Philadelphia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Philadelphia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
School District meal quality
Students described moldy sandwiches, spoiled milk, and inedible lunches and urged the School District to overhaul meal quality. Council held the resolution but adopted a separate resolution authorizing joint hearings on district meal policies.
Charter school transparency hearings
Council authorized hearings on charter school funding, authorization, and renewal practices. Councilmember Lozada said roughly 64,000 traditional charter students and 14,000 cyber charter students deserve answers about uneven renewal terms.
School closure plan opposition
The mayor-appointed school board planned to vote the same evening on closing schools including Lincoln High, which serves many students with disabilities. Parents, students and nearly every Councilmember urged the board to postpone or vote no, with threats of opposing future board reappointments and possible legal action.
Philadelphia's literacy crisis
A long lineup of literacy nonprofits testified that 70% of fourth graders read below grade level. Council declared March National Reading Month and honored organizations working on adult and childhood literacy.
Black student enrollment at special admission schools
Council authorized hearings on why Black enrollment is falling at the School District's special admission schools.