West Philadelphia High School Plan Article in University City Review

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New West Philadelphia High School plan revealed

BY LEONARD GONTAREK

Could a new West Philadelphia High School eliminate the problems of the present school and address the needs of the students? The students thought so. Three years ago, through the action of Joandella Carr, a senior at West Philadelphia High, a “small schools” idea was presented to the school district. A West Philadelphia High School Steering Committee was formed, facilitated by Concordia, LLC. Concordia is a planning and design firm with a holistic community development approach, that is, its aim is to help a community articulate its vision. It is funded by the William Penn Foundation. The findings of the study were revealed on the evening of March 16, at the West Philly campus of Community College.

As Joandella Carr, a presenter at the meeting explained, the projected student body of 1200 would be housed in four small schools with an enrollment of 300 each. The smaller schools would be connected to a shared auditorium, gym, library, and Principal. “ There are the advantages of a small-school feel with the large-school funding for special studies teachers”, Carr noted. The plan has her full endorsement: “Kids won’t slip through the cracks.” Eric Braxton, another presenter, of the Philadelphia Student Union, suggests the new school lead with innovation. He proposes the School District accommodate “flexibility with governance” by allowing the community to make the most important decisions. The hiring of a principal and budget approval, for instance.

The structure of the curriculum for the small schools, as presented, would be “theme-based”. Among current themes under consideration are Business and E-Commerce, Environmental Studies, International Affairs, Creative and Performing Arts.

Themes would be selected with an eye on good career opportunities, college preparation, and the benefit to the community. Althea Fogel, a Steering Committee member, added that the themes would support interactive, problem-based learning as well. She cited the field of Health Care (a major West Philadelphia industry) as an example. Fogel is a graduate of West Philadelphia High and the University of Pennsylvania.

It all sounded good to the sixty community members in attendance. Fogel noted that the plan has the support of School District head Paul Vallas. State Representative James Roebuck was on hand to express his support. Congratulating all for their involvement in the process, Roebuck said, “What happens at West Philadelphia High School affects the life of the community.”

So where will they put this exciting new school? There are three options. The first (and most desirable) is to build it on the site of the present football field. Classes would continue in the old building without disruption. Upon completion of the new school, the old school would be razed and replaced by the sports field. The second option would be to locate the new school where the old school stands. This would require relocating the present students to other schools for two to three years. Howard Lowell, who pointed out he recently attended his fiftieth West Philadelphia High School reunion, would rather not see the students displaced during construction. He wondered if the school could be razed and constructed in part with no affect on students.

A third site, two blocks away at 4601 Market Street, appears to have some political backing, “pressure” Fogel called it. She said her sense was that it was not likely, but “not off the table”.

For Eric Braxton it was not preferred because it would be adjacent to a youth detention center set for construction. The two together would present an unfortunate conflicting image he told the audience. The audience agreed. Braxton noted Paul Vallas’ support for the existing site at an earlier meeting, if only because the school district owns the land. The discussion naturally evolved to the catchment area.

The western boundary presently is 52nd Street. It was suggested that the bold approach may be to open enrollment to all of West Philadelphia, without boundaries. Marcia Brown, President of West Philadelphia High Home and School Association, voiced her concern that the plan remain comprehensive for the neighborhood. These major, attractive changes will draw more students to West Philadelphia High. Brown stated she was afraid those living closest to the school would be disenfranchised.

The small school idea is successfully in place (with 98% graduation rate) in Oakland, New York City, and Providence, Rhode Island, which Althea Fogel visited. She praised the “family-like atmosphere” of the Providence school. Fogel, along with the Steering Committee, created a “Sustainability Circle.” The aim of the Circle, which she co-chairs with Joandella Carr, is to champion and see the community plan through to implementation. She stressed as key the participation and support of students, local businesses, civic groups and community members, beyond the completion of construction. Community questions are directed to Tia Keitt, the Concordia Project Coordinator, at: tkeitt@philaedfund.org.

A powerfully envisioned, safe and orderly West Philadelphia High School, with a campus green, Law studies, a daycare center, scholarships – on this night it did not seem the stuff of dreams.

Comments

i think west philly high school do need a new schoool because the building is old and run down i am a student at west and i know the things that goes on around here i think we get a new school we can start a new enviorment and a fresh start west has a lot of memoryies but we don't need old ones we need new ones thats why i think we need a new bulding
shaniceka on October 11th, 2007

Shaniceka, Thanks for your message. We are hopeful that your dream of a state of the art West Philadelphia school will become reality soon. We encourage you to get involved in the planning and design process for the new school. The next meeting will take place on October 25 at 6 pm at the MYA Schools for Humanities on 4901 Chestnut. I hope to see you there.
Ximena San Vicente on October 15th, 2007

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