This is information from the Public School Notebook on the hearings held by the Edison School Co. on the Phila. School District. The meeting scheduled for yesterday was, of course, canceled due to the monumental tragedies that occurred. But the information from the "Notebook" is interesting and useful and I recommend that those interested in public schools subscribe. 1) The final community hearing in connection with Edison Schools' $2.7 million study/report for the governor on the School District is this Tuesday evening at 6:30 -- the last scheduled opportunity for public comment. Edison's contract specifies that a draft of their report is due to be completed by this Friday, with the final report due at the end of the month. Opponents of privatization of the School District are putting out a call to join a rally Tuesday from 6 to 6:30 pm outside of Ritter Hall at Temple University before the start of the Edison forum. There will be statements from some of the members of the coalition opposing privatization and a state takeover--others are likely to testify inside. For information call PCCY at 215-563-5848. Details on Tuesday's forum: Tuesday, September 11th, 6:30 pm Temple University's Walk Auditorium - Ritter Hall - 1st Floor 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. * moderated by Ernest Jones - president of Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation and Sharmain Matlock-Turner - president of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition 2. A related development: After Edison officials publicly downplayed the connection between their presence in Philadelphia and any possible future role in managing schools in Philadelphia, the Daily News reports today that Edison has publicly reversed their public line and explicitly stated their interest in taking over management of public schools in Philadelphia (See: <A HREF="http://dailynews.philly.com/content/daily_news/2001/09/10/local/EDIS10C. htm">Edison official: We want to run city schools</A>) With rumors circulating about the possible dismemberment of Philadelphia school system through privatization and management contracts, will others with such ambitions go public with their interest? What is known is that private discussions continue involving schools in both the former King cluster (Dwight Evans/Foundations, Inc.) and the former Audenried cluster (Edison Schools/Kenny Gamble-Universal Companies) about possibly breaking off these clusters of schools under private management. 3. The Daily News today also introduced a major, new online guide to the Philadelphia public schools which aimed at parents and those in the system generally. It's called SchoolNet, and on this site, they have assembled a lot of information in one place on how to navigate the school system (for example, important dates, vocabulary, grade-by-grade guides). The site also includes a set of online discussion forums. It's at schoolnet.philly.com Stay tuned! Paul Socolar, Editor Philadelphia Public School Notebook 3721 Midvale Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 951-0330 x107 Fax: (215) 951-0342 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Philadelphia Public School Notebook, an independent quarterly newspaper, is a voice for parents, students, educators and other concerned citizens who are working for quality and equality in our schools. Subscriptions are $12/year for individuals and $35 for institutions/organizations (by check or money order to the address above). ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe, see <http://list.purple.com>
