LIVE STREAMING

Governor Corbett goes to Central

For the first time, Governor Tom Corbett will step foot in a Philadelphia district school, but he may not get a warm welcome. 

MORE IN THIS SECTION

Expectations for Change

Beyond the statistics

Celebrating Year-Round

Community Colleges

Changes in the political

SHARE THIS CONTENT:


For the first time, Governor Tom Corbett will step foot in a Philadelphia district school, but he may not get a warm welcome. 

Governor Corbett will visit Central High School tomorrow morning to recognize the school for its high achievement. Protestors are planning to meet the governor before the school day and at 10:00 AM

In an open letter to the governor, Central staff expressed that his administration should not receive credit for student success. They argued that students would achieve against all odds, thanks to dedicated and resourceful families, teachers and alumni, but not for much longer if cuts continued.

"Education provides a way for students, especially those most disadvantaged, to fulfill the dream of equality," the letter stated. "We call for an end to policies that marginalize our neediest students."

Staff demanded a fair funding formula, School Reform Commission accountability, support for teachers' contracts and re-hiring cut employees.

More than 130 Central alumni also signed an open letter to current Central students, encouraging them to stand up to Governor Corbett. 

"This is clearly a self-serving political move on his part," the letter's author, Philip Lindsay, wrote. "Just in time for the 2014 election."   

A magnet school in Philadelphia's Olney section, Central High School is regarded one of the best in the city, state and country. Due to recent budget cuts, the school has lost four counselors and is down to two for the school's 2,400 students who must navigate through college plans and financial aid applications. In addition, Central's nationally-recognized Barnwell Library was shuttered at the start of this school year, only opening after an anonymous philanthropist donated $205,000 in October. 

The staff has felt the effects of the state's education cuts as well. Across the district and state, librarians, nurses, secretaries and aides were let go to open schools last September. 

Be sure to follow AL DIA on Instagram and Twitter for live photo and video updates tomorrow morning throughout the protests during the governor's visit. 


  • LEAVE A COMMENT:

  • Join the discussion! Leave a comment.

  • or
  • REGISTER
  • to comment.
  • LEAVE A COMMENT:

  • Join the discussion! Leave a comment.

  • or
  • REGISTER
  • to comment.
00:00 / 00:00
Ads destiny link