a
political
controversy
over
charter
schools
that
muddies
the
reality
of
what
we're
trying
to
do
in
our
schools.
H
The
population
is
predominantly
Latino
and
black,
but
at
the
same
time,
the
charter
schools
lack
in
racial
and
ethnic
diversity
relative
to
the
students
that
they
serve.
The
numbers
of
black
and
brown
Charter
School
leaders
is
significantly
low.
We
have
found
evidence
that
strict
governing
requirements
and
funding
disparities
are
limiting
the
number
of
charter
schools,
specifically
those
rung
by
black
people,
and,
as
my
colleague
mentioned
a
moment
ago,
Studies
have
shown
an
alarming
disparity
in
closures
and
shutdowns
of
black
charter
schools.
H
I'll
repeat
what
you've
already
heard
in
the
sense
that
31.9
percent
of
charter
schools
serving
predominantly
African-American
populations
are
closing
compared
to
13
of
those
serving
other
populations.
Similarly,
31
percent
of
charter
schools
started
by
African
Americans
closed
compared
to
14
percent.
H
We
find
this
to
be
extremely
alarming,
especially
when
we
know
that
students
perform
better
when
they
are
taught
by
someone
that
they
identify
with
our
Charter
leaders,
are
closing
the
achievement,
Gap
and
graduating
students
at
higher
success
rates
in
charter
schools,
providing
better
options
than
their
local
performance,
local
low-performing,
school
and
many
of
our
districts
charter.
Schools
are
the
only
other
viable
option
to
a
public
education
and
in
some
cases
that's
the
last
option
that
parents
have.
A
J
J
Since
this
hearing
is
taking
place
during
Black
History
Month
I
would
like
to
begin
my
remarks
by
quoting
a
very
distinguished
black
man
who
was
born
into
slavery,
but
ultimately
became
one
of
the
greatest
scientists
and
inventors
in
our
nation,
George,
Washington
Carver,
said
education
is
the
key
that
unlocks
the
golden
door
to
Freedom.
He
said
this
because,
like
him,
we
know
that,
regardless
of
who,
you
are
where
you
come
from,
or
how
much
money
you
make
when
you
have
access
to
education,
it
creates
a
clear
and
Lasting
path
to
freedom
and
opportunity.
J
We
also
know
that
throughout
history,
people
in
power
wanting
to
keep
black
people
and
the
working
class
uneducated
because
it
made
us
easier
to
manage
fast
forward
to
2023.
We
believe
that
the
lack
of
access
to
high
quality
education
can
change
a
life
child's
life.
Trajectory
and
oftentimes
keeps
a
child
from
being
free
or
having
access
to
the
same
opportunities
as
other
children
who
do
have
access.
My
name
is
Dawn
shavu
and
I'm.
J
The
proud
product
of
both
private
and
public
school
education,
ultimately
graduating
from
McCall
Elementary,
School
and
Franklin
Learning
Center
High,
School
I
was
also
a
Philadelphia
Public
School
student
board
representative
and
worked
to
improve
the
quality
of
my
high
school.
Even
when
I
was
a
teenager
as
an
adult
with
a
master's
level,
education
I've
spent
over
20
years
in
the
education
reform
space
serving
as
a
founding
board
member
of
a
black
fountain-led
charter
school,
serving
in
numerous
capacities
at
the
local
state
and
National
level.
J
Regarding
reform
work,
I
have
also
been
a
staunch
advocate
for
children
and
families
to
help
them
to
help
them
feel
empowered,
know
their
rights
and
preserve
their
options.
Now,
as
a
parent
of
two
young
black
boys
myself,
this
work
has
much
greater
meaning.
For
me,
the
African-American
Charter
School
Coalition
was
founded
with
a
purpose
and
intent
to
advocate
for
equity
in
our
public
education
system
and
work
to
create
a
non-bias
system
of
Charter
oversight,
renewal
and
expansion,
opportunities
for
black
founded,
Inlet
schools,
which
currently
does
not
exist
today.
J
Our
Coalition
is
made
up
of
black
founded
and
led
schools
and
parents
from
across
the
city
representing
20,
brick
and
mortar
School
locations
and
over
15
000
children
in
working
class
families.
For
over
20
years,
black
founded
and
led
schools
have
succeeded
in
providing
a
high
quality,
culturally
Rich
educational
program
for
students
that
celebrates
a
child's
Heritage
and
ethnicity.
But
we
have
also
suffered
many
times
silently
through
the
process
of
just
existing
and
being
recognized
as
an
important
part
of
the
educational
landscape.
J
Here
in
Philadelphia,
we
believe
black
children
matter
over
92
percent
of
our
student
population
is
black
compared
to
traditional
public
schools,
which
is
at
51
percent.
We
believe
black
teachers
matter,
which
is
why
our
black,
founded
and
led
schools
also
prioritize
hiring
teachers
of
color
to
provide
direct
instruction
to
our
students.
54
percent
of
our
teachers
are
minority
compared
to
our
local
District,
which
is
around
30
percent.
J
When
you
look
at
the
of
the
minority
teachers,
how
many
are
black
48
are
black
in
black
in
Our
member
schools
compared
to
24
at
The,
District
98
of
the
students
we
serve
are
from
low-income
households
when
examining
pssa
and
Keystone
exam
scores
of
our
schools
versus
schools.
In
the
same
catchment
area,
we
see
that
most
schools
outperform
the
way
to
catchment,
with
the
exception
of
one
school
all
of
the
african-american-run
charter.
Schools
are
either
no
different
or
outperforming
the
way
to
catchment
metrics.
J
There
are
currently
a
hundred
and
thirteen
thousand
students
attending
traditional
public
schools.
There
are
approximately
65
000
students
in
public
Charters
and
13
000
in
Virtual
Charters.
This
means
that
over
41
percent
of
Philadelphia
public
school
children
are
in
public
charter
schools.
This
does
not
include
the
other
23
000,
who
are
on
Charter
School,
wait
list.
Schools
within
our
Coalition
represent
not
only
high
quality
and
culturally
focused
education
programs
for
Scholars,
but
they
also
serve
as
an
economic
engine
for
the
communities
and
local
neighborhoods.
They
are
in
our
schools.
J
Also
support
many
small
black
owned
businesses
and
vendor
opportunities.
Despite
the
great
work
these
schools
are
doing,
there
are
inequities
that
exist
between
white
and
black
LED
schools
when
it
comes
to
funding
resources
and
support,
School,
District,
renewals
and
expansion,
approvals
and
philanthropic
resources
and
distribution.
Please
also
consider
this
other
very
startling
statistic:
Our
member
schools
only
represent
20
percent
of
the
Public
Charter
School
sector,
yet
represent
over
87
percent
of
all
school
closures
or
non-renewals
within
the
last
10
years.
We
continue
to
stop.
J
We
continue
to
fight
to
stop
budget
cuts
at
the
state
level
and
city
leaders
who
Advocate
or
vote
for
the
dissolution
of
public
charter
schools
without
fully
understanding
or
appreciating
the
consequences
of
their
actions.
Closing
a
school
not
only
disrupts
the
neighborhood,
it
resides
in
it
impacts
the
small
black
owned
businesses
that
they
support,
it
impacts
teachers
and,
most
importantly,
it
impacts
the
children
and
working
class
families
that
we
serve.
Our
schools
have
collectively
dealt
with
racism,
discrimination,
inequity,
subjectivity
and
bias
when
it
comes
to
school
expansion
and
renewal
opportunities.
J
J
That
is
why
we
launched
the
black
schools
matter,
Campaign,
which
is
our
effort
to
correct
misinformation,
about
African-American,
founded
and
led
public
charter
schools,
as
well
as
hold
all
of
our
stakeholders
and
individuals
who
are
in
positions
of
power
accountable
to
not
only
ensure
our
Scholars
and
parents
feel
like
they
do
matter,
but
to
create
a
more
fair
and
Equitable
system
for
our
schools.
I
mentioned
that
the
district
system
and
process
of
oversight
and
renewal
is
broken.
J
I
would
like
to
provide
you
with
a
few
brief
examples
of
why
we
believe
this
is
so
annual
Charter
evaluations,
also
known
as
Ace
reports
are
used
by
the
charter
school
office
to
provide
interim
school
evaluations
for
years
in
between
Charter
renewals,
Ace
reports
change
each
year.
So
because
of
that,
it's
hard
to
look
back
and
see
progress
made
as
a
result,
because
the
targets
and
goals
are
constantly
changing.
How
can
a
charter
school
meet
a
goal
if,
from
year
to
year,
they
don't
know
what
it
is?
This
is
also.
J
There
is
also
too
much
subjectivity
built
into
the
report.
We
believe
this
because
we
have
had
two
different
schools
receive
the
same
compliance
marks,
non-compliance
marks,
but
get
two
different
grades.
Let
me
explain
it
another
way.
If
you
and
I
are
taking
a
test
and
I
get
more
answers
right
than
you
do,
how
is
it
that
I
fail
and
you
pass?
J
There
has
been
significant
turnover
in
the
charter
school
office,
as
well
as
Staffing
shortages,
which
leads
to
a
lack
of
continuity
on
the
part
of
the
district
and
repetition
on
the
and
repetition.
On
the
part
of
the
school
to
have
to
submit
re
and
resubmit
documents
into
the
epicenter,
which
is
the
charter
schools
office
platform
used
to
receive
information
from
all
charter
schools
for
smaller
Independent
Schools,
who
do
not
have
large
to
do
not
have
a
large
back
office.
J
This
is
a
game
changer
and
almost
impossible
to
keep
up
with,
because
they
don't
have
the
same
capacity
as
some
of
the
larger
schools
who
may
have
an
entire
department
that
handles
these
issues.
It
takes
a
significant
amount
of
time
and
is
repetitive
for
schools
to
have
to
load
and
reload
information
that
was
already
uploaded
just
because
the
CSO
can't
find
it
or
has
not
checked
all
of
the
information
that
is
already
there.
At
times.
Schools
have
been
given
infractions
because
of
information
that
they
believe
is
missing.
J
Even
though
schools
have
proof
that
it
was
submitted,
the
CSO
uses
evaluators
that
are
less
knowledgeable
and
less
experienced
than
the
school
leader
teachers
or
staff
who
run
the
school
if
you
are
being
evaluated
which
will
determine
the
continuation
or
dissolution
of
your
school.
Wouldn't
you
want
someone
who
has
a
depth
of
experience
and
knowledge
to
actually
know
and
understand
what
they
are
looking
for,
for
instance,
one
District
evaluator
actually
asked
the
school
leader
to
tell
them
what
they
should
be
looking
for
to
ensure
their
school
is
adhering
to
their
mission.
J
The
positions
these
evaluators
have
are
extremely
critical,
because
the
board
ultimately
makes
decisions
based
on
the
information
they
provide
during
a
renewal
year.
The
CSO
will
measure
you
on
prior
years
infractions,
even
if
the
infractions
were
corrected
and
have
not
occurred
forever
for
several
years
and
not
every
school
is
measured.
