The Philadelphia School District is evaluating the role of private-management companies, including Penn, in its schools.
Although Penn's official management of local schools might be in jeopardy, the University says it is committed to staying involved.
In 2002, Penn and five other private institutions, including Temple University, were hired to manage different public schools in the district.
Penn has been partnered with two West Philadelphia elementary schools, Alexander Wilson, located near 46th Street and Woodland Avenue, and Lea, located at 47th and Locust streets.
Last month, a task force led by the district's interim chief academic officer included a call for the dismissal of several of the private-management companies. This call was part of a proposal for the overhaul of 70 of the district's lowest-performing schools.
At this point, however, it is unclear if Penn, or any of the other companies, will actually be dismissed.
"The decision hasn't been made yet and it will not be made until the end of the year when contracts elapse," said Cecilia Cummings, school-district spokeswoman.
Cummings explained that the school district is "currently evaluating" all of the private-management companies and because the district "embraces a multiple-provider model, each private manager will be evaluated separately."
Cummings said it was too early to say the likelihood of whether Penn or other private managers would be dismissed.
Even if Penn is dismissed, the University plans on continuing its partnerships with the Alexander Wilson and Lea elementary schools.
"Irregardless, Penn will stay involved in the schools," said Glenn Bryan, assistant vice president for community relations, who added that "Penn has a long-standing relationship with the Wilson and Lea schools and hopes to continue these relationships."
Private-management companies in the schools are unpopular with many students, parents and education activists.
The Philadelphia Student Union, the Eastern Pennsylvania Organizing Project, Youth United for Change and the Pennsylvania Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now held a protest against the role of private-management companies in the school district two weeks ago.
The protestors said private-management companies haven't been effective in improving the low-performing schools.
"Some companies aren't doing what they need to do to teach students," said Leslie Ramirez, 14, a ninth grader at Mastbaum High and a member of Youth United for Change. "Students aren't learning enough because they don't have the material they need and teachers who know what they are talking about," she added.
