Latest news with #PhiladelphiaSchoolDistrict
CBS News
27-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Philly school district missed asbestos inspections at some schools, prosecutors say
The School District of Philadelphia acknowledged Thursday that it had missed legally required inspections at multiple schools with damaged asbestos, but said it reached an agreement to address the issues while pledging to keep current on future inspections and needed repairs. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleged the district violated legal requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) to conduct timely three-year and six-month inspections and remediate and report damaged asbestos. Prosecutors said the district failed to conduct timely three-year inspections by a licensed inspector at these schools: William M. Meredith Elementary Building 21 Southwark Elementary Scfhool S. Weir Mitchell Elementary School Charles W. Henry Elementary School Universal Vare Charter School Frankford High School The district also failed to conduct the required six-month "walk-through" inspections at Building 21, prosecutors alleged. The USAO said the School District of Philadelphia was the first school district in the nation to be criminally charged with violating AHERA. The district said it signed a deferred prosecution agreement – meaning it would avoid charges as long as it continues making progress on the issue and staying in compliance for five years. In a news release, the district said it accepts responsibility — and that the government acknowledges the district has made progress on the issue despite being underfunded. "Today, our program is current in its inspections and schedule of repairs," the release said. The district said it has taken other steps to improve its asbestos response, including: increasing its environmental management budget from $10.2 million in 2021 to $55 million in 2025; adding 18 positions in the Office of Environmental Management and Services; and contracting with experts to reform their programs and get them in compliance with AHERA. "The District is pleased the Department of Justice acknowledges the progress we have made, which is reflected in their offering the District the opportunity to enter this agreement," Board President Reginald Streater said in the release. "We are committed to maintaining healthy school environments and securing the resources to do so, while providing all school communities with access to spaces that are safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning, because academic success depends on it." Asbestos in Philadelphia schools Once a commonly used building material, asbestos is present in almost 300 of the district's 339 buildings, the district and USAO said. Asbestos is safe when kept intact, but poses a danger when it breaks down, emitting particles into the air that can become lodged in the lungs and cause health conditions including mesothelioma. Six school buildings were temporarily closed in the 2022-23 school year so crews could remove damaged asbestos and make the buildings safe for students again. During the closures, students in the affected schools either learned virtually or were relocated to other schools in the district.
CBS News
02-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Philadelphia high school students get job training and opportunities at Jefferson Health
Jefferson Health is filling some job openings with a special free training program for Philadelphia high school students. The joint venture from Jefferson, the School District of Philadelphia and Esperanza College is providing some much-needed job training and opportunities. Aleycha Peralta, who's now a student at Esperanza College, was part of the Jefferson Workforce Development Program. She says it was life-changing. "I thought it was the opportunity of a lifetime," said Peralta, who wants to become a doctor. The program provides free training to Philadelphia high school students, who can then apply for jobs at Jefferson Health. "The mission of this program is to provide talent streams for entry-level workforce in the technical space, whether it's a patient care tech, medical assistant, surgical tech," said Theresa Fortner, who oversees the workforce program. The program helps fill jobs in the Jefferson system and benefits the community. "These are students that represent undeserved communities, and securing a full-time job here at Jefferson helps stabilize them economically and helps support their families," Fortner said. The students in the program get 1,000 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Batoul Ayyash said that through the program, she's decided to become a nurse. "Our main focus is the patient, so we take care of the patient, we bathe them, we talk to them, we listen to them," Ayyash said. "This allows us to understand the root of health care before we actually go into the medicine." So far, 38 students have completed the workforce program, including many who now work at Jefferson.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Twin High School Seniors Who Drowned in Lake Remembered as Students Who 'Gave This World Something Uniquely Beautiful'
