Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has put forward nine names for the Philadelphia Board of Education, aiming to reshape the group with fresh talent and a deep pool of experience, the city's official website reported. The nominations, a diverse roster reflecting various corners of the city and areas of expertise, now head to City Council for the proverbial green light. Parker, vocalizing her intent, said, "I’m confident we’ve assembled that board, and that they are fully committed to sound governance and the best interests of the 197,000 students in our school system," expressing gratitude toward community members who participated in the selection process.
Reaching for what she calls "One Philly, a United City," Parker's selection spans careers in counseling, education, finance, and law she believes those selected are equipped to tackle the hurdles faced by a sprawling urban school system. Among the nominees are Sarah-Ashley Andrews, a board veteran and licensed counselor, and Crystal Cubbage, a former NASA engineer turned educator, who now leads the Philadelphia Learning Collaborative, not to mention the current board president Reginald Streater, whose background in law underpins his governance.
Otis Bullock Jr., chair of the Educational Nominating Panel that led the search for new board members, told the city's website, "We’re confident the Mayor made the right choices, and we look forward to seeing these individuals confirmed by City Council and getting to work." The panel sifted through 122 applications before recommending 27 candidates to Parker, who, with her team, conducted further interviews before announcing the final nine nominees.
The new Board of Education, pending council approval, is expected to take office on May 1, City Hall sources state a press conference is slated for Tuesday, April 2, where Mayor Parker is scheduled to provide additional commentary on her appointees, who are also set to attend. According to the city's announcement, the nominees bring varied backgrounds, including Cheryl Harper with a career in education leadership and Joyce Wilkerson, a public service veteran and former president of the board, who aims to continue her work in refocusing governance on student outcomes.