J
The
same
way
to
that
point,
we
currently
have
a
school
who
was
granted
a
renewal,
but
who
is
now
going
through
their
annual
evaluation
and
the
CSO
wants
to
give
them
an
infraction
for
having
a
violation
in
their
public
health
inspection
from
one
year
ago,
and
let
me
just
take
a
moment
to
explain
how
it
works.
The
public
health
department
goes
into
a
school
and
conducts
an
inspection
they
give
the
CSO
and
the
school
their
findings.
J
The
school
has
an
opportunity
to
correct
the
infractions
before
further
action
is
taken
by
the
public
health
department
during
last
school
year.
They
received
a
clear
report
from
the
Department
of
Health
and
the
CSO
on
their
annual
review.
However,
now,
a
year
later
in
the
2022-23
school
year,
they
want
to
give
us
the
same
school
and
infraction
for
something
that
happened
in
a
previous
year
on
this
year's
report.
It
has
nothing
to
do
with
this
school
year
and
it
wasn't
on
the
report
from
last
year,
so
why
does
it
make
sense
to
do
it
now?
J
These
types
of
infractions
go
on
a
report
that
the
school
board
ultimately
sees
and
then
decides
on
whether
to
renew
or
begin
proceeding
close
the
school.
This
is
a
problem
because
not
all
evaluators
operate
this
way.
When
you
raise
your
hand
or
ask
a
question
it
doesn't
it
or
don't
agree
with
something
the
CSO
is
asking
that
is
when
you
get
in
trouble,
the
CSO
has
a
culture
that
doesn't
make
schools
feel
like
they
are
supported
or
heard
it's
more
of
a
gotcha.
A
J
Right,
thank
you.
This
entire
process
for
many
of
our
schools
feels
like
a
form
of
modern
day
servitude,
and
despite
all
of
that,
these
School
leaders,
teachers,
parents
and
students
press
on
they
continue
to
fight
and
work
to
educate
children.
But
imagine
for
a
moment
how
much
more
they
could
do
if
they
didn't
have
to
worry
or
stress
or
or
have
the
stress
of
dealing
with
a
CSO
that
makes
them
feel
like
they
shouldn't
exist.
We
want
schools
to
be
held
accountable.
J
We
believe
schools
should
be
held
to
rigorous
academic
standards,
but
we
also
believe
that
the
accountability,
standards
and
process
for
evaluations
must
be
fair
and
equitable.
As
a
result
of
the
pandemic,
there
was
significant
educational,
Interruption
and
unfinished
learning.
People
were
sick
and
many
people
died.
Children
and
families
were
faced
with
these
traumatic
circumstances
and
schools
and
teachers
were
asked
to
convert
their
teaching.
Their
teaching
plans
meant
for
in-person
instruction
to
online
classes
with
children
who
struggled
with
access
to
the
internet,
laptops
or
tablets
to
receive
this
instruction.
J
For
these
and
many
other
reasons,
districts
in
other
cities
across
the
country
adjusted
their
evaluation
and
renewal
process
of
charter
schools.
We
asked
for
a
moratorium
on
all
Charter
School
renewals.
In
response,
the
former
head
of
the
CSO
stated
in
an
April
15
2021
board
meeting
that
they
were
not
going
to
issue
any
non-renewals
for
the
2021
and
2122
renewal
cohorts.
Instead,
they
would
Implement
a
different
standard
that
had
different
tiers
of
renewal.
J
Yet
we
were
deeply
troubled
by
the
decision
made
by
the
school
board
of
Philadelphia
to
non-renew
three
charter
schools
last
year,
two
of
which
are
black
found.
It
led
in
part
of
the
African-American
Charter
School
Coalition
the
fact
that
they
would
continue
to
not
renew
black
and
black
and
founded
LED
schools,
while
on
the
tail
end
of
a
pandemic,
changing
course
from
what
they
originally
stated,
and
in
the
middle
of
a
charter.
J
School
investigation
to
examine
whether
there
are
biases
and
or
discriminatory
practices
of
their
own
organization
and
policies
as
it
relates
to
these
types
of
schools,
is
just
mind-boggling.
We
have
said
over
two
years
now
that
there
are
problems
with
their
renewal
and
evaluation
process
that
have
a
disparate
impact
on
black
founded
and
led
schools.
J
The
board
has
heard
testimony
from
Charter
School
operators
about
the
CSO,
and
the
current
head
of
the
charter
school
office
has
been
made
that
have
been
made
against
him
of
discriminatory
and
biased
practices,
he's
used
and
his
tactics
of
playing
favorites
with
certain
Charter
School
operators.
The
fact
that
the
board
would
make
such
a
serious
decision
impacting
thousands
of
families
without
meeting
with
the
schools
directly
rather
than
relying
solely
on
filtered
information
from
the
CSO,
is
not
only
unfair.
J
It
is
unjust
having
to
fight
the
district
on
issues
like
this,
while
also
educating
kids
takes
resources
away
from
students
who
need
them.
The
most.
The
decision
to
non-renew,
revoke
or
deny
the
expansion
of
a
public
charter
school
has
a
significant
impact
on
the
family,
served
by
the
schools
and
impacts
the
entire
Community
closing
a
public
charter
school
results
in
fewer
educational
options
for
families,
the
loss
of
a
community
resource
and
many
times
the
loss
of
jobs
for
community
members.
High-Stakes
decisions
must
be
made
in
an
equitable,
unbiased,
transparent
and
fair
manner.
J
School
closures
will
sometimes
occur.
We
know
that,
however,
it
is
incumbent
upon
our
school
board
members
to
ensure
the
process
is
Equitable
and
Beyond
reproach.
A
decision
to
non-renew
also
significantly
impacts
the
school
and
causes
irreparable
harm
because
of
the
loss
of
teachers,
students
and
finances.
It
is
also
a
major
disruption
for
Children
and
Families,
considering
the
amount
of
trauma
and
disruption.
Many
students
have
already
had
to
endure
over
these
last
few
years
years
because
of
the
global
pandemic.
Civil
unrest
and
increased
gun
violence.
Think
about
it.
J
Just
yesterday,
one
of
our
member
schools
had
a
shooting
in
front
of
their
school
and
another.
One
of
our
schools
not
only
knew
the
temple
police
officer
who
was
killed
over
the
weekend,
but
has
immediate
family
members
who
attend
their
school.
We
believe
it
is
in
the
best
interest
of
Children
and
working-class
Families
not
to
be
subjected
to
additional
stress
and
Trauma
by
making
decisions
to
close
black
Fountain
and
led
institutions
based
on
a
renewal
process
that
is
grossly
flawed,
subjective,
biased
and
inequitable.
J
If
the
board
is
going
to
make
such
a
major
decision,
the
process
must
be
impeached,
unimpeachable
to
be
certain
children
and
families
are
not
unnecessarily
being
disrupted
or
displaced.
Now
we
thought
some
of
this
would
have
been
addressed
in
the
report
and
I'm
talking
about
the
investigation.
We
also
thought
we
were
making
progress
with
the
launch
of
the
charter
school
investigation,
which
began
in
November
of
2021.
The
black
Charter
Community
did
everything
we
could
to
answer.
J
Questions
provide
information,
be
available
for
interviews
with
the
investigation
team
led
by
former
city
solicitor,
Marcel
Pratt
and
the
Center
for
Urban
and
racial
Equity,
also
known
as
cure.
We
believed,
and
we
had
faith
in
the
process,
that
everyone
was
going
to
participate
and
be
forthcoming
with
information.
We
were
frustrated
but
waited
patiently
believing
and
hoping
that
the
report
would
be
finished
and
released
in
August
of
2022,
as
was
originally
committed.
J
This
is
unacceptable
to
us,
because
in
the
midst
of
this
ongoing
investigation,
the
CSO
and
board
continue
to
take
action,
steps
to
close
more
of
our
schools,
I've,
never
known
or
seen
an
entity
continue
to
use
a
process
that
they
are
currently
investigating
to
cause
further
harm
to
the
people
who
call
for
the
investigation.
It
makes
no
sense
to
us.
We
must
uncover
and
reveal
the
hard
truths
of
what
has
happened
to
Black,
founded
and
led
schools.
J
Our
right
to
exist
must
be
protected
and
we
need
to
collectively
create
a
more
Equitable
system
for
our
for
all
public
schools,
like
historically
black
colleges
and
universities.
Historically,
black
Public
Schools
must
remain
a
permanent
part
of
the
educational
landscape
in
our
city,
the
evisceration
of
independent
self-governing
black
institutions
must
stop
before
all
black
founded
and
led
schools
are
dismantled
and
closed,
leaving
our
great
City
with
an
exclusively
white
Charter
sector,
whether
you
support
public
charter
schools
or
not.
Please
know
that
our
existence
is
the
will
of
the
people.
J
They
have
voted
with
their
feet
and
sent
their
children
where
they
want
them
to
go.
We
have
to
stop
denying
parents
the
ability
to
have
options.
These
options
just
can't
be
for
those
with
means
or
the
ability
to
move
into
certain
neighborhoods
or
move
out
of
the
city.
High
quality,
Public
School
options
must
exist
for
everyone,
the
ability
to
have
an
option
and
make
a
decision
about
where
a
parent
wants
to
send
their
child
provides
Liberation
and
freedom
for
black
working-class
families
close
to
65.
000
families
have
exercised
this
choice.
At
what
point?
J
Do
we
stop
fighting
over
a
false
narrative
meant
to
keep
us
apart,
rather
than
coming
together,
United
to
serve
our
students?
We
are
grateful
to
the
district
for
their
most
recent
efforts
to
implement
some
of
the
recommendations
and
solutions.
Our
organization
provided
to
fix
some
of
the
problems
outlined
in
my
testimony
today,
but
I
know
there
is
a
lot
more
that
work
that
that
our
schools
and
all
of
us
need
to
be
doing
and
many
of
our
schools
are
still
being
harmed.
J
Our
goal
is
to
work
collaboratively
with
anyone
willing
to
work
with
us
as
long
as
they
are
willing
to
have
an
honest
conversation
own
up
to
the
mistakes
that
have
been
made,
acknowledge
errors
in
the
system
and
be
willing
to
listen
and
respect
our
voice
at
the
table
when
coming
up
with
the
solutions
to
fix
them.
It
is
the
it
is,
exhausting
and
unsustainable
for
our
schools
to
constantly
be
fighting
the
CSO
and
the
Board
of
Education,
rather
than
fight
for
our
ability
to
exist.
J
Please
know
that
we
are
not
the
enemy
our
schools
and
teachers
are
here
trying
to
do
their
best
under
very
difficult
circumstances,
to
provide
a
culturally
competent,
safe
and
enriched
educational
environment
for
children
to
learn
and
Thrive.
If
the
approach
we
take
is
one
of
collaboration
instead
of
elimination,
I
think
public
school
children
and
families
in
our
city
will
be
much
better
served.
Thank
you
for
this
opportunity.
A
Think
that's
what
a
big
part
of
why
we're
here
today
is
when
you
look
at
that
over
80
percent
of
the
closures
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia
black
and
brown
institutions,
while
those
same
black
and
brown
institutions
make
up
less
than
20
percent
of
the
population.
