PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia School Board has voted not to renew the charter of a school in Southwest Philly, citing academic, financial and organizational shortcomings.
The board voted Thursday night not to renew the charter of Global Leadership Academy Southwest at Huey, a K-8 school with 600 students. Board President Reginald Streater pointed to substandard scores on state tests.
“This charter school has had poor student performance, with only 7% of the GLA-Huey students attaining proficient or advanced scores on the math PSSA exams,” he said.
There were similar scores in reading and science, Streater said. The board, which authorizes charters in the city, also cited financial and governance deficiencies at GLA.
“The school has shown insufficient cash on hand to meet required standards. In such a fragile financial position, the school could quickly become unable to pay staff,” he said.
The school’s principal, Dr. Zenobia Story, said the board should consider that early data show the school is making academic progress.
“These are not just percentages. They represent scholars who are learning more today than they were four years ago,” she said. “When a school demonstrates growth, embraces accountability and develops a clear plan for improvement, the response should not automatically be closure.”
The board voted 8-0, with one abstention, not to renew the school’s charter. The vote doesn’t mean the school has to immediately close, but it begins a hearing process on the school’s future.
