Philly City Council rejects rideshare tax. Councilmembers say they’ve found another way to fund schools.

City Councilmembers gave initial approval to a $7 billion budget deal that does not include the Mayor’s proposed Uber tax.

chalkbeat.org

Why foster care and juvenile justice are on the ballot in Philadelphia

The number of Philadelphia kids in juvenile detention is up. A ballot measure could strengthen the standing of a city watchdog that tracks their education and quality of life.

bit.ly

How the AI-enabled race for taxpayer money starts in a superintendent’s inbox

School leaders are battling a flood of ed tech marketing emails while also navigating a broader debate over technology in the classroom.

projects.chalkbeat.org

Here’s how to tell Philly school leaders your thoughts about proposed school closures

Do you have thoughts on Philadelphia school leaders’ plan to close 20 schools? Here’s the list of community meetings the district is hosting over the next three weeks to discuss the proposal.

bit.ly

The number of Philadelphia students passing their state exams to graduate has plummeted

Philadelphia students are increasingly graduating through pathways that don’t require them to pass standardized tests. We need your help reporting on how students, families, and teachers have experien...

chalkbeat.org

Philly schools will get $193 million more in a new state budget lawmakers finally passed

Pennsylvania lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro said the budget deal reflects a bipartisan compromise.

chalkbeat.org

Philadelphia schools on the hook for millions in interest as state budget delay drags on

The Philadelphia school district has borrowed more than $500 million to make up for missing state funding as Pennsylvania’s budget impasse has hit four months. Even once lawmakers reach a deal, the di...

chalkbeat.org

Newark board member’s late-night vote swap was “totally improper” expert says

In a surprise move Thursday night, the Newark school board’s sudden decision to flip a member's vote raises ethical questions about board procedures.

chalkbeat.org

And just like that, Newark’s superintendent apparently got a contract extension

Last month’s proposal to extend Roger León’s contract fell short after objections from parents and others. But at Thursday’s meeting, with no prior public notice, a board member announced she would re...

chalkbeat.org

How Philly’s early intervention program is failing the city’s youngest kids

When Kimberly Halevy’s son was 3, she started hearing from his preschool that he needed extra support. But more than a year later, she describes the effort to get her kid services through Philly’s ear...

chalkbeat.org

Philly preschool owners are draining their savings during the state budget impasse

More than 100 days into the Pennsylvania budget impasse, some Philly preschool owners are using their own savings and taking out loans to stay afloat. But lawmakers still seem far from a budget agreem...

chalkbeat.org

‘We are not being proactive’: State lawmakers push bill to gather school facilities data

Concerns about crumbling asbestos have closed several Philly schools in recent years. One lawmaker who spoke in favor of the legislation said the current state of school buildings is “both a crisis of education and a public health crisis.”

bit.ly

After Charlie Kirk's assassination, what teachers say faces a new kind of scrutiny

Charlie Kirk’s death has led to investigations of teachers for their social media posts and calls for a crackdown on inappropriate speech. But his assassination has also highlighted uncertainty about how teachers can foster debates and inquiry in a climate where political strife and anxiety are pervasive.

bit.ly

Students shot at Evergreen High School in Jefferson County: What we know so far

Three people, all teens, are in critical condition, according to officials.

chalkbeat.org

Ribbon-cutting: Trump administration abruptly ends National Blue Ribbon Schools program

Many schools took enormous pride in receiving federal Blue Ribbon recognition, which began under President Ronald Reagan. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education said ending the program wo...

chalkbeat.org

SEPTA service cuts must be reversed immediately, judge says

The order does not include a prohibition on fare increases.

inquirer.com

40 states could lose federal funds for sex ed if they keep gender identity in curriculum

The Health and Human Services Department told 40 states to remove references to gender identity from their federally funded sex education programs. When California refused to comply, the agency termin...

chalkbeat.org

Inside Pennsbury High’s Legendary Prom: The Most Epic School Dance in America

A six-figure budget. Hundreds of helpers. Giant art installations. A tentacled kraken. This prom is like no other.

phillymag.com

Follow 2 students as SEPTA cuts complicate their commute on the first day of school

Students across Philadelphia are waking up earlier and waiting longer for SEPTA to get them to school. But many say they’re bound to be late anyway, with less reliable service and more crowded routes....

chalkbeat.org

Are you worried about SEPTA cuts derailing your commute? We want to know.

Chalkbeat is reporting on how planned major SEPTA cuts will affect students and educators across Philadelphia. Let us know how your commute is changing.

chalkbeat.org

‘They’ve given her a lot of hope’: A NYC school fights to educate an undocumented teen under Trump

For Bridget and Marta, ELLIS Prep often felt like the only public institution with its arms open in a city and country that seemed not to want them.

chalkbeat.org

As ballots sat uncounted, Madison clerk prepped for ‘cookie extravaganza’

Records obtained by Votebeat help explain what Maribeth Witzel-Behl was up to when the crisis erupted in her office: a baking staycation.

votebeat.org