Clearly
there's
a
problem
here.
So
thank
you
for
that
powerful
testimony
and
thank
you
to
that
entire
panel
chair
recognizes
councilmember
Jones.
F
J
F
So
knowing
where
successful
schools
are
versus
schools
that
are
being
persecuted
and
how
that
relates
to
that
school
to
prison
pipeline
is
essential.
It
is
as
important
as
the
disparate
impact
of
the
closings,
because
there
is
harm
there
is
harm.
So
that's
number
one
number
two
I
would
be
interested
in
looking
at
the
output
of
violence,
student
to
student,
the
chair
of
education
and
I
are
looking
at
where
violence
occurs
in
our
schools.
What
does
that
mean?
Is
it
student
to
student?
F
F
I
know
in
my
district
when
a
when
a
parent
wants
or
couple
or
a
single
parent
wants
to
buy
a
home.
They
ask
those
exact
questions
of
me
and
they
want
to
know
what
are
my
options
and
they
don't
usually
say:
Public
School
option,
Charter
School
option,
they
say
good
school
options,
and
so,
if
we
start
to.
F
A
J
I,
just
council
member
Thomas
I
just
wanted
to
clarify
correct
something
that
I
said
in
terms
of
the
number
of
schools
that
have
closed
to
answer.
Council
member
Jones
question
14,
minority
and
11
that
were
black
founded
in
lead.
So
just
wanted
to
clarify
that
because
I
think
I
said
20..
So
the
actual
number
is
14.
H
Thank
you
so
much
I
am
I
just
wanted
to
comment
and
and
again
commend
this
Council
for
having
this
opportunity
for
us
to
share
this
specifically
from
black
and
brown
lead
Chargers.
We
don't
have
opportunities
to
talk
about
this
enough.
In
fact,
our
organization,
as
we've
been
exploring
around
the
country.
We
found
that
a
lot
of
people
don't
even
know
how
many
black
and
brown
lead
charter
schools
there
are
across
the
country.
H
It's
like
we're
this
anomaly
that
doesn't
exist
and
at
the
same
time
we
get
caught
up
in
the
political
rhetoric
rhetoric
that
was
just
mentioned,
where
we're
fighting
this
Us
Versus
Them
narrative
for
Charters,
that
are
Charter
management
organizations,
and
that
are
a
lot
larger
that
are
holding
us
to
a
standard
that
we
can't
compete.
So
our
problems
are
happening
both
internally
and
externally,
As
Leaders.
H
H
We
both
have
to
fight
against
trying
to
exist
in
a
space
where
we're
not
really
wanted
on
a
macro
level
and
at
the
same
time
know
that
we're
doing
good
work
on
the
micro
level,
and
so
you
know
that
the
political
argument
sometimes
mute
us
even
further.
So
I
welcome
opportunities
like
this
to
allow
more
black
and
brown
leaders
to
talk
about
what
we're
experiencing
specifically
because
what
we're
experiencing
or
what
is
what
our
students
are
experiencing
too
and
that's
what
matters.
A
A
Seeing
none
I
want
to
thank
this
entire
panel
for
your
testimony.
Of
course,
you're
welcome
to
stay
to
listen
to
the
remainder
of
the
hearing
and
your
expertise
and
your
work
is
very
much
appreciated.
So
thank
you,
Mr
Maynard.
Will
you
Mr
Maynard?
Will
you
please
call
the
next
panel
to
testify
for
us
today.
A
B
A
B
L
I
would
like
to
thank
council
member
Isaiah
Thomas
for
giving
me
and
my
fellow
students
an
opportunity
to
be
here.
I
like
I
love,
my
school
teachers
and
principal
I'm
grateful
to
be
in
a
school
environment
that
supports
and
encourages
me
to
do
and
be
great
things.
I
am
happy
to
be
in
the
school
in
a
school
like
West,
Oak,
Lane
charter
school.
That
is
academically
challenging
me
and.
L
High
school
I
think
schools
like
ours
shouldn't
be
closed.
They
shouldn't
they
should
be
duplicated.
There
should
be
more
students
who
have
the
same
opportunity
as
me
to
attend
a
school
that
they
love
coming
to
a
school
that
is
safe,
a
school
that
has
teachers
and
administrators
who
look
like
you
and
the
school
that
cares
about
you
and
your
family
I.
Just
ask
that
you
please
keep
schools
like
Russell,
Green,
Charter,
open
and
give
more
kids
like
me,
the
same
opportunities.
Thank
you,
foreign.
C
Jackson
I
am
an
eighth
grade
student
at
West,
Oakland
charter
school
again.
I
would
like
to
thank
council
member
Isaiah
Thomas
for
giving
me
this
opportunity
to
address
all
of
you
today.
I
want
to
share
that
I'm
grateful
to
be
at
Muslim
charter
school,
where
I'm
learning
and
growing,
socially
and
academically,
connecting
with
amazing
teachers
and
principals
that
care
deeply
about
our
well-being.
C
We
are
taught
to
be
committed,
Learners
work,
hard
and
always
do
our
very
best,
so
we
can
be
successful
in
life.
I
want
you
to
know
that
I
love
my
school
because
it's
a
cohesive
and
close-knit
learning
environment.
It
is
a
vibrant
and
beautiful
place
and
I
actually
enjoy
coming
to
school.
Because
of
that,
currently
we
are
working
on
our
black
history
projects,
learning
about
historically
black
colleges
and
universities
and
their
Traditions
by
putting
together
presentations
and
performances
where
we
will
also
celebrate
their
historic
presence
in
our
society.
C
Finally,
it's
a
family
community
where
you
feel
safe,
nurtured
and
protected
while
reaching
higher
Heights.
If
my
school
would
have
closed,
I
can
begin
to
tell
you
how
disruptive
it
would
be
for
me
and
my
school
family
as
students
we
have
to
deal.
We
have
a
lot
to
deal
with
and
to
add
to
the
stress
of
and
shock
of,
leaving
my
friends
and
teachers
and
learning
environment
would
be
would
be.
Excuse
me
would
be
devastating.
C
So,
please
think
carefully
about
the
impact
your
decisions
have
on
students
communicate
with
us,
give
us
an
opportunity
to
share
our
thoughts
before
considering
a
school
closure
and
help
keep
schools,
like
muscle,
Blaine
open
to
give
other
students
and
the
city
a
chance
to
be
a
chance
to
learn
and
be
successful.
Thank
you.
B
G
Great
morning,
councilman
and
guests,
and
thank
you
so
much
for
this
opportunity
to
speak
to
this
very
important
issue
regarding
the
education
of
black
and
brown
children
all
over
our
nation.
My
name
is
Tyrone
Highsmith
and
I
will
also
begin
my
comments
with
a
quote
from
the
late
Reverend
Dr
Martin
Luther
King,
who
once
said
if
a
man
seeks
merely
to
be
a
good
black
school
teacher
or
a
good
black
doctor
or
a
good
black
lawyer.
G
He
has
already
flunked
the
matriculation
examination
into
the
University
of
integration,
and
that
speaks
volumes
regarding
the
disparity
that
we're
talking
about
today
in
the
educational
system.
Both
then
when
it
was
quoted,
and
even
today
we
have
always
had
to
go
above
and
beyond
just
to
be
whoever
we
aspire
to
be
in
this
country,
and
so
you
know
I
currently
work
at
Universal,
Institute,
Charter,
School
I've
been
here
for
seven
years,
and
we
are
a
black
LED
charter
school
that
Prides
itself
on
being
a
restorative
School.
G
Black
LED
schools
provide
black
and
brown
children
and
families
with
a
sense
of
community.
Much
like
a
village
in
this
Village.
It
is
the
responsibility
of
every
Community
member
to
educate,
support
and
rear
every
single
child.
This
model
provides
not
only
stability
but
also
a
fair
chance
at
success.
G
Black
LED
schools
are
intentional
about
meeting
the
needs
of
black
and
brown
children
and
are
conscious
about
ensuring
that
the
environment
is
as
diverse
as
the
communities
that
the
children
live
in.
As
a
result,
teachers
are
able
to
translate
math
science,
Ela
and
other
subjects
into
lessons
that
can
be
practically
applied
beyond
the
classroom.
They
are
also
able
to
identify
with
challenges
and
struggles
that
children
may
be
facing
outside
of
the
learning
environment.
G
In
many
cases,
black
and
brown
teachers
are
able
to
find
similarities
between
their
lived
experiences
and
the
challenges
that
their
students
face.
The
absence
of
fathers,
the
struggles
of
single
mothers
and
grandparents,
who
are
aging
and
challenged
to
provide
adequate
support
is
often
covered
seamlessly
in
Black
LED
schools.
This
is
a
result
of
the
community
response
and
concept
of
the
extended
family,
black
teachers
and
administrators,
actually
care
about
the
overall
well-being
of
the
whole
child
and
the
entire
family.
G
G
So
without
a
doubt,
closing
black
LED
schools
hurts
everyone,
not
just
the
child,
not
just
the
family,
but
the
community
at
large.
So
please,
as
you
consider
this
conversation
that
we're
having
today
include
everyone
in
the
family
in
the
discussion,
so
that
their
voice
may
be
important
and
their
voice
may
be
heard
so
that
we
can
continue
to
educate
our
black
and
brown
children
in
the
most
effective
ways
possible
in
these
days
and
times,
and
thank
you
so
much
for
this
awesome
opportunity
to
be
a
part
of
this
discussion.
A
Thank
you
all
for
your
testimony.
It's
greatly
appreciated
I,
don't
see
any
questions
from
council
members
in
the
queue.
So
if
there
are
any
questions,
please
let
me
know
what
I
will
ask.
All
of
the
members
of
this
panel
is
what
others.
Oh
oh
chair,
recognizes
councilmember,
godier,
I'm,
sorry,
councilman,
magadier,.
I
I
I,
believe
you
when
you
say
that
it
can
be
harmful
to
our
children,
to
close
their
schools
abruptly
I
do
want
to
know
what
would
be
more
fair
right
at
the
same
time
that
we
correct
the
injustices
that
you
all
are
expounding
on.
We
do
have
to
have
some
form
of
accountability
for
school
performance
and
for
our
children's
ability
to
thrive
within
any
school
that
they're
in
so
I
I.
A
J
J
I.
Think.
For
starters,
it's
a
it's
a
conflict
of
interest
for
the
district
to
serve
as
an
authorizer
when
there
are
students
where
there,
when
there's
an
incentive
to
close
schools,
because
the
assumption
is
that
those
students
will
return
to
the
district,
so
I
think
that
I
mean
that's
always
been
a
challenge.
J
There's
also
a
funding
issue
for
the
district,
which
we've
more
recently
learned
that
there
are
expenses
that
they
incur
that
are
not
reimbursed
just
to
be
able
to
operate
a
charter,
school
office
and
so
I
think
if
that
responsibility
was
removed
from
the
district
and
given
to
an
independent
authorizer,
that
would
sort
of
be
the
start
of
a
of
a
better
process,
because,
as
I
said
in
my
testimony,
we
believe
there
should
be
accountability.
