Wilkinsburg

==Wilkinsburg charter school discussion becomes heated==
: March 27, 2009, by Deborah M. Todd, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Emotions flared among residents, Wilkinsburg School District administrators and the founder of a proposed charter school last night during a town hall meeting regarding the charter's application.
More than 30 residents showed up to hear plans for the H.O.P.E Foundation's Leadership Academy for Mathematics and Science at the Wilkinsburg Boys and Girls Club. Andre Tucker, founder of the proposed school, outlined goals and agendas for the charter, and brought up perceived shortcomings of the Wilkinsburg School District.
"Since 1997 Wilkinsburg has been the eighth-worst school system in Pennsylvania. Wilkinsburg High School is the 33rd-worst high school in Pennsylvania out of 608," he said. "I wouldn't get on a plane that has a 20 percent chance to make it to its destination. So why do we put our kids in this situation? Why is it acceptable?"
Superintendent Archie Perrin defended the district's efforts, pointing out that it has achieved the federal Adequate Yearly Progress annually since 1997. Mr. Perrin also said factors beyond the district's control, such as high levels of crime and violence in the community, affect the schools' learning environments.
"Until we stop violence in the streets, violence at a national level, violence is going to end up in that school, no matter what school that is," he said.
Wilkinsburg resident Clingman Johnson, who said his daughter was involved in a fight at the high school last week after students underwent PSSA exams, said he was in favor of the charter and district was complicit in some violent acts that occur on campus. But fellow resident Courtney Dewberry said parents and the community need to step up to curb violence and encourage higher achievement among students with or without the charter.
The H.O.P.E Foundation's LAMS Charter School, if approved, would be the first all-boys charter school in the region and would accept 72 students from the Wilkinsburg, Woodland Hills and Pittsburgh Public school districts next fall.
The school board unanimously denied Mr. Tucker's charter application on Feb. 24 and he resubmitted it for review early this month. If the application is denied again, Mr. Tucker has the option to appeal the decision to the state.
Deborah M. Todd can be reached at dtodd@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1652.
Category:schools