Dive Brief:
- The Philadelphia School Reform Commission has approved five new charter schools that are expected to open next year.
- The SRC, which was appointed by the state in 2001 to deal with the district's low test scores and tight finances, has not considered new charter schools in seven years.
- Reuters reports that about 80 people showed up to protest the decision, arguing that the allowance of charter schools is just another way to chip away at the foundations of the traditional school district.
Dive Insight:
Interestingly, new Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf opposed the vote for the new charters. According to Reuters, a statement from Wolf's office said, "The Wolf Administration continues to believe that the district's financial situation cannot responsibly handle the approval of new charter schools."
The commission's decision to open new charter schools comes at an interesting time, especially as it is already embroiled in a battle with the city's teachers union over a decision to exit union contracts in October. Given that unions are typically opposed to charter schools, the decision is definitely another step toward strained relations.