You
know
we
don't
want
schools
to
just
be
you
know,
operating
with
no
one.
J
You
know
looking
at
standards,
but
we
believe
that
the
the
accountable
measures
need
to
be
Equitable.
They
need
to
remove
the
the
subjectivity
from
them
and
the
people
that
are
providing
the
the
evaluations
need
to
have
the
experience
to
be
able
to
evaluate
schools.
I
also
think
that
we
have
to
look
at
more
than
just
pssa
scores
when
it
comes
to
school
performance,
and
you
know
and
take
a
more
holistic
approach
to
see
what
else
is
happening
in
that
school.
J
What
does
the
growth
look
like,
which
may
be
a
different
representation
of
the
progress
of
a
school
as
opposed
to
just
looking
at
a
standardized
test?
I
also
think
that
you
know
we
need
to
re-evaluate
the
entire
tool
and
process.
That's
used
with
the
ace
report
and
as
I
mentioned,
because
of
the
changes
every
year
every
every
year,
the
goal
post
changes.
How
do
you
know
what
this
you
know?
How
do
you?
How
do
you
ever
win?
J
You
know
it
and,
and
so
I
think
just
those
few
things
could
help
sort
of
fix.
The
the
current
problems
and
I
see
both
Dr
moranto
and
Miss.
Wright
came
back
on
so
they
may
have
some
other
things
to
add.
In
terms
of
you
know
what
they've
seen
work
in
other
cities
and
I
know.
Mr
Jones
will
address
this
further
in
his
comments,
but
I'll
stop
there,
and
hopefully
that
gives
you
some
insight
into.
You
know
how
we
think
you
know
some
of
these
problems
can
be
addressed.
E
I'm
going
to
jump
in
real,
quick
and
just
say
two
things:
one
is
you're
you're,
absolutely
right
and
a
key
thing
is
you
want
as
much
transparency
in
the
process
as
possible,
but
any
any
Regulatory
and-
and
we
have-
we
do-
have
evidence
in
our
first
article,
especially
that
the
more
complicated
and
demanding
the
regulatory
scheme
is
the
more
racially
disparate.
Its
impacts
are
on
on
African-Americans
and
and
that's
that's
got
to
be
a
concern.
E
I
think
something
else
to
throw
in
there.
Any
scheme
is
going
to
be
at
least
somewhat
complicated
and
a
problem
when
a
school
district
runs
Charter,
reauthorization,
there's
always
the
Temptation
that
it's
going
to
use
things
that
that
you
know
may
not
matter.
You
know:
two-year-old
health
inspection
report,
not
filing
paperwork
on
time,
things
that
literally
every
school
in
the
country
I
used
to
look
at
special,
ed
audits,
literally
every
school
in
the
country,
public
private
Charter
could
be
closed
down
based
on
special
ed
non-compliance.
Right
because
it's
a
very
paperwork,
intensive
process.
E
Everybody
forgets
some
form
I
think
there's
a
danger
that
school
districts
when
they
run
this.
If
they
see
Charters
as
the
opponent
or
competitor
in
some
way,
they
they
might
not
do
it
in
a
in
a
completely
Fair
way,
and
we
have
a
lot
of
evidence
for
that
over
the
year
years
in
a
lot
of
States
I'll,
stop
there.
H
Yeah
I
just
want
to
concur
with
Mr
moronto
and
Whit
Ms
Chabot
just
said
and
I
think
Don
mentioned
it
in
her
testimony
that
it
seems
to
be
a
process
where
it's
just
like
I
got
you
a
moment
when
you're
going
through
the
renewal
instead
of
like
we
know
that
you
hear
to
support
students.
Another
thing
that
I
just
is
is
a
trigger
for
me
that
I
find
that
we
need
to
talk
about
more
often
is
that
there
there's
an
implicit
bias
that
comes
up
when
we
talk
about
accountability
and
I.
H
Think
Mr
moronto
was
also
mentioning
this
like
when
you
run
a
charter
school
just
by
the
nature
of
your
Charter.
You
have
five
years
of
accountability,
built
into
everything
that
you
do
and
at
the
same
time,
when
we
have
these
conversations
about
accountability,
specifically
in
our
Urban
schools,
that
accountability
doesn't
go
across
board
for
all
traditional
Public
Schools,
but
yet,
when
it
comes
to
charters
in
these
Urban
schools,
we
are
held
to
this
such
a
high
standard,
almost
an
impossible
standard
and
what
I
mean
by
that
like?
H
When
they're
already
coming
in
Reading
below
grade
level,
they're
already
coming
in
they're,
they
were
there
they're
seeking
another
option,
because
the
option
that
they
first
had
didn't
really
support
them
and,
at
the
same
time
they
get
into
a
charter
school.
The
charter
schools
are
taking
and
welcome
these
students
in
and
they're
expected
to
increase
these
standards
to
a
state
level
that
is
just
completely
impossible.
H
Mr
morosso,
Mr
morato
also
mentioned
just
the
renewal
process
and
how
it
is
not
always
Equitable
across
the
board.
How
is
it
that
you
can
have
two
schools
that
are
up
for
Renewal
that
have
some
of
the
same
types
of
compliance
issues,
but
yet
the
authorizers
have
the
power
to
shut
down
one,
and
not
the
other,
and
we've
seen
time
and
time
again
that
the
one
that
gets
shuts
down
is
usually
the
one
that's
of
color,
and
so
there
is
just
this.
It
goes
far
beyond
accountability.
H
This
is
outright
racism
and
I'll
call
it
for
what
it
is.
It's
discriminatory
practices
based
on
implicit
bias
that
we
see
happening
to
our
people
because
of
the
way
we're
trying
to
operate
and
run
our
school.
It's
the
same
types
of
practices
that
we
see
happening
when
in
the
housing
market-
and
you
know
for
small
businesses,
black
and
brown
Charter
School
leaders
don't
get
the
same
amount
of
capital.
H
When
we
go
out
for
loans
to
open
businesses,
we
don't
get
the
same
amount
of
capital
when
we
open
up
Charter
Schools
so
across
the
board.
If
we're
going
to
talk
about
accountability,
make
sure
that
we're
talking
about
it
not
only
just
retired
schools,
but
when
we're
talking
about
public
schools
in
general
that
are
serving
these
kids
in
our
our
communities.
J
The
last
thing,
if
you
would
grant
me
permission
council,
member
Thomas
I'd,
just
like
to
add
to
Echo
what
my
colleagues
just
said,
is
that
we
need
to
change
the
culture.
You
know
that's
a
you
know
in
in
the
charter
school
office
like
if
the.
If
the
charter
school
remains,
as
is
the
culture
has
to
shift
from
you
know,
as
I
said
in
my
testimony,
that
that
would
do
a
lot
so
that
people
don't
feel
like
they're
having
to
be
evaluated
by
people
who
know
who,
who
they
know,
don't
want
them
there.
J
That's
the
feeling,
the
overall
sense
you
know
that
people
have
when
they're
being
evaluated,
unlike
other
authorizers
in
other
cities,
that
are
much
more
that
come
from
that
that
have
a
different
approach
and
are
much
more
supportive
in
their
evaluation.
So
it's
not
like.
Let
me
find
everything
that's
wrong
or
you
know.
Let
me
let
me
give
you
a
score
in
year,
2223
on
something
you
did
three
years
ago,
even
though
you
corrected
it
for
the
last
two
years.
That
makes
no
sense.
That's
currently
what's
happening
right
now
and
so
I
think.
A
A
J
A
B
M
M
Someone
mentioned
Martin,
Luther
King
and
as
a
graduate
of
Morehouse
College,
it's
important
that
we
keep
that
in
mind,
because
so
many
of
us
know
that
if
we
looked
at
some
of
the
traditional
measures
that
are
used
for
colleges
and
college
ratings,
Morehouse
College
would
not
be
very
highly
rated.
It
wouldn't
be
that
place
of
rarified
air
that
produced
the
Martin,
Luther
King,
and
so
many
others
and
I
think.
The
same
thing
is
happening
here
with
our
black
operated
charter
schools.
M
So
I'd
like
to
use
critical
race
Theory
to
frame
my
remarks
today
and,
as
you
know,
CRT
a
critical
race
theory
is
an
academic
framework
that
posits
that
racism
is
embedded
in
legal
and
social
systems
and
policies.
It's
not
necessarily
that
people
are
are
walking
around
meaning
to
be
biased,
but
these
systems
that
are
created
have
these
biases
embedded
in
them.
The
recent
Fair
funding
Court
decision
example
of
this.
M
President
Streeter,
who
has
been
very
vocal
in
advocating
against
the
unfair
funding
practices
and
I,
would
challenge
everyone
to
continue
that
vein
of
advocacy,
but
also
to
continue
that
same
day
and
of
advocacy
with
this
type
of
embedded
racism
and
bias
that
we
see
going
on
right
here
and
I'll
go
a
little
bit
further
to
discuss.
So,
let's
look
at
the
problem
very
quickly.
You've
heard
some
of
the
numbers
before,
but
let's
consider
this
from
2012
to
2017.
M
M
Let's
also
consider
that
in
2010
there
were
25
black
operated,
Charter
Schools
serving
about
11
900
students,
2021
23,
black
operated,
Charter
Schools
serving
14
600
students
about
a
2700
student
increase,
but
we've
lost
two
schools
and
we've
actually
lost
more
since
then.
At
the
same
time,
2010
to
21
there
were
35
non-minority
schools
and
that
increased
to
54.
M
their
enrollment
increased
by
27
000
students
or
over
300
million
dollars
annually
in
revenues.
So
if
we
understand
and
look
at
the
fact
that
black
operated,
Charter
Schools
hire
more
minority
teachers,
contract
with
more
minority
vendors
are
located
in
more
communities
that
represent
their
children.
Those
revenues
and
funds
that
we
are
intentional
about
making
sure
go
back
into
our
community
have
have
been
taken,
are
gone
so
there's
an
academic,
a
social
and
also
Financial
impact,
not
to
mention
the
simple
fact
of
the
message
that's
being
given
to
our
children
that
their
people
can't
educate
them.
M
They
were
all
non-minority
charter
schools
and
they
are
serving
5
100
students.
In
that
same
time,
period,
11
black
operated,
Charter
Schools
were
closed
and
there
served
4
800
students.
This
doesn't
look
much
like
a
coincidence.
It
looks
like
a
significant
problem,
so
I
could
go
on
and
on
to
talk
about
these
things,
but
I'd
like
to
share.
M
At
the
same
time,
there
was
a
white
operated
charter
school
that
had
lesser
test
scores
than
we
did
for
a
longer
period
of
time
that
had
not
made
ayp
back
then
when
we
had,
and
they
received
a
high
school
right
after
that,
we
received
a
charter
renewal
and
got
a
one-year
Charter
renewal
for
no
sensible
reason.
That
renewal
was
never
publicized.
