MEDIA ALERT Contact: John McDonald, 215.735.6760
December 17, 2012

TOMORROW: PCAPS to Unveil Comprehensive, Community-Based Plan for Improving Philadelphia Public Schools

WHAT: The Philadelphia Coalition Advocating for Public Schools (PCAPS) will hold a press conference to unveil its plan for improving the City’s education system without closing schools, slashing jobs or hurting neighborhoods.

Students, parents and school employees will discuss highlights of the 40-page strategy document, which is the end result of 1,600 parent, student and citizen surveys, more than two dozen listening sessions, and a series of large town hall meetings.

Plan cornerstones include calling for a moratorium on all school closings until a full community-impact analysis has been completed; the establishment of a Student Bill of Rights to guide all District decisions; and the implementation of ten core recommendations for establishing a well-funded and well-run system of traditional public schools.

PCAPS’ plan is meant as an alternative to the School Reform Commission/Boston Consulting Group’s controversial plan to restructure the School District of Philadelphia.

WHO: PCAPS representatives, including students, parents, teachers and school employees

Member organizations of the PCAPS coalition, including Youth United for Change, Philadelphia Student Union, ACTION United, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Philadelphia Home & School Council, UNITE HERE, SEIU 32BJ, Fight for Philly and others.

WHEN: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 – 4pm

WHERE: Youth United for Change
1910 North Front Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

***NOTE: Full copies and executive summaries of PCAPS plan will be available on site at the event. PCAPS leaders – as well as student, parent, teacher and school employee members – will be available for interviews.