New school committee appointed

Gov. Mark Schweiker and Mayor John Street announced their appointees to the newly formed School Reform Commission yesterday morning at a press conference held at the Kearny Elementary School library, located at 6th Street and Fairmount Avenue.

The commission is part of the state and city plan to remedy the ailing district. It replaces the Philadelphia School District Board of Education, which was created by Street two years ago.

"We gather today because of you," Schweiker said in reference to the group of Kearny students gathered in the library. "Today we're here to talk about improving education in Philadelphia."

Schweiker announced the appointments of James Gallagher, president of Philadelphia University, and Daniel Whelan, president and CEO of Verizon Pennsylvania, to the School Reform Commission. The governor also announced that James Nevels, appointed as interim head of the commission in December, will remain as the permanent chairman. Schweiker cited Nevels' "strong leadership and decisive direction" over the past few weeks as key qualifications for the position.

Former Board of Education members Sandra Dungee Glenn and Penn's Vice President for Budget and Management Analysis Michael Masch, were appointed by Street, completing the five-member commission.

"Today we engage in a new opportunity to improve education in Philadelphia," Street said. "The city could not do it alone and we are equally sure the Commonwealth could not do it alone. We believe the only way we can improve education is through a partnership where we share the responsibility and the burden of improving education."

Schweiker and Street announced their partnership and the formation of the School Reform Commission on Dec. 21, immediately before a state takeover of the city's public school system would have been enacted if no agreement had been reached. Since that time, Nevels has been acting alone as the sole member of the School Reform Commission.

The newly formed group will be responsible for running the city's schools. The commission is also charged with the weighty responsibility of hiring a school management firm to help guide education reform in the district.

Both Street and Schweiker have been meeting with potential candidates for the commission over the past two weeks. The newly selected appointees have experience in both the business and education sectors.

Schweiker cited Gallagher's experience in the world of education as a key qualification that he will bring to the commission.

"Jim has proven leadership in education -- as a teacher, an administrator and as innovator," Schweiker said.

Gallagher's background includes service as chairman on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education since 1995, though he will now resign in order to focus his efforts on the School Reform Commission. He also serves as a trustee of both Mount Aloysius College and the American University of Rome and as a board member of Girard College, the University City Science Center and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Though Whelan's background comes from the business rather than the educational arena, Schweiker noted that he brings valuable skills to the commission.

"His leadership extends well beyond his business skills. Dan is an active advocate for the Philadelphia community," Schweiker said.

Whelan is currently chairman of Greater Philadelphia First and a board member of several community and civic organizations.

Street's appointments also bring a wide range of experience to the new commission.

During her service on the Board of Education, Glenn chaired the Public Engagement Committee and worked extensively on setting boundaries for the Penn-Assisted School, a public elementary school in University City partially funded by Penn. She is a long-time advocate of public schools.

In addition to Masch's position at Penn, he also served in the Mayor's cabinet from 1992 to 1996 and chaired the School Board's Finance Committee.

Masch will not be leaving Penn to serve on the commission.

"Their dedication and conviction to make a positive difference led them to say yes," Street said of the candidates. "They will work as a constructive force to improve education in Philadelphia."

Prior to holding their first meeting, the newly appointed group must be sworn in as members of the School Reform Commission.

Once sworn in, the new members hope to meet weekly, emphasizing the importance of frequent meetings, in order to make progress on their agenda.

"This group is spirited in their belief about all things that need to be done for these kids," Schweiker said. "They need not just conviction and passion, but also large amounts of time. Together, this will be a history making commission."

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