Sunday, September 25, 2011

The positives of the SDP (being a SIMBY)

Spring and summer were a chaotic time in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP).  Budget cuts from Harrisburg, testifying at both City Council and the School Reform Commission (SRC) kept parents, teachers and supporters very busy. Teacher layoffs and the resignation of Dr. Ackerman as Superintendent provided much anxiety prior to the start of the school year.
However, through the chaos, my resolve to stay in the district increased as I met amazing, smart and dedicated people adovocating for our city's public schools.  And if we don't, who will.  So in the age of NIMBY (Not in my backyard) or "moving to find a better backyard", I am a SIMBY. I will "stay in my backyard" and contribute to and advocate for my neighborhood schools.
 
Information:
Follow on Twitter: Newskag and ParentsUnitedPA
 
(Public Citizen's for Children and Youth) (http://www.pccy.org/)
 
 
 

2 comments:

Shannon K. Wagner said...

Well said. Communities are built from people, and people get to choose the direction the community moves in. I think many people often forget that.

Good luck!

(I saw your post shared by a family member on Facebook...)

DIane POwers said...

I agree with Shannon. It was so sad to see families leave the public school system @ the end of last year!