Last month, the incoming Board of Education completed a five-part Listening Tour consisting of public feedback sessions across the city. At the sessions, Board members listened while Philadelphians – students, educators, parents, and community members – shared their hopes, ideas, and concerns about Philadelphia schools.

PPCE took notes on those discussions, and used them to create a final report for the Board. 

While this report was written to help the Board prepare for their new role, we encourage the public to read it as well. The report summarizes the education issues most important to the Philadelphians who came to the sessions. According to the report, these are:

•        Transparency
•        Accountability
•        Community engagement
•        Funding and equity
•        Charter schools
•        Facilities
•        Climate and culture
•        Educational quality and programs
•        Behavioral health, disciple and bullying
•        Special education
•        Support for immigrant communities

The report describes these themes – and other issues that matter to Philadelphians – in detail.

The Board will discuss the listening tour at their first public meeting, which will take place Monday July 9 at 5:00 p.m. at the School District Auditorium (440 N. Broad Street).

Thanks to Penn Project for Civic Engagement for their support with the tour, and for putting together this thoughtful report!