April 29, 2024
Following Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's subsequent appointment of Joyce Wilkerson to fill the vacant School Board position, PFT President Jerry T. Jordan issued the following statement:
PHILADELPHIA-- "Right is right. And Mayor Cherelle L. Parker was right to nominate Joyce Wilkerson to the first School Board under the Parker administration. Mayor Parker was right to continue to push for Joyce Wilkerson's reappointment, despite tremendous headwinds.
"And Mayor Parker was absolutely right in appointing Joyce Wilkerson to fill the vacant position left upon Council's misguided action of withdrawing Ms. Wilkerson's nomination.
"I would be remiss not to acknowledge Councilmembers Curtis Jones, Jr. and Jeffery Young, Jr. both of whom explicitly voted no to Council's withdrawal of Ms. Wilkerson's nomination. That kind of political courage is laudable. And it is right.
"Joyce Wilkerson is a dedicated public servant who--in a completely volunteer capacity--has been at the forefront of the District's clawing its way back from devastating budget cuts. Ms. Wilkerson has led with integrity and conviction, and she has been a steady hand in guiding the District through challenging times. We cannot afford to go backwards, and Ms. Wilkerson's depth and breadth of knowledge and her deep commitment will help move our District and our city forward.
"Right is right. And today, the right move was made and the right candidate was reappointed to continue in service to our young people. I congratulate Mayor Parker, Ms. Wilkerson, and all of the advocates that, throughout this process, stood up for what is right."
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