State Rep.-elect Kinsey responds to school-closing proposal

December 23, 2012 Category: Local Posted by: adminphilasun

State Rep.-elect Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., issued the following statement in response to Superintendent Dr. William Hite’s announcement of the proposed closing of 37 Philadelphia Public Schools.

“I recognize the fiscal problems that the district is facing, however, there are way too many unanswered questions that are leading to fear and speculation as to what will happen to the future of our students, future of our communities, future of public school teachers and the overall safety of children and our communities.

“I implore the district to have an open dialogue directly in the communities and schools which are proposed to be closed. District leaders must ensure that the voices of every child, woman and man who cares about education are heard.”

Kinsey said he also believes there are alternative actions that may save some of the schools.

This week, Kinsey sent a letter to Hite requesting that he and his staff visit Germantown High School to discuss directly with the community the district’s plan, as well as to work with school and community stakeholders to discuss options other than closing Germantown High, Fulton and Roosevelt.

Kinsey was elected to represent Philadelphia’s 201st Legislative District last month, replacing John Myers, who served the district since 1995. Kinsey will be sworn in on Jan. 1.