UPDATE December, 12, 2020: The Educational Nominating Panel will hold its public meeting on Wednesday, December 16 at 3:00 p.m. to recommend nine candidates to serve on the Board of Education for the School District of Philadelphia.

The meeting will be held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic.

82 individuals applied to serve on the School Board. As required by the Education Supplement to the Home Rule Charter, the Mayor shall convene the 13-Member Educational Nominating Panel to recommend possible Board of Education candidates to the Mayor, who will make appointments subject to City Council’s advice and consent.

The following individuals have signed up to deliver testimony:

  1. Bilal Qayyum
  2. Karel Kilimnik
  3. Dana Carter
  4. Lynda Rubin
  5. Lisa Haver
  6. Stacey Mandel
  7. Jennifer Byiers
  8. Diane Payne
  9. Tonya Bah
  10. Jemille Duncan

The Educational Nominating Panel is now accepting applications for the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Applications are due by Sunday, December 6 at 11:59 pm. 

The Board of Education is charged with the administration, management, and operation of the School District of Philadelphia. As part of the Board of Education, members will be expected to work collectively to oversee all major policy, budgetary, and financial decisions for the School District. Among other duties, the Board of Education will appoint and evaluate the Superintendent of Schools, adopt the annual operating and capital budgets, authorize the receiving or expending of funds, and authorize charter schools. In addition, Board of Education members will be expected to attend regular monthly public meetings, biannual meetings with members of City Council and the Mayor, hearings, committee meetings, and regular visits to public schools.

This is an unpaid position which demands many hours of dedicated service each month, both at in-person meetings and in preparation for meetings.

Legal qualifications

Board of Education members must be the following:

  • A citizen of the Commonwealth.
  • Of good moral character.
  • At least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • A resident of the City for at least one (1) year prior to the date of appointment.

Board of Education members cannot be the following:

  • Someone who holds an office or position of profit under City government.
  • An employee of the School District of Philadelphia.
  • Someone who holds any of the following offices:
    • County Commissioner.
    • District Attorney.
    • City Treasurer.
    • Member of Council.
  • Someone who has been removed from federal, state, or local office of trust or profit for any malfeasance.
  • Someone who has already served on the Board for three full terms.
  • Someone who serves on the board of trustees of a charter school located in the City of Philadelphia.

Personal qualifications

In addition to the legal requirements set forth above, the ideal candidate for the Board of Education for the School District of Philadelphia will:

  • Display a demonstrated commitment to the education of our City’s youth and to ensuring Philadelphia has quality schools in every neighborhood.
  • Have demonstrated integrity and commitment to properly disclosing and handling conflicts of interest where they may arise.
  • Be able to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders who hold the diverse points of view that exist in Philadelphia’s education community.
  • Understand the challenges of urban education and be dedicated to the betterment of all Philadelphia schools.
  • Be knowledgeable in at least one of the following areas: financial, legal, or business management of a large institution; the City’s district and charter school system; current educational and instructional philosophies; school administration; community affairs; social services, and/or public housing.
  • Have, or had, a child attend a District-run or public charter school, or have themselves attended a District-run or public charter school.
  • Represent the diversity of the City of Philadelphia and be devoted to all aspects of diversity and inclusion.
  • Have experience with financial management of large institutions or equivalent experience that will prepare them to oversee the School District of Philadelphia’s close to 3 billion dollar annual budget.

Translated versions of this job description are available. 

How to apply

The Mayor’s Office will share all applications with the Educational Nominating Panel for consideration.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, all applications will be collected virtually. Individuals who are interested in applying to the Board of Education can do so using this online form which is also available at bit.ly/BOEapplication. The deadline for applications is Sunday, December 6 at 11:59 pm. 

Attend the Board of Education Nominating Panel meeting or submit a comment

The Board of Education Nominating Panel will hold a public meeting on November 17 at 3 p.m. In light of the current restrictions related to COVID-19, this will be held as a virtual meeting via Zoom. The public is invited to participate. You can register for the meeting here.

You may submit written comments through this form by December 3 at 5 p.m.

Are you interested in serving on the Board of Education?
Register to attend the Board of Education Nominating Panel Public Meeting