pensions: Philadelphia Metropolis

Takeover at Olney High

Olney High School was a troubled school: plagued with suspensions, fights, chronic absenteeism and dismal performance in math and reading. Then, the school district asked the Latino educational group Aspira to take over the school this year with a goal of turning a failure into a success story. Reporter Connie Langland has spent weeks at Olney and offers this special report from the front lines. (Comments)

The Last Hurrah

Tuesday's election is probably the last time we will see Michael Nutter's name on a ballot for public office. The mayor will be 58 when his second term ends.  The City Charter limits him to two consecutive terms.  I don't... (Comments)

Pension Strangulation

The fundamental problem with Philadelphia's pension fund for city employees is that it doesn't have enough money to pay pensions to all today and in the future who will collect them. The fund has $4.9 billion on hand, not... (Comments)

Falling Through the Cracks

By Kathleen Skirkie» He asked me to be on time when I set up the appointment, and to call for instructions on how to enter his home when I arrived. I thought: How did he know I was perpetually late? Why couldn't I just knock loudly on the door like I had been trained to do at every other client's home? I told him I would be there at 2 p.m. I was new to my job and wanted to be on time. I did got a little lost on the way to his ancient home in Mount Airy, but somehow managed to park in front of his house with one minute to spare. I followed his orders and called, feeling his eyes on me from the third-story window. He answered, and instructed me to lift a small soiled flowerpot on the creaky wooden porch to find a key. His home was dark, damp and desolate. It was (Comments)

The Stetson Miracle

Just a year ago, John B. Stetson Middle School was in deep trouble. Assaults. Suspensions. Disruptions. Its students among the lowest performing in the city. Labeled "persistently dangerous." The School District of Philadelphia acknowledged as much - and turned over the keys of the mostly Latino school to a charter group, ASPIRA of Pennsylvania. Stetson was a problem child in need of reform school, and that's what it got - reforms and renovations that stretched from fresh paint and new desks to a longer work day for teachers to a strictly enforced code of conduct for students. (Comments)