Parents to Step Up Role in Philly Schools

Though parent ombudsman Sharon Irvine works for the , it's clear her loyalties lie with the parents of in Roxborough.

"There are no activities here. We need parent involvement, community involvement and to work with all the schools to get things going," the liaison between local parents and the district said.

With the district's new School Advisory Councils, parents at each school across Philadelphia will get that chance to weigh in on what's important specifically in their school.

Quibila Divine is the director of parent and family engagement for the district and oversees Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman's new initiative, which creates committees led by parents.

"Schools need to be the hub of the community. We need parents and community members to be involved in the decision-making. When students see adults stepping up in the community, it shows that this is important," she said.

In the program, parents will give input on facility problems (like poor lighting, security) but also weigh in on budgets, curriculum, and the school's structure, Divine said.

Irvine shares the desire to bridge the gap between community and school.

"When I get out into the community—that's then I connect with people. If we get out there and have proactive intervention, it'll be an excellent way to get at problems before they happen," she said.

A parent of a graduate, Irvine said the schools are fine for "fifth generation people," but those new to the area don't have a voice.

"If you're not from here, you may not know about Kendrick or Houston (Recreation Centers) or parks. There's not a forum. Now I think there will be," she said.

Parent volunteers at Levering are already entrenched (Irvine rattled off names of seven or eight parents giving their time daily), so she's confident people are interested.

"As a whole, yes, parents want to help. And it goes on to their grandparents, too," she said. 

Each School Advisory Council will be overseen by the school's principal, Divine said, with at least 51 percent of the membership coming from parents—though the district's goal is for it to be around 67 percent.

One initiative already spearheaded by Irvine is basketball scrimmages among schools. With no sports program at Levering, Irvine wants some activity to keep kids engaged. Already and Elementary Schools have expressed interest.

"We need things like this. If someone from another school calls and says they're doing something Dec. 28 when kids are out of school, I should be able to tell everyone and get the information out there," she said.

Community members and parents are encouraged to sign up with parent ombudsmen in individual schools or by contacting 215-400-4180. Every high school and elementary school in the area is participating. Nomination forms are due Dec. 23, and elections will be in early 2011.