M
After
that,
we
were
given,
what's
called
a
mid-year
Charter
renewal,
which
is
not
legal
anywhere
that
I
know
of
in
Pennsylvania,
but
we
got
it
and
our
school
in
2017
October
of
2017
was
voted
for
non-renewal.
Oddly
enough
three
months
after
voting
us
for
non-renewal,
the
school
district
gave
us
a
very
public
award
for
three
years
of
exemplary
growth
on
their
School
progress
report,
which
didn't
make
sense
to
us.
M
They
waited
eight
months
before
giving
us
any
type
of
a
hearing
notification
and
the
hearing
ultimately
ended
in
a
settlement.
We
were
able
to
work
through
that
settlement
and
get
to
a
point
where
we
could
go
through
renewal
again
and
in
that
renewal
period,
and
this
was
mentioned
by
some
others,
but
we've
experienced
it.
We
had
four
instances
where
we
had
higher
scores
in
a
categorical
rating
and
we
went
and
found
other
schools
that
were
rated
higher.
Despite
having
lower
scores.
M
And
so
I
can
tell
you
a
lot
of
different
stories.
I
can
have
other
colleagues
come
here
and
tell
you
stories.
I
can
have
former
colleagues
whose
schools
are
closed,
come
back
and
tell
you
stories,
and
the
stories
are
all
similar,
but
now
we're
speaking
our
stories
loudly
and
before
I
get
into
the
solutions.
I
think
you
have
to
know
that
we
want
to
simply
be
heard,
because,
if
any
other
group,
any
other
protected
class,
had
a
complaint
with
this
type
of
data
behind
it
would
you
feel
comfortable
with
the
same
people.
M
M
M
They
simply
recommend
it
that
school
is
now
often
irreparably
harmed
financially,
they
lose
staff,
they
lose
students,
they
lose
funding,
it's
an
important
decision
and
these
decisions
are
being
made
for
faulty
evaluative
processes.
So
what
do
we
do?
The
first
thing
that
we
have
to
do
is
what
you've
heard
we
need
to
create
an
independent
authorizer,
similar
to
those
found
in
New
York
at
SUNY.
I'll,
say
it
again:
we
need
to
create
an
independent
authorizer.
This
benefits
the
charter,
schools
and
I
believe
it
would
also
benefit
the
school
district
of
Philadelphia.
M
While
we
are
looking
at
an
independent
authorizer,
we
also
need
to
critically
examine
the
authorization
processes
to
identify
areas
of
bias
and
inefficacy.
We
need
to
do
this
collaboratively
the
charter,
school
movement,
city
council.
Various
stakeholders
should
be
involved
in
this
process
and
they
should
make
sure
that
there
are
people
who
have
actually
operated
charter
schools
that
actually
get
to
make
these
decisions.
M
There
must
be
a
more
holistic
evaluation
of
public
charter
schools
and
of
all
schools
charter.
Schools
are
here
to
provide
choice,
but
also
to
be
innovators
if
we
work
collaboratively
to
find
a
better
way
to
evaluate
schools
to
evaluate
all
schools,
this
can
be
something
that
starts
with
Charter
Schools
and
then
moves
into
the
district.
M
The
charter
renewal
process
should
be
consistent.
Schools
should
know
what
is
expected
at
them.
At
the
beginning
of
their
Charter
term-
and
it
should
not
change
year
to
year
to
year
to
year,
I've
been
through
a
number
of
Charter
renewals.
Since
our
school
started
in
2001,
I
can
tell
you
right
now.
No
two
renewals
have
been
the
same.
I've
been
through
three
renewals
since
2015,
which
I
think
is
a
record
and
all
three
have
been
different
and
that's
not
fair
and
that's
not
correct.
M
Most
importantly,
we
need
to
remove
the
US
versus
them
mentality
as
a
middle
school
operator.
I
get
students
that
come
to
me
from
public
schools,
private
schools,
charter,
schools
and
I,
look
at
those
students,
and
they
are
my
kids
and
when
they
leave
my
school
and
go
to
high
school
I,
don't
care
if
they
go
to
a
public
high
school,
a
public
charter,
high
school
or
private
school
they're.
M
Still,
my
kids,
and
if
we
look
at
this
as
if
we're
working
for
our
kids
in
our
city,
then
we'll
get
a
different
result
and
finally
I
urge
everyone,
especially
our
council
members
and
those
on
the
school
board
who
are
in
powers
of
position
positions
of
power.
Rather,
to
remember
that
this
is
not
a
charter
issue
right
now.
This
is
an
equity
issue
and
I
charge
each
of
us
to
fight
this
gross
example
of
inequity
with
the
same
Vigor
with
which
we
have
attacked
other
forms
of
bias
and
racism.
I.
B
N
All
right,
thank
you
so
much
and
then
I'll.
Let
go
what
others
have
said.
It's
an
honor
to
be
here
this
morning.
I
appreciate
this
panel
and
as
a
former
resident
of
Philadelphia.
What
happens
in
the
city
matters
deeply
to
me
and
what
happens
in
the
schools
matters
deeply
to
me.
So
it's
an
honor
to
be
here
before
I
get
started
into
to
my
remarks.
I
do
want
to
always
start
in
the
same
place
and
I.
N
I
want
to
start
by
sharing
some
research
that
I
did
and
then
I
want.
To
conclude,
with
with
some
of
my
experience,
I'm
a
faculty
member
currently
at
Auburn
University
in
the
College
of
Education
I've,
also
spent
the
last
four
years
as
part
of
the
Alabama
public
charter
school
commission,
which
is
the
Statewide
independent
authorizer.
So
I
have
some
some
remarks
and
some
thoughts
based
on
my
experiences
there.
N
N
We
did
some
interviews
with
with
approximately
60
parents
at
three
newly
opened
charter
schools
in
Alabama,
and
we
simply
asked
them
why
they
enroll
their
kids
there.
One
of
the
things
that
is
probably
important
to
know
is
that,
unlike
Philadelphia,
Alabama
has
a
relatively
new
Charter
School
sector,
the
first
school
open
its
doors
in
2017,
and
so
far
we've
had
two
schools
that
have
successfully
gone
up
for
Renewal,
there's
approximately
13
schools
currently
in
the
state,
and
that
is
something
that
is
growing.
N
But
we
were
very
interested
and
we
interviewed,
like
I,
said
60
parents
at
three
newly
opened
schools,
so
in
other
words,
these
are
schools
without
a
history.
These
are
not
schools
where
you
could
point
to
oh
well,
the
teachers
are
great
or
oh,
they
have
great
graduation
rates
or
great
test
scores.
These
were
schools
that
only
some
some
level
were
a
blank
slate.
N
The
one
thing
that
was
just
generally
known
is
that
you
know
the
school
leader
was
generally
known
by
the
people
who
were
enrolling
their
children
into
it,
and
what
we
found
was
that
parents,
they
didn't
care
about
a
lot
of
politics
around
school
choice
or
Charter
Schools
about
at
least
over
75
percent
of
the
parents.
We
spoke
with
knew
very
little
about
Charter
Schools
or
our
school
choice.
Politics.
N
They
simply
just
wanted
to
enroll
their
kid
in
a
school
that
they've
deemed
was
best
for
their
child
and
that's
kind
of
echoing
some
of
what
Majority
Leader
Jones
shared
earlier
in
his
remarks,
and
they
cared
about
the
same
thing.
All
parents
get
it.
They
cared
about.
Academics,
curriculum
safety
and,
most
importantly,
opportunity
for
their
kids,
so
I
think
it's
important
to
remember.
N
N
You
know,
I
guess,
excuse
me
so
I
think
that's
important
to
remember.
You
know
like
I
shared
over
the
past
four
years,
I
have
served
on
the
the
Alabama
Charter,
School,
commission
and
and
I'm
just
going
to
try
to
answer
to
the
best
of
my
ability.
You
know
this
question:
how
can
authorizers
ensure
they're,
making
fair
and
Equitable
positions?
Equitable
decisions,
particularly
for
schools
that
are
serving
children
of
color
in
schools,
led
by
leaders
of
color
and
I,
have
a
few
a
few
things.
I'll
share.
N
First
I'll
share
a
story
about
the
last
school
that
we
considered
during
my
tenure.
There
was
a
school.
There
was
a
small
town
in
the
southern
part
of
the
state.
It
was
highly
racially
divided
in
terms
of
residential
patterns,
and
the
same
thing
was
true
in
terms
of
the
the
achievement
gaps
that
existed
between
the
schools,
the
elementary
schools
on
and
the
the
quote-unquote
white
part
of
town.
N
They
did
pretty
fine,
that's
where
you
had
a
lot
more
affluence,
they're
located
next
to
the
country,
clubs,
that
kind
of
thing
and
then
on
the
other
side
of
town
where
it
was
mostly
communities
of
color
the
schools.
Their
metrics
were
honestly
abysmal
and
a
group
of
black
pastors
got
together
and
decided
that
they
were
tired
of
school
system,
failing
them
for
Generations,
so
they
spent
about
a
year
and
a
half
putting
in
some
really
good
work
and
applied
for
a
charter,
and
they
came
before
us.
They
had
at
their
public
hearing.
N
So
I
think
one
of
the
first
things
that
I've
learned
in
terms
of
how
do
we
make
sure
we're
making
fair
and
Equitable
Equitable
decisions?
Is
that
relationships
matter
and
that
people
matter
and
Community
input
matters
it's
in
similar
to
Dr
moranto's
remarks
about
Arkansas
earlier
Alabama
does
have
the
advantage
of
kind
of
a
smaller
ecosystem,
especially
when
we
have
so
few
schools
that
are
opened
currently
and
all.
But
two
of
our
Charter
School
leaders
are
people
of
color
I.
N
N
If
that
way,
they
had
a
voice,
they
always
had
a
voice
at
the
table
and
they
could
express
when
things
they
felt
things
were
inequitable
and
unjust
and
gave
us
an
opportunity
to
listen
and
hopefully
make
adjustments
I
think
having
a
transparent
criteria
with
this
is
something
that's
that's
been
said
by
several
before
me.
That
was
a
very
that
was
that
was
important
part
of
it.
We
always
relied
on
multiple
data
data
points
to
make
decisions
we
made
both
in
the
application
and
renewal
processes.
N
We
did
set
some
guard
rails
around
around
what
that
meant
in
terms
of
accountability,
but
we
gave
them
the
opportunity
to
succeed.
I
think
that
was
important.
We
listen
to
parents,
especially
a
renewal
process.
I
made
sure
that,
as
part
of
our
renewal
process,
we
held
focus
groups
with
parents
and
I
made
sure
we
asked
the
most
basic
question.
Would
you
re-enroll
your
kid
here
and
why
and
they
appreciated
having
that
voice,
I
think
that's
important.
N
N
I
think
that's
pretty
important,
but
most
of
all
I
think
it's
it's
important
that
we
make
sure
we
honor
the
voices
from
the
most
marginalized
communities
and
we
honor
the
voices
of
the
parents
who
are
making
the
decision
to
send
their
kids
to
these
Charter
Schools.
They
don't
make
it
lightly.
If
they
thought
there
was
a
better
school,
they
would
send
their
kid
to
a
better
school.
