NEWS RELEASE January 20, 2020 Read the PFT’s legal complaint here. PHILADELPHIA- On a day commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., PFT President Jerry Jordan joined parents and educators to announce legal proceedings against the School District to address the ongoing facilities crisis. PFT President Jerry T. Jordan said, “Today’s press conference, as…
For Immediate Release 1/17/2020 Overnight asbestos sampling results at McClure came back elevated. PHILADELPHIA–“Upon the discovery of the protocol breach and failure to properly manage a dangerous asbestos contamination condition at McClure Elementary, the Federation emphatically stated that we were unable to assure the McClure community of the environmental safety of the building. Early yesterday…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2020 PHILADELPHIA–Carnell Elementary school, one of six Philadelphia schools shuttered by imminent asbestos hazards this school year alone, has undergone significant asbestos remediation efforts since its closure. Unfortunately, the School District failed to uphold an agreement made with the Federation regarding testing protocol. Thus, while the District has announced plans…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 8, 2020 A coalition gathered at a shuttered Philadelphia school to urge the Governor to prioritize facilities funding in this year’s budget address. PHILADELPHIA–This morning, a coalition of educators, parents, elected officials and community partners joined PFT President Jerry Jordan outside of Carnell Elementary to once again call attention to…
Our Facilities Fight: Where we’ve been and where we’re going Download a copy here. For a more historic look back, check out this document. First, an update on our Healthy Schools Tracker App: Our App has been one of the most effective tools possible in reporting and remediating concerns. As of January 1, 2020, we…
December 18, 2019 The PFT and the Fund Our Facilities Coalition joined our partners at the State Capitol to call for immediate investment in our school facilities. The rally was organized by founding coalition partner State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (HD184). Read more about the rally here, and watch some highlights below: PFT Staff Representative Hillary…
December 19, 2019 PHILADELPHIA–For the second time this week, the School District discovered imminent asbestos toxins endangering the health and safety of schoolchildren and educators. The PFT was alerted this morning by the District’s environmental team of the discovery of asbestos hazards at Laura Carnell Elementary School, and PFT Health & Welfare Fund’s environmental scientist…
PHILADELPHIA–“City Council made their last session of 2019 memorable and impactful with their passage of reforms to Philadelphia’s 10-year tax abatement for developers, which should allow additional revenue to flow towards our public schools. “These reforms are a long time coming. For years, the PFT has called for increases in education funding, particularly at the…
The legislation (Bill No. 190607) will provide unprecedented protections for Philly’s domestic workers.
PHILADELPHIA–“The heart-breaking story of veteran teacher Lea DiRusso featured in today’s Inquirer and this morning’s powerful Good Morning America feature on asbestos in our schools shine the brightest light yet on the danger and injustice that greet Philly’s schoolchildren every day.