PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An influential nonprofit that gives money to Philadelphia schools is getting a new leader, one who sees opportunity for reimagining the educational experience.
Dr. Stacy Holland has been selected as the next executive director of the Philadelphia School Partnership.
Holland brings a deep resume to her new job. Over three decades, she has led the Lenfest Foundation, headed strategic partnerships for the School District, and served as CEO of the Philadelphia Youth Network.
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“The goal is that all of these sectors have to work together,” Holland said.
“Everybody has a role in improving the experiences that young people have in the education space. So my journey has allowed me a glimpse into all the different roles that are needed in order to support a thriving education system.”
In July, Holland takes the reins of PSP, a nonprofit that has given more than $120 million to charter, district, Catholic and private schools.
Holland says as schools emerge from the pandemic, she sees a chance to reexamine education.
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“I actually see a lot of opportunity,” she said.
“I think we are in the moment where it gives us the ability to reimagine and to hear very deeply what schools need, what educators need, what families need. And that we now can think very creatively about how to make sure that we meet those needs.”
Holland said she wants PSP to promote successful practices in all schools.
“There are lots of schools, lots of educators that are doing exciting things, but now we have to spread that story,” she said.
“We have to spread that practice, and my hope is that PSP will be a catalyst to spreading those good practices so we can accelerate the numbers of schools that are moving toward high quality.”
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Some education watchers have criticized PSP for fostering the privatization of education, but Holland said PSP supports all students.
“There are kids that are in all three of these systems. They’re in the charter system. They’re in the public system. They’re in the diocesan system. And so we have to pay attention to all three equally,” she said.
“I see us working to make sure that we’re creating the conditions so that happens. But it’s in all three sectors and not one versus another.”
Holland will succeed Mark Gleason, who has led PSP since its establishment in 2010.