PHILADELPHIA— Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney released the following statement regarding the tentative contract settlement between the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT).

“Schools that attract and retain quality teachers are essential to the success of the District and of Philadelphia. Over the last few years, we’ve seen how the absence of a contract has jeopardized the District’s hard-won stability and hurt our city’s ability to attract business and families. Today we are taking an important step for students, teachers and Philadelphians.”