On
a
better
when
I
say
better
school
I
mean
better
school
for
their
kid.
You
might
have
a
family
with
two
kids
and
the
better
school.
N
Think
some,
the
really
the
success
that
he
had
was
Guided
by
pragmatism,
and
it
was
not
Guided
by
ideology.
He
he
believed
in
the
in
the
power
of
the
possible
the
power
of
the
possible
and
just
to
end
with
a
quote
from
him.
You
know
he
said
you
know
we
want
people
in
there
to
get
the
job
done,
who
who
get
youngsters
learning,
no
matter
what
it
takes,
we're
much
less
interested
in
beautiful
theories
that
explain
why
the
task
isn't
possible.
I
do
believe
it's
possible
that
all
in
my
remarks.
B
A
Sir
I'm,
here
before
president
President
Street
a
good
afternoon
at
this
point
now.
How
are
you
doing,
sir?
Thank
you
for
being
here
before
you
start
with
General
marks.
I
just
want
to
take
a
moment
to
recognize
that
councilmember
Mark
squilla
has
joined
us
good
morning
good
afternoon
colleague.
Thank
you.
I
just
want
to
make
sure
we
know
for
the
record
that
you're
here.
O
P
Good,
it's
all
good
good
brother,
so
good
afternoon.
Thank
you
for
inviting
me
here
today
to
join
this
panel
discussion.
I
would
like
to
First
say
thank
you
to
all
of
our
amazing
Educators
in
the
city
of
cities,
Public
Charter
School
sector
and
the
school
district
sector
who
wake
up
every
morning
and
decide
to
stand
in
a
breach
to
educate
our
amazing
Learners.
It
takes
a
special
committed
and
compassionate
person
to
educate
children.
That
many
believe
cannot
be
educated.
For
example,
many
said
the
same
thing
about
our
ancestors.
P
We
got
our
Collective
imagination
and
love
for
learning
has
been
one
of
the
bedrocks
of
our
culture
and
has
been
an
important
asset
that
ensures
that
we
endure
to
me.
You
represent
a
long
tradition
of
balance
aspiring
to
academic
excellence
and
institutional
Health,
while
ensuring
our
Learners
cultural
foundations
are
such
that
they
can
weather
the
storms
that
our
society
will
throw
at
them.
So
I
truly
appreciate
you
all
I
know
that
our
students
and
parents
also
care
deeply
about
academics.
P
I
have
heard
firsthand
from
students
and
parents
at
our
board
meetings
and
from
our
public
engagement.
The
board
has
done
around
the
superintendent
search,
the
superintendent's
listening
and
learning
tour
and
from
my
own
personal
engagement
community,
that
our
community
care
is
deeply
about
student
achievement.
In
addition
to
culture
and
climate,
they
say
that
they
value
academic
achievement
and
believe
that
is
critical
to
Student
Success
and
realizing
their
greatest
potential
in
life.
Hearing.
This
message
is
heartening,
because
the
board
shares
the
sentiment
and
is
dedicated
to
increasing
student
achievement.
P
I
know
that
you
would
like
to
hear
a
briefing
on
the
independent
investigation
into
allegations
of
racial
bias
and
Charter
authorizing
practices,
because
this
is
an
active
process.
I
cannot
discuss
it
to
a
full
extent
now
to
ensure
the
Integrity
of
the
to
ensure
that
the
of
the
Integrity
of
the
investigation.
P
My
reason
for
saying
this
is
because
I
would
not
want
to
unwittingly
impact
the
perceived
credibility
of
the
report,
nor
inadvertently
influence
any
Source
yet
to
be
explored
by
the
investigator.
Also
there
is
also
there
is
a,
but
also
there's
a
lot.
I
will
I
want
to
respond
to
here
publicly
that
was
stated
in
this
hearing,
but
against
to
maintain
the
Integrity
of
the
investigation.
P
I
aspire
to
not
also
I,
do
not
have
much
substantive
commentary
to
divulge
about
the
investigation
anyway,
because
it's
truly
independent
I
am
not
privy
to
the
specific
allegations.
Norwich
public
Charters
have
alleged
set
specific
allegations.
Despite
this,
the
Border
called
for
an
evaluation,
and
we
have
been.
We
have
worked
with
members
of
the
charter
school
sector
to
address
some
issues
relating
to
bettering
a
mutually
beneficial
relationship
between
all
stakeholders
involved.
P
We
are
now
working
in
good
faith
with
balerspar
a
philadelphia-based
law
firm
that
is
conducting
the
analysis,
and
we
are
committed
to
this
process.
In
fact,
the
board
is
investing
a
great
deal
of
time
and
energy
to
support
the
work
that
bowder
is
doing.
I
would
like
to
note,
however,
that
the
board
takes
allegations
of
racial
bias
very
seriously,
which
is
why
the
board
requested
this
investigation
into
specific
allegations
of
discrimination
and
any
analysis
as
to
the
discriminatory
effects
of
the
charter
authorizing
practices
more
generally.
This
is
the
scope
of
this
of
the
analysis.
P
Just
as
the
board
of
education
is
committed
to
student
achievement
on
the
district
side,
we
look
forward
to
continuing
to
build
a
strong
collaborative
relationship
with
our
public
Trotters
to
ensure
that
our
Learners
are
not
only
supported
by
a
climate
and
culture
but
are
also
supported
in
their
academic
Pursuits,
wherever
those
Pursuits
take
them
in
life,
whether
it's
College
entrepreneurship
and
or
the
Arts
and
entertainment
we
leave.
We
believe
that
the
charter
sector
is
also
waving
the
flag
of
student
achievement.
P
It
is
our
Collective
responsibility
to
come
together
and
serve
as
a
village
for
our
children
to
support,
educate,
protect
and
Inspire
them
to
reach
their
greatest
potential,
especially
when
they
face
daunting
challenges
to
their
success
and
well-being.
We
look
forward
to
continuing
these
Partnerships
and
working
with
you
to
do
this
critical
work
to
support
our
Learners
and
our
greater
Public
School
communities.
We
are
a
system
of
public
education
and
we
should
aspire
to
move
forward
with
that
top
of
mind
and
with
that
I'll
take
any
questions.
A
No
thank
you
I'm
here.
Thank
you,
Mr
President,
and
thank
you
to
this
entire
panel
for
your
line
of
questions.
I,
don't
see
any
questions
from
Council
Members
or
any
council
members
queued
up
in
the
chat
feature.
I
have
a
couple
questions
I
think,
first
and
foremost,
you
Mr
board.
President
I
think
that
it's
important
that
people
understand
when
you
became
a
board
member
and
when
you
became
president
of
the
board
so
for
just
for
the
context
purpose
of
the
audience
here.
Can
you
just
provide
that
information
for
everybody?
Yes,.
P
P
A
You
I
think
that's
important
in
context
for
today's
conversation,
based
on
and
again
president
Streeter
I
know
you
had
prepared
remarks,
but
I
know
you
also
had
an
opportunity
to
listen
to
a
lot
of
the
things
that
was
discussed
today,
both
from
a
history
from
a
Global
Perspective,
as
well
as
from
a
local
perspective.
I
wanted
to
give
you
an
opportunity
just
to
be
able
to
offer
any
I
mean
I
know
again.
A
P
So
that's
the
first
thing
I
think
is
important
for
the
record
and
also
for
those
families
to
understand
that
their
school
for
the
next
five
years
has
a
charter
number
two
I.
Think
one
of
the
one
of
the
things
that
Professor
Marshall
mentioned
are
things
that
I
believe
that
we
do
so.
For
example,
I
know
that
others
may
not
agree,
but
I
do
believe
that
the
expectations
are
set
forth
out
and
open
it
and
notorious
for
the
individuals
to
understand
what
really
trigger
a
non-renewal
decision
as
well.
P
P
We
do
things
such
and
that's
where
the
surrender
Clauses
and
conditions
come
in
right.
I
know
that
the
work
the
terminology
is
problematic
and
it
could
cause
some
heartburn,
but
that's
our
attempt
to
work
with
the
charter
founder,
not
a
Founder,
a
charter
holder
in
a
way
where
it's
not
always
the
Death
Note
right.
There
is
an
opportunity
for
us
to
work
together
to
figure
out
what
procedures
that
need
to
be
put
in
place
so
that,
hopefully,
that
that
could
be
taken
out
taken
out.
But
I
will
say
this.
P
While
the
evaluation
is
going
on
I,
don't
really
want
to
speak
to
the
whether
whether
the
allegations
that
I
heard
today
are
because
of
racism
or
whether
it's
flowing
from
the
district
itself
or
the
board
itself,
or
whether
it's
just
how
the
charter
school
law
is
found
is
is
constructed
in
Pennsylvania.
I
will
say
that
the
framework
is:
is
the
charter
school
offices
attempt
to
actually
codify
all
of
the
things
that
schools
are
required
to
do
and
put
it
in
the
framework?
P
That's
that's
housing
represented
to
me
so
I
think
that
with
that
is
with
that
being
said,
that's
something
I
think
we
should
consider
going
forward.
Also.
I
would
also
note
that
many
school
districts,
don't
in
the
city
in
the
state
of
Pennsylvania,
don't
have
a
charter
school
office.
That's
something
that
the
school
district
of
Philadelphia
and
the
Board
of
Education
invest
the
same
pot
of
money
that
we
all
share
to
create.
P
Think
the
intent
of
the
Board
of
Education
to
get
this
right
so
I'm
not
here
to
bash
anybody.
I'm
not
here
to
say
what
you
said
is
wrong.
I
do
believe
there
were
some
inaccuracies,
but
you
know
that
happens.
I
don't
want
to
minimize
people's
experiences
and
expectations,
but
I'm
here
to
listen
and
I,
really
looking
forward
to
the
evaluation
coming
out
and
then
I
think
that'll
be
appropriate
for
us
to
come
back
at
that
time.
Hopefully,
and
have
another
conversation
I.
A
Agree
with
you
board,
president
Streeter
and
I
would
like
for
either
you
or
Mr
Jones.
Well,
probably,
you
board
president
or
Mr
Jones
you're.
The
one
I
think
it's
important
that
we
talk
about
some
of
the
success
that
we've
had
already
and
I
think
that
the
listener
audience
and
those
that
care
about
this
issue
should
know
that
we
have
been
able
to
accomplish
some
things.
P
That
was
something
that
we
were
to
work
work
through
even
before
the
evaluation
has
come
out
and
we've
made
movements
in
the
charter,
school
office
or
the
charter
school
office
has
made
movements
and
made
and
to
to
fix
that
problem
right.
If
you
so
anytime,
there's
a
deadline,
Charter
Schools
will
not
be
will
not
will
get
the
same
Grace
that
that
they
should
get
as
it
relates
to
the
deadlines.
Right.
P
That's
number
one
number
two
there's
a
request
for
if
there
is
a
decision
that
might
be
coming
down
the
pipe
for
non-renewal,
that
there's
some
type
of
mechanism
where
the
charter
holder
knows
exactly
what's
coming
right,
so
there
is
no
surprises
finding
out
from
other
individuals
who
happen
to
be
watching.