Twin brothers have died days apart from each other, reportedly during a fishing incident while out of town. The Philadelphia School District confirmed the deaths of high school seniors Jamarion and Camarion Grady on its Facebook page on Sunday, April 20. 'The PPSD community has experienced tremendous losses this weekend and our hearts are with all those affected. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community members and schools during this difficult time,' the announcement read. Related: 10-Year-Old Twins Die in Georgia House Fire: 'My Babies Are Gone,' Grandmother Says A follow-up post on Monday, April 21, described their deaths as 'an accidental drowning.' Sunday's post included school portraits of the twins, each dressed in a suit and tie, plus quotes they wanted to be remembered for. 'If you don't take risks, you can't create a future,' Jamarion said, adding that he aspired to be a real estate agent. Camarion's quote was the mantra he lived by: 'All or nothing.' He had dreams of becoming a barber. Though details have been limited, Vicksburg News reported that the twins died days apart after drowning while they were fishing at Lake Pushmataha in Mississippi's Pearl River community. According to the outlet, Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark said the brothers had been under the water for a while. PEOPLE did not immediately receive a response from the NCSO. Related: 4-Year-Old Twins Die After Toy Chest Lid Shut on Them While They Were Sleeping, Says Mom Jamarion, known by loved ones as 'Frog,' was reportedly pronounced dead on April 17, while Camarion, 'Fatt,' was flown to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he died Easter Sunday, April 20. 'Camarion was larger than life — in spirit, in personality, and in the way he showed up for the people he loved. Outgoing, fearless, and full of energy, he had a way of walking into a room and instantly lighting it up. His laughter was loud, his smile even louder, and his ability to connect with people was something truly special. Fatt didn't just make friends — he made everyone feel like they belonged,' the school district said. He was also remembered as 'a standout on the football field,' and 'the kind of teammate who celebrated others' wins as much as his own.' Related: Iraq War Veteran Tells Police 'I Blanked Out' After His 1-Year-Old Twins Die in Hot Car 'Camarion's faith grounded him. He loved God and wasn't shy about it,' they said. The post also talked about the siblings' relationship as twins. 'Though Camarion and Jamarion were twins, they were their own people, each remarkable in their own right. Camarion was the louder voice, the bigger laugh, the one always dancing. Always talking, always reaching out to lift someone else up. His bond with 'Frog' was undeniable, and their absence leaves an impossible void, but we will honor them as individuals, because they each gave this world something uniquely beautiful.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The school district invited community members to wear red and black on Wednesday, April 23, in a "show of unity and strength" as they remember Camarion and Jamarion. Read the original article on People
CBS News
08-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
Philadelphia High School for Girls' principal among honorees for Distinguished Principal Leadership award
It's that time of year again — a chance to celebrate excellence and leadership in education. The Lindback Foundation is honoring seven outstanding administrators in the Philadelphia School District with its annual distinguished principal award. Philadelphia High School for Girls Principal KaTiedra Argro is among the honorees, whose focus is reviving enrollment at one of the city's most historic and prestigious institutions. "When you lead with your heart and passion — and you show that you put students first," Argro said. That's the winning combination and focus drive that Argro brings. She's determined to bring new life to Philadelphia High School for Girls. "I walk these halls every day. This institution saved my life," Argro said. And now, she's paying it forward. With over 20 years in education, Argro understands the challenges many of her students face. "As African American women... we're judged or looked at in a specific way, so I always teach them to be authentically themselves," Argro said. After just eight months as principal, Argro's impact was recognized with a surprise assembly — celebrating her selection as one of seven distinguished principals. The Lindback Award also includes a $20,000 stipend for her school — funds she hopes will help restore enrollment to its former heights. "I want to increase enrollment and get the school back to the top three in Philadelphia — like it was when I went here," Argro said. She's a proud member of the class of '99. Her old high school senior photo is on display in the front office. "I'd tell my 18-year-old self to keep pushing, to always have tenacity and to always believe in herself," Argro said. A message she still lives by and passes on to her students while living out the school's motto: "She conquers who conquers herself." Later this month, 60 teachers will also be recognized for their service within the Philadelphia School District.
