The Philadelphia Board of Education made a significant decision on Thursday by voting to approve the Early College Charter School of Philadelphia, marking the first new charter school approved in nearly ten years.
This decision came during a heated board meeting filled with community stakeholders expressing both support and concern.
Board members expressed that they felt “obligated” to approve the charter school application, noting that it met all necessary standards according to Pennsylvania’s charter school law.
Despite this obligation, apprehensions regarding the new school’s potential financial impact on the district were evident among the board members.
In a decisive 8-1 vote, the board endorsed the Early College Charter, signifying a key moment for the educational landscape in Philadelphia and a considerable victory for advocates of the charter school movement.
Supporters of charter schools have often criticized the board’s previous resistance to new charters, which they believe limits educational opportunities.
Conversely, critics argue that charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately run, frequently fall short of their commitments to students.
Earlier this year, in February, the board turned down Early College Charter’s initial application, sparking backlash from various public officials and community advocates.
Following the rejection, the founders of Early College Charter revised their application, leading to Thursday’s approval.
Board President Reginald Streater indicated uncertainty about his vote until the very last moment before the decision.
Ultimately, he voted in favor of the new charter but reminded the school’s founders of the need for a collaborative relationship moving forward.
“You spoke of excellence,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of proving those claims.
Streater acknowledged the challenges outlined by Pennsylvania’s charter school law, particularly considering the district’s historic underfunding and ongoing teacher shortages.
During the meeting, numerous charter advocates, parents, and community activists shared their enthusiasm for the school’s mission, asserting it would provide critical opportunities for underserved students.
Keshema Davidson, designated to be the school’s CEO, conveyed confidence that their proposal met legal requirements and addressed community needs.
In sharp contrast, board member Joyce Wilkerson cast the sole dissenting vote, raising concerns about the existing vacancies in both charter and district schools and the overall stress on the current educational resources.
“It is inconceivable to me,” Wilkerson remarked, referencing the added strain on resources that could result from approving a new school.
The vision for Early College Charter is to create Pennsylvania’s first open-enrollment middle and high school focused on early college achievement, where students would graduate with a high school diploma along with college credits or industry-recognized certifications.
Founders emphasize that their model draws inspiration from successful initiatives in other states, yet is specially designed for the unique context of Philadelphia.
Although supporters present compelling arguments for the new charter, critics remain skeptical about the promises made by previous charter leaders that have often resulted in disappointment for the district.
Robin Cooper, president of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, cautioned against repeating past mistakes, highlighting concerns over unfulfilled commitments from charter entities.
Similarly, LeShawna Coleman from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers criticized the board’s decision, emphasizing the realities of impending district school closures and the teacher shortage.
“Proposing any new charter is irresponsible,” she asserted, urging caution in light of the difficulties already facing the district.
Scheduled to commence operations in the fall of 2026, Early College Charter’s approval reflects a significant shift in charter school policy in Philadelphia.
Amid discussions, a crucial issue surfaced: if a charter application fulfills all technical requirements, does the board have the duty to approve it, despite concerns about financial repercussions?
Thursday’s vote has seemingly answered this pressing question.
When examining Early College’s application prior to February’s vote, board members did acknowledge positive aspects yet chose to reject it.
The subsequent rejection prompted mobilization among families and political actors, strengthening support for the charter.
The district’s charter office affirmed that the revised application from Early College addressed previously highlighted concerns, contributing to its approval.
Although the board had not granted a new charter since regaining local control in 2018, it had opted to renew existing charters and expand seats at established schools.
The past years have seen various scandals, disappointing academic outcomes, and unmet commitments within the charter sector.
Reports indicate that the district’s charter schools generally produce student performance levels comparable to those in traditional district schools.
Additionally, financial obligations related to charter payments have exacerbated the district’s struggles to manage expenses, as noted by Fitch Ratings.
Since the district cannot independently raise tax revenue, budget constraints remain a significant issue, influencing board decisions to deny several charter applications.
Wilkerson previously characterized the creation of new charter schools as an “imprudent risk” during discussions surrounding the decision to reject Early College Charter in February.
Yet, even amid skepticism, certain charter schools have garnered approval for their successful models, becoming popular options for families across Philadelphia.
Currently, out of the district’s approximately 198,300 students, around 64,000 are enrolled in 81 brick-and-mortar charter schools, with an additional 14,250 attending cyber charters.
While Mayor Cherelle Parker has not explicitly called for increased charter growth, she has expressed a desire to end the competitive dynamics between charter schools and the district.
In conjunction with this vote, the school board is reevaluating its charter authorization process under an initiative known as Project RiSE, recently securing funding for research into best practices in charter authorizing.
Despite these initiatives, critics contend that many conversations regarding charter approvals have not involved sufficient public input.
Davidson and Winter, the founders of Early College Charter, distinguish themselves as atypical charter leaders, having previously held administrative roles at Cristo Rey High School, a respected institution in the city.
They aim to establish a single high-quality school rather than create a broad charter network and have committed to maintaining no selective admissions criteria.
Although Parkway Center City offers a similar focus on early college programs, it operates under a selective admissions model, limiting access to students.
In contrast, Early College Charter intends to utilize a lottery process for admissions while centering outreach on students from economically challenged areas.
Davidson firmly believes that new public school models like Early College are vital for addressing the educational needs of families, stating, “Waiting while we fix things will mean that we have an entire generation of children that have not gotten access to a high-quality education.”
Winter echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of being open to collaboration and innovation in Philadelphia’s educational landscape.
As discussions about improving education continue, the board faces the challenge of integrating new schools while managing current resources and commitments effectively.
The fate of Early College Charter may serve as a catalyst for further dialogue about the future of education in Philadelphia.
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