PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia school board member Joyce Wilkerson will keep her seat, despite City Council’s efforts to keep her from remaining on the board.
The city charter gives the mayor the power to appoint board members “with the advice and consent of a majority of council members after a public hearing.”
Last week, City Council approved eight of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s nine school board appointees but refused to consider Wilkerson. They declined to say why but charter school advocates had been lobbying against her.
Members wouldn’t even agree to a roll call vote on the matter proposed by Council member Curtis Jones.
“We’re not allowing the mayor to have the benefit of the doubt. If you’re asking her to cook the meal, she should be allowed to buy the groceries,” he said.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson sought to force a new nomination by withdrawing the resolution nominating Wilkerson.
“We are looking forward to receiving the name of a new nominee for the School Board of Philadelphia from the Parker Administration as soon as possible,” Johnson said.
But, as Wilkerson left council chambers surrounded by supporters, a Parker deputy handed her an envelope with a letter from the mayor inside.
“As no one has been confirmed to replace you, I hereby request that you continue your service to our children as a member of the board beyond that date,” the letter read.
Wilkerson said she’s delighted and looks forward to continuing to serve on the board. A spokesperson says council doesn’t think the mayor can simply keep Wilkerson on the board but won’t comment until it studies the matter further.