PCCY’s education staff advocates for quality public education through its work in the areas of local, state and federal funding, the dropout rate, social supports, arts and music, school climate and equitable distribution of resources. Reports, policy briefs and surveys are issued several times a year. The organization’s What Every School Should Have series looked at resources in elementary and then comprehensive neighborhood high schools, followed by a look at school climate and behavioral health supports across the School District of Philadelphia.
PCCY promotes stronger school-community relations by connecting neighborhood groups with its Building Bridges survey booklet and companion advocacy manual. The Picasso Project meanwhile promotes, supports and acknowledges the role of arts in schools by providing small stipends, technical assistance and recognition to a number of public schools each year.
Contacts:
Sheila Simmons
Education Director
215-563-5848 x12
sheilas@pccy.org
Debra Weiner
Education Associate
215-563-5848 x34
dweiner@phillyasap.org
Gretchen Elise Iverson
Picasso Project Coordinator
215-563-5848 x22
gretchenelise@pccy.org
PCCY is a member of Philadelphians United to Support Public Schools - a broad coalition of the City's public education stakeholders and advocates. The organizations that form this coalition stand firmly together on the belief that the current system of public education is inadequate and that the privatization of our schools is not an acceptable solution to improving the situation. We join together to fight for a new system of public education, one in which current funding injustices are rectified and quality public schools, particularly in poor and urban areas, are established.