The
meeting,
like
oh
wait,
a
minute
you're
up
for
not
renewal
and
things
of
that
nature.
P
So
we've
that
that's
another
thing
that
we've
also
before
you
know,
we've
agreed
to
make
sure
that
that
doesn't
happen
anymore
and
I
think
there's
also
some
movement
of
of
how
we
can
hear
directly
from
the
charter
holders
going
for
like
in
addition
to
what
we
hear
from
the
charter
school
office
as
well,
and
what
that
looks
like
that's
something.
That's
still
yet
to
be
determined,
but
I
think
those
are
two
examples.
Larry
am
I
missing
anything
good
brother.
M
But
I
also
think
that
some
of
this
the
work
we're
going
to
have
to
roll
up
our
sleeves
and
address
the
evaluations
and
the
evaluative
process,
including
the
framework
I
think
historically,
not
just
in
Philadelphia.
When
we
look
at
things
some
of
the
processes
and
and
Dr
moranto
or
Dr
Marshall
May
weigh
on
this
also
because
I
know
that
some
of
their
writings
deal
with
it
that
even
when
we
have
things
like
a
surrender
clause
or
an
automatic
closure,
I
believe
my
dad
is
correct.
M
I,
don't
want
to
misspeak
that
if
Dr
moranto
has
any
of
that
and
I
think
we're
starting
to
get
into
the
things
that
we
talked
about,
that
this
is
not
necessarily
people
wanting
to
do
the
wrong
thing,
but
these
are
systems
that
have
been
put
in
place
that
we
continue
to
put,
even
if
we
put
a
good
system
on
top
of
a
bad
system
and
a
bad
system
that
we're
getting
some
of
these
impact.
So.
E
I
think
you're,
absolutely
that
is
yeah.
That
is
absolutely
what
our
data
find
on
closures.
If
you
have
an
automatic
closure
provision,
it
it
disproportionately
harms
Block
Run
charter
schools
and
Charter
Schools,
serving
serving
mostly
blackheads.
That
is,
that
is
statistically
actually
absolutely
what
we
find.
It's
pretty
strong
finding
too.
O
P
So
the
investigation
is,
there
were
certain.
There
were
certain
explicit
allegations
of
discriminations
from
certain
Charter
holders,
I,
don't
know
which
Charter
holders
there
there
are
and
then
there's
also
another
allegation
that
the
system
itself
has
a
disparate
impact
or
tends
to
adversely
impact,
because
because
of
the
race
of
the
founder
and
or
the
the
the
educator
or
the
or
who's
running
the
school
as
well,
but
I,
don't
I'm,
not
sure
if
the
investigation
is
seeking
to
talk
to
comparators,
which
is
a
legal
term
of
art.
P
O
But
yet
are
looking
like
they're
getting
the
recommendations
to
not
approve
and
when
we
look
at
also
where
they
came
from
when
they
first
started
as
a
charter,
how
they
progressed
through
some
challenges
and
some
and
some
of
our
Renaissance
schools
that
we've
had
you
know
they
took
over
schools
that
were
probably
one
of
the
most
worst
performing
schools
that
we
had
in
in
the
district
and
then
con
are
progressing
if
they're
progressing
in
a
path
that
is
getting
better
each
time,
even
though
it
may
not
reach
a
standard.
Do
we
look
at
that?
P
Because
the
investigation
is
indeed
independent,
we
we
designed
it
this
way
so
that
we
wouldn't
be
on
as
the
board
putting
our
finger
on
the
dial.
But
those
are
all
great
points.
I
think
I,
think
I
think
those
are
all
great
points,
but
but
the
allegations
are
the
ones
that
we're
we're
looking
at
and
whether
the
system
itself
has
a
disparate
impact
because
of
because
of
the
race
of
the
founder,
I
mean
I,
think
anecdotal,
not
even
anecdotally.
P
From
my
perspective,
I've
been
on
the
board
for
two
years
and
I'm
not
sure
what
happened
before
I
was
on
the
board
for
two
years,
but
I
would
say
the
decisions
and
the
votes
that
I've
made
were
things
that
are
it
so
things
that
I
would
argue
are
not
because
of
race.
So,
for
example,
if
a
charter
school
is
unable
to
provide
certain
clearances
right,
I
think
that's
something
that
everybody
cares
about,
irrespective
of
who
the
founder
is
is
important
to
make
sure
children
are
safe.
P
You
know
allegate
allegations
individuals
serving
on
boards
who
might
have
had
some
criminal
backgrounds
that
preclude
under
under
state
law
precludes
individuals
from
serving
on
set
boards.
There's
things
like
that
that
I
believe
are
what
is
termed
a
legitimate,
non-discriminatory
reason
for
why
the
school
was
closed
and
I
think
we're
talking
about
disparate
impact
as
a
legal
framework.
I'm,
hearing
legal
terms
of
art
I
think
it's
important
for
me
to
also
explain
what
that
means.
P
When
you,
when
you
allege
desperate
impact,
the
data
is
the
thing
that
gets
you
into
the
door,
but
that's
not
the
end
of
the
analysis.
The
next
part
of
the
analysis
is
that
there's
an
opportunity
to
rebut
the
allegations
with
what
are
called
legitimate,
non-discriminatory
reasons,
and
then
whoever
is
the
one
alleging
the
Discrimination
has
to
then
show
that
that
was
all
pretextual
there.
P
May
that
those
reasons
aren't
real
reasons
and
they're
really
doing
it
because
of
race
I'm,
an
employment
discrimination
attorney
as
well
so
I,
I
kind
of
understand
the
terms
of
art,
but
with
that
being
said,
I
don't
want
to
minimize
the
impacts
that
it
is
having
in
real
world
and
I.
Would
argue,
as
a
black
man
living
in
America,
there's
almost
no
institution
that
we
show
up
to
as
black
people
where
we
have
the
requisite
resources
that
might
have
been
because
of
the
the
legacy
of
slavery
and
things
of
that
nature?
P
Jim
Crow,
you
know,
you
know
the
the
things
that
have
happened
to
our
communities
as
well,
so
I
understand
that
right,
so
I'm
trying
to
figure
out
is
it
the
district?
Is
it
the
Board
of
Education
or
is
it
or
is
it
that
the
resources
that
these
single-led
Charters,
which
I
think
councilmember
Jones,
spoke
about
that
they're
bringing
they're
not
bringing
enough
resources
at
the
outset?
And
it
causes
this
disparate
impact?
P
Is
it
the
framework
or
is
it
the
fact
that
maybe
the
less
resource,
Charter
Schools,
who
depend
almost
holistically
almost
completely
on
the
state
funding
in
the
city
funding
are
having
these
are
just
not
having
the
resources
to
kind
of
fill
that
back
office
and
stuff
like
that?
So,
while
the
bigger
yeah.
O
A
Councilman,
what
I
assure
you
is
that,
once
the
findings
are
out
we'll
come
back
on
the
same
platform
with
some
of
the
same
folks,
and
we
will
do
it
in
that.
We
will
have
an
in-depth
conversation
on
the
fightings
and
try
to
brainstorm
collectively,
both
in
the
hearing,
as
well
as
behind
the
scenes
to
figure
out.
What
do
we
do?
Based
on
the
report?
Findings,
that's
being
reported
so
that
part
of
your
question
I,
could
assure
you
right
will.
D
This
has
been
a
interesting
conversation
but
I'm
also
frustrated
Mr,
chairman
and-
and
this
is
more
of
a
comment
and
a
question
for
you
and
the
committee
I'm
hearing
some
of
the
very
same
frustrations
regarding
Charters
and
renewals
from
some
of
the
Latino
Charter
providers
in
my
community,
and
so
my
question
is
when
we
were
preparing
for
this
Committee
hearing,
were
some
of
my
Latino
providers
invited
to
participate
in
this
conversation
or
or
are
we
just
focusing
on
our
black
providers?
At
the
moment?
D
A
Earlier
in
the
conversation,
the
data
said
that
while
blacklight
institutions
are
only
about
20
of
the
actual
population
in
the
charter
sector,
black
LED
institutions
make
up
over
80
percent
of
the
closures.
What
I
can
say
is
as
chair
of
the
education
committee
and
based
on
the
work
that
we
both
do
together
and
everybody
else
in
this
education
committee.
We
know
we
represent
the
entire
city.
P
So
so
the
scope
of
the
investigation
was
to
include
other
minority
groups.
That
was
the
scope
of
the
investigation.
So,
but
you
know
I
can't
dictate
what
the
investigator
does,
but
that
was
the
scope
of
the
investigation.
So
I
think
the
board
has
an
interest
in
seeing
generally
if
our,
if
our
practices
have
a
disparate
impact
on
the
sector
in
whole.
But
we
do
appreciate
the
fact
that
the
Coalition
has
brought
this
to
our
attention
and
our
lead
in
the
fight
on
this
are
leading
the
discussion
on
this.
D
D
There.
They
have
expressed
frustration
as
it
relates
to
the
renewal
process
and
oftentimes,
not
really
knowing
where,
where
they
are
in
the
process,
and
so
you
know,
I
just
want
to
make
sure
that
I
put
that
on
the
record
and
I
know
that
we
were
talking
about
some
of
the
successes
and
what
some
of
the
steps
moving
forward
are
going
to
be.
D
If
we
can
also
include
in
that
the
the
ability
to
inform
families
when
Charters
are
going
to
be
or
are
not
going
to
be
considered
to
be
renewed
right,
oftentimes
they're,
the
last
ones
to
find
out
whether
they're
Charter
School,
that
is
within
a
walking
distance,
or
that
is
a
better
option
for
their
family
or
their
family's
option.
Right,
oftentimes
they're,
the
last
ones
to
find
out
that
there's
a
possibility
that
the
renewal
will
not
happen
and
they
are
in
in
they're.
A
J
J
J
Think
we
probably
need
to
make
sure
we
not
probably,
but
we
definitely
need
to
make
sure
the
information
that
is
not
just
going
to
the
schools
but
is
going
to
the
school
Community,
and
that's
also
what
students
said
as
well.
They
said
they
want
to
have
a
seat
at
the
table
too
too,
so
that
input
can
be
heard
directly
from
students
regarding
how
they
feel
about
the
schools
before
the
board
makes
a
decision,
and
I
would
just
like
to
sort
of
address
something
that
board
members.
J
You
know
there
are
schools
that
have
certain
experiences,
different
experiences
with
different
evaluators
and
and
and
and
not,
and
not.
Everyone's
experience
is
consistent
with
with
the
people
that
lead
that
office
and
so
for
us.
We
we
felt
if,
since
the
board
is
making
such
a
a
serious
decision
that
has
so
many
consequences
and
impacts,
so
many
children
and
families,
both
in
both
in
Ark,
in
in
the
black
community
and
and
and
especially
in
the
Latino
Community
as
well,
that
they
need
to
have
full
and
complete
information.
J
So
we're
really
excited
about
that
potential
change
in
in
our
process
and
and
hoping
that
that
will
give
board
members
Fuller
and
more
complete
information
before
they
before
they
make
such
a
consequential
decision.
