Mike Herbstman

The School Reform Commission meeting addressed several key resolutions. SRC-1 adopted the 2017-2018 public meeting schedule. SRC-2 authorized a limited contract process for professional services and site licenses not exceeding $20,000 each, with an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,000,000. SRC-3 involved the adoption and amendment of several policies related to conduct, disciplinary procedures, educator misconduct, staff employment, tuition charges, bank accounts, investment of funds, and volunteers. SRC-4 reviewed policies on food allergy management, creating positions, superintendent employment, employment contracts, compensation plans, personnel files, budget planning and adoption, gifts and donations, scholarships, safety, and parent/family engagement. SRC-5 amended a memorandum of understanding with the City of Philadelphia for inspector general services. SRC-6 recommended the termination of professional employees. SRC-7 authorized the levy and assessment of taxes (real estate, use & occupancy, school income, and liquor). SRC-8 addressed the application for charter renewal of Eastern University Academy Charter School, including a review of academic performance and compliance issues, leading to a proposed public hearing on nonrenewal. SRC-9, SRC-12, SRC-13, and SRC-14 dealt with proposed charter amendments for Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School, Keystone Academy Charter School, Philadelphia Electrical & Technology Charter School, and Tacony Academy Charter School, respectively, with decisions on whether to approve or deny the requests. SRC-10 authorized a name change for General David B. Birney Charter School. SRC-11 was withdrawn. SRC-15 approved a charter amendment for Mathematics, Science and Technology Community Charter School (MaST) with conditions.

The School Reform Commission meeting covered various topics, including the revocation of Khepera Charter School's charter (with a 30-day public comment period), updates on school openings and attendance initiatives, and remarks from the Superintendent on literacy programs, attendance improvement efforts, and the upcoming High School Fair. The meeting also included presentations on the school selection process and policy updates from the Policy Committee. Several resolutions were presented and approved, covering personnel matters, policy adoptions, contract ratifications, and capital and operating budget items. Public comment included numerous statements both supporting and opposing the SRC's continued existence.

The School Reform Commission meeting addressed several key proposals. These included student expulsion resolutions for multiple students (L.C., J.M., L.M., R.M., Z.M., and B.W.), each outlining specific findings and consequences. The meeting also involved the adoption of the 2014-2015 District-wide Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the 2015-2016 Academic Calendar. Further resolutions covered the agreement for Arise Academy High Charter School to surrender its charter and close, various personnel appointments and terminations, capital fund authorizations for change orders and contracts, lease renewals, and numerous contracts related to professional services (geotechnical, environmental, hazardous waste management), furniture and equipment purchases, and facility improvements. Finally, the meeting included resolutions concerning contracts for utility billing audits, warehouse/moving workers, financial systems analysis, budget system hosting, and various other operating budget items.

The School Reform Commission meeting focused on the authorization of refunding existing debt (Series 2009C and Series F, G, and H of 2010 bonds) by substituting new letters of credit. The Chief Financial Officer provided an overview of the resolution, which involved the issuance of new general obligation refunding bonds (Series A, B, and C of 2016) to refinance existing debt. The resolution detailed the terms of the bonds, including maturities, interest rates, redemption provisions, and sinking fund arrangements. The meeting also included the approval of previous meeting minutes and a discussion of the process for executing new letters of credit.

The School Reform Commission meeting addressed various topics, including policy updates (SRC-1, SRC-2), approval of the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 academic calendars (SRC-3, SRC-4), personnel matters (A-1), contracts for unemployment compensation administration (A-2), deferred compensation plan consulting (A-3), change orders (A-4), capital awards (A-5, A-6), moving services (A-7), donations for school renovations (A-8, A-9), authorization for school planning forms (A-10), architectural design services (A-11), and public comments regarding various school-related issues.