PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — On the campaign trail, Democratic mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker talked about her proposal for year-round school. The Philadelphia schools superintendent plans to test the idea.
When Superintendent Tony Watlington delivers his five-year strategic plan to the Philadelphia Board of Education next week, a pilot program for year-round school will be part of it. It is not yet known how many schools may take part in the pilot.
“I am looking forward to partnering with the next Mayor of Philadelphia to accelerate academic improvements so that our City’s youngest residents can realize any future they desire,” Watlington said in a statement to KYW Newsradio.
Year-round classes may have been part of her education platform, but Parker has not outlined how she would pay for it. Classes in the summertime could also pose a problem for the more than 100 Philadelphia school buildings that aren’t fully air conditioned.
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A spokeswoman for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers declined to comment on the concept, or whether such a pilot would need to be negotiated with the teachers union.
The school board is expected to vote on Watlington’s five-year plan next Thursday.
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