That
can
impact.
So
many
children
and
so
many
families
so
just
wanted
to
add
that
Larry.
A
Thank
you
thank
you
for
your
remarks.
Mr
Jones
and
then
I'm
actually
wrong.
We're
not
going
to
wrap
the
hearing
up
we're
going
to
move
in
a
public
comment.
So
after
Mr
Jones
president
Streeter,
if
you
have
any
final
remarks,
I'll,
let
you
go
and
then
we'll
move
into
the
public
comment
component,
Mr
Jones.
Thank.
M
M
M
We
all
know
that
the
purpose
for
a
fist
is
not
to
hit
it's
simply
to
protect
the
fingers
and
finally,
I'd
like
to
say
the
council
member
of
Lazada.
We
have
had
Communications
with
our
Latino
brothers
and
sisters,
and
we
will
continue
to
have
those
conversations,
because,
wherever
there
is
any
form
of
inequity,
whether
it's
in
prison,
reform,
education,
Charter
Schools,
we
feel
that
we
have
to
be
ethical
and
moral.
We
can't
not
say
something
against
one
and
then
want
to
have
equity
and
justice
for
the
other.
It's
an
all
or
nothing
thing.
D
D
I'm,
sorry
I'm
sorry
I
just
wanted
to
say.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
Thank
all
of
you
right
for
your
reply.
I
I
was
getting
on
my
providers
for
not
being
present
here,
supporting
all
of
you
and
and
in
this
fight,
because,
like
I
said
earlier,
we
we
experienced
many
of
the
same
things
and
someone
in
in
in
their
testimony
mentioned
that
families
should
have
the
right
to
choose.
D
They
have
to
do
during
the
course
of
the
day
in
order
to
provide
for
their
families,
and
so
all
of
my
Charter
School
providers
have
founded
that
they
want
to
be
a
part
of
the
conversation
they
want
to
join
and
support
in
in
in
the
ability
to
do
whatever
is
necessary
to
make
sure
that
there
is
equality
in
this
process
and
that
there
is
fairness
and
so
I
just
wanted
to
make
sure
that
that
was
on
the
record.
Thank
you
all.
P
Yes,
we
do
understand
that
Charter
Schools
were
created
to
be
Innovative
and
and
and
have
a
level
of
Independence
that
District.
You
know
the
old
school
district,
brick
and
mortar
schools
don't
have,
but
I
have
heard
you
know
in
the
principals
and
public
schools.
I
know
brother
brother
Jones.
You
said
the
same
thing
you
have
kids
matriculating
in
and
out
of
the
charter
sector
and
the
public
sector
within
the
same
school
year,
and
you
know
issues
as
it
relates
to
student
achievement
and
academic
achievement.
P
I
understand
that
that's
a
loaded
term,
so
that
the
board
does
have
an
interest
in
ensuring
that
whether
a
mother
or
father
or
fictive
Ken
wants
to
matriculate
their
child
from
one
part
of
the
sector
to
the
other,
the
district
Charter
that
is
as
a
seamless
transition
as
possible,
but
again
understanding
that
the
allegations
that
have
been
made
the
board
took
it
seriously.
We
just
we
decided
we
could
have
ignored.
P
P
So
I'll
tell
you
also
straight
away
ish
discussions
about
how
much
money
this
might
save
the
district
that
never
even
comes
up.
In
the
conversation
we
make
these
decisions.
We
never
talk
about
oh
wow.
This.
Could
this
could
put
money
back
into
the
District
offers?
That's
not
even
something
that
we
even
talk
about.
It's
not
even
part
of
the
analysis.
The
discussion
I
don't
see
a
a
an
implicit
or
explicit
bias,
as
it
relates
to
to
Charter
author
raise
Rising
by
the
board
at
all.
P
Schools
well,
I
kind
of
do
take
a
little
umbrage
to
that
I
mean
I'm,
a
black
man
from
Philadelphia
with
the
Germantown
High
School
and
I
also
didn't
go
to
public
school.
My
whole
career
I'm,
still
living
the
same
community.
That
I
grew
up
in
six
of
the
nine
board.
Members
of
black
people
are
black
individuals,
one
is
latinx,
one
is
a
of
Asian
descent
and
one
is
a
one.
One
is
raising
a
diverse
child,
so
I
don't
know
if
that
bias
is
inherent
here.
P
A
Thank
you,
president
Streeter
I
appreciate
your
comments
and
as
we
well
as
we
close
out
I
want
to
first
ask:
are
there
any
questions
or
comments
from
members
of
this
education
committee
any
other
okay?
So,
as
we
close
out
our
conversation,
I
just
want
to.
First
of
all,
thank
everybody
for
today's
dialogue.
Excuse.
L
Q
K
A
C
Q
Q
My
name
is
Bernadette
peoples
and
I
just
want
to
talk
about
the
choice
that
parents
do
have,
but
if
the
parents
don't
have
the
opportunity
to
be
at
the
table
seat
at
the
table
to
when
all
the
arrangements
are
going
on,
I
had
the
opportunity
to
be
with
the
school
district
of
Philadelphia.
For
two
years:
ninth
and
10th
you
have
my
daughter's
education
and
I
had
to
see
opportunity
to
be
at
the
seat
with
the
charter
school
at
10th
and
11th
and
12th
grade
so
I
evaluated
the
both
seats.
Q
So
you
know
the
district
didn't
give
me
the
opportunity
to
be
at
the
table.
The
universal
companies
gave
me
opportunity
to
be
at
the
table,
so
I
can
be
along
learning
this
process
learning
what
parents
need
to
be
be
educated
about.
What's
going
on,
so
I
can
stay
there
to
help
my
child.
My
child
had
some
issues,
so
they
carried
me
along
the
way
to
get
me
to
be
able
to
come
and
speak
at
these
type
of
meetings.
So
I
can
learn.
Q
We
can
never
learn
if
we're
not
with
you,
because
we
don't
know
so
so
whenever
we
have,
with
all
the
diversities
and
all
the
things
that's
going
on
and
all
of
the
gun,
violence
and
everything
that's
going
on
here
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia
and
other
places.
Until
we,
the
people
we,
you
me,
we
have
the
opportunity
to
educate
our
families
in
different
ways,
and
everyone
to
be
educated
has
something
different.
Q
But
we
have
to
hear
what
other
people
are
saying,
and
sometimes
we
miss
the
opportunity
so
fast
and
we
don't
hear
see
how
the
young
men
see
how
you
all
gave
me
the
opportunity
just
to
speak.
It's
a
lot
going
on
no
one's
better
than
anyone,
but
whatever
suits
that
household,
whatever
the
need
is
for
their
household
allow,
the
parent
to
parent.
There
needs
to
be
educated
on
what
it
is
for
them,
and
then
we
could
come
together.
I've
been
in
the
system
with
the
charter
school
14
years
now.
Q
Q
Q
A
A
Myself.
As
the
chair
of
the
education
committee,
president
Streeter,
as
the
chair
as
the
president
of
the
school
board,
you
can
even
throw
our
superintendent
there
a
lot
of
the
heads
in
the
leadership
that
we're
seeing
right
now
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia
weren't
in
place
when
a
lot
of
these
decisions
were
made.
So
what
what
we
all
look
like
as
African-American
folks
leading
this
conversation
as
well
as
school,
board
members
and
other
decision
makers?
A
What
we're
hearing
is
this
is
a
problem,
that's
happening
in
Black
communities
all
across
the
country.
Now
the
reason
that
the
problem
exists
can
be
unique
to
what
we're
facing
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia,
but
something
is
going
on
in
the
water
as
it
relates
to
black
and
brown.
Folks
and
I
truly
appreciate
everybody
for
being
a
part
of
this
conversation,
because
I
think
what
we're
doing
is
we're
we're
number
one
willing
to
listen
to
people
when
they
tell
us
that
they
have
an
issue
number
two.
A
What
we're
willing
to
also
do
is
to
say
if
there
is
an
issue,
we
don't
want
that
issue
to
exist.
We
want
to
actually
Rectify
it
and
I
think
that
those
are
important
steps
to
take
when
you're
trying
to
solve
any
systemic
problem
that
existed
long
before
any
of
us
got
the
seats
and
the
titles
that
we
have.
So
thank
you,
everybody
for
today's
conversation,
I'm
going
to
step
back
into
being
the
chair
of
this
committee
and
I'm
going
to
say
to
just
say
one
more
time
formally.
A
R
C
R
Okay,
this
is
Ashley
Redfern
I'm,
the
CEO
of
American
Paradigm
schools.
We
are
the
charter
management
organization
that
manages
Memphis
Street
Academy
Charter
School,
a
school
that
predominantly
serves
African-American
and
Hispanic
students
in
Port,
Richmond
Memphis,
currently
outperforms
the
national
growth
standards
in
standardized
testing
by
18
and
has
transformed
a
school
once
known
as
Jones
jail
into
a
community
resource
and
Safe
Haven.
R
The
school
district
is
attempting
to
close
Memphis
Street
Academy.
However,
we
have
filed
two
complaints:
a
legendary
systemic
racial
bias
by
the
district
and
its
Charter
authorization
pract
practices.
A
lot
of
things
have
been
already
stated
here
in
this
hearing,
but
our
first
complaint
was
filed
with
the
Pennsylvania
Human
Resources
relations
commission
and
the
second
with
the
eastern
district
of
Pennsylvania.
R
G
A
Let's
try
this
one
more
time,
any
other
questions
or
comments
from
members
of
the
committee
there
being
no
further
questions
or
comments
from
members
of
the
committee
and
no
other
witnesses
to
testify
will
ask
that
if
anyone
president
is
hearing
whose
name
has
been
failed
to
call
that
wishes
to
offer
testimony
on
a
resolution
being
considered
to
that
Eric
Nunn
I
want
to
thank
all
the
panels
and
Witnesses
for
their
participation.
Today
we
value
your
opinions
and
this
concludes
the
business
of
the
committee
of
Education.
A
We
will
now
recess
the
hearing
at
the
Quality
chair
because
we
do
reserve
the
right
to
revisit
this
conversation
in
the
near
future,
based
on
the
findings
that
we
anticipate
have
concerned.
Thank
you,
colleagues.
Thank
you
to
all
the
panelists.
Thank
you
to
the
school
board
president
for
participating
today
and,
most
importantly,
thank
you
to
the
teachers,
the
Educators,
the
people
who
work
with
our
children
on
a
consistent
basis
and
I.
Honestly,
what
warm
my
heart
is
having
the
young
people.
C
A
So
anytime
we
can
have
young
people
participate
in
our
dialogue.
I
always
think
that's
great
I
didn't
get
a
chance
to
ask
them
questions,
but
I'll
catch
them
next
time,
so
young
people
I'm.
Looking
for
you.
Thank
you,
everybody
for
all
your
hard
work
and
colleagues.
Thank
you
for
hanging
this
one
out
for
the
last
couple
hours.
We
are
very
much
appreciated
have
a
blessed
day.
Everybody
foreign.