Category Archives: education

Tyla and Liza Koshy help remind the Global Citizen Festival audience of their collective power

Posted on by
Reply

NEW YORK — Global Citizen surpassed its fundraising goals for Amazon rainforest protection, African energy access, and community education at the antipoverty nonprofit’s annual music festival in New York’s Central Park. The event was headlined by Shakira and late addition Cardi B.

Internationally recognized actors and foreign diplomats appealed to the crowd of more than 60,000 between high-energy sets by artists from around the globe. Scheduled at the end of the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level meetings, the festival hammered home the message that everyday attendees, too, could influence the world leaders convening this week.

“This may seem quite ambitious on the surface. But I know for a fact that when we unite, we make noise that leads to real change. When you take action, governments and corporations listen, policies change, financial investments are made and progress happens,” host Hugh Jackman said at the top of the show.

### Boost for African Renewable Energy

Efforts to tap into the African continent’s high potential for renewable power received a significant boost. Global Citizen announced they had secured enough commitments to provide clean energy for 4.6 million homes across Africa.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that the EU would provide more than $638 million to develop climate-friendly energy production. Additionally, Energea, a renewable energy investment platform, pledged $250 million toward projects over the next five years.

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, who donned her reading glasses for a serious moment amid her otherwise lively performance, shared a personal story about growing up waiting until 6 p.m. for electricity. “But even I was lucky, OK? Some children in Africa have no access to light at all,” she said. “No child should be left in the dark. They need light to work, study, practice. They need light to reach their dreams and watch their favorite TV shows. That’s why energy matters.”

### Celebrity Advocacy and Funding Announcements

The program frequently paired celebrities and performers with causes close to them. American soccer star Carli Lloyd helped announce the MetLife Foundation’s $9 million contribution to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Actresses Kristin Bell and Danai Gurira emphasized the urgent need to end sexual violence in war zones.

Global Citizen also revealed more than $280 million committed toward protecting the Amazon rainforest. This included a $100 million pledge from the Inter-American Development Bank for its Amazonia Forever sustainable development program.

To highlight the rainforest’s critical importance, actress Liza Koshy and celebrity scientist Bill Nye engaged the audience in a playful segment asking them to hold their breath, symbolizing the Amazon as the “lungs of the Earth.”

During Camilo’s set, the Colombian singer underscored that protecting the rainforest is everyone’s responsibility—not just his country’s concern.

### Solidarity Amid Global Crises

Infrequent references to the war in Gaza elicited some of the crowd’s loudest cheers. Palestinian singer Elyanna, who opened the show, expressed her desire “to pray for my homeland in Palestine.” She added, “So many countries, and so many people around the world are suffering. They don’t have their basic needs. And that’s what we’re all here for.”

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed took the stage following performances by South African singer Tyla, who performed her Grammy-winning song “Water,” Nigerian star Rema, who surprised the crowd with his global hit “Calm Down,” and Rosé, whose acoustic set included the popular track “APT.”

Mohammed stressed that “what really matters is to give peace a chance” in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and everywhere. She told festivalgoers, “The world needs people like you. It needs your energy to refuse to accept when people say that’s just how it is, your vision that sees solutions where others see dead ends and your voice that cuts through the noise demanding for everyone to do better and not accepting the globalization of indifference.”

### A Call for Unity and Service

Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans emphasized the importance of hope and collective action. “There’s been an erosion of the social contract that many people thought was a given—the basic principle that we help our neighbor, that we rebuild nations and that we lift up those who are less fortunate,” he told The Associated Press.

“We need to restore that idea of service above self, of caring for our neighbor—both our neighbor locally and our neighbor globally.”

—

Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW!

—

### Note to Readers:
Please keep discussions respectful. Avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually-oriented language. Social media caps lock should be turned off. Threats of harm or false information will not be tolerated. We encourage constructive and inclusive dialogue. Use the ‘Report’ link to let us know of any abusive posts. We also welcome eyewitness accounts and background stories related to our articles.

—

The Philadelphia Tribune hosted its 2025 Most Influential African Americans event on Thursday evening, September 18, 2025. The event celebrates and honors Black Philadelphians making significant impacts throughout the area.
https://www.phillytrib.com/entertainment/tyla-and-liza-koshy-help-remind-the-global-citizen-festival-audience-of-their-collective-power/article_91e7b5fb-7916-4552-9fd7-e84400d77191.html

Feds Say Detroit Man Fabricated 1,200 Students to Steal $16M

Posted on by
Reply

**Two Detroit Men Charged in Major Federal Student Aid Fraud Scheme**

*By E. Pluribus Unum | September 28, 2025*

Two Detroit men have been charged with defrauding the federal higher education financial aid system, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome Gorgon.

The first complaint charges Brandon Robinson, 41, of Detroit, with wire fraud related to false Federal Student Aid (FSA) claims submitted in the names of other individuals. Between January 2015 and February 2024, Robinson submitted fraudulent FSA claims for more than 1,200 individuals. These claims involved over 100 schools across 24 states.

Robinson’s scheme resulted in the awarding of over $16 million in FSA benefits, with more than $10 million already disbursed. Additionally, the complaint alleges that Robinson filed over 100 fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims between April 2020 and March 2023, causing the disbursement of over $1 million in UI benefits.

Robinson was arrested earlier this week and appeared in federal court this afternoon on the charges. Court documents reveal that Robinson led a years-long scheme to obtain fraudulent Federal Student Aid funds using so-called “straw students” who were enrolled primarily to receive FSA benefits.

The second complaint charges Michelle Hill, 48, also of Detroit, with wire fraud in connection with a separate FSA scheme. Hill was arrested earlier this week and made her initial appearance in federal court.

According to court documents, between July 2015 and July 2025, Hill obtained fraudulent FSA benefits involving more than 80 individuals, mostly enrolled at Wayne County Community College. The complaint alleges that many of these individuals were enrolled in the same or similar degree programs and taking the same or similar online courses.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Hill often completed coursework on behalf of these students to create the appearance that they were progressing toward degrees. This deception served to prolong their eligibility for FSA benefits.

As a result of this elaborate scheme, substantial federal aid funds were fraudulently obtained.

—

*Topics:* Crime / Corruption
*Keywords:* Federal Student Aid, Fraud, Wire Fraud, Unemployment Insurance Fraud, Detroit, Wayne County Community College

—

**Comments:**

– *E. Pluribus Unum*: Fraud in a federal program??? I don’t think so. Those people are pretty careful with a buck.

– *shelterguy*: Fraud in Medicare & Medicaid will curl your hair. Any doctor or fake doctor can file a claim for fake services rendered.

– *Bobbyvotes*: The FSA is in dire need of a deep-dive audit.

– *lee martell*: Another Robinson.

—

*Disclaimer:* Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright.

—

*Support Free Republic:*
[Donate by Credit Card]
[Donate by PayPal]
Or by mail:
Free Republic, LLC
PO Box 9771
Fresno, CA 93794

Thank you very much and God bless you.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4343180/posts

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin To Unveil E V Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ Portrait At Oxford University Today

Posted on by
Reply

**Chennai:** Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will unveil a portrait of social reformer E.V. Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ at Oxford University’s St. Antony’s College in London on Thursday. This event marks the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement.

### About The Unveiling

The unveiling will take place during an international conference titled *The Self-Respect Movement and its Legacies 2025*, where Stalin has been invited as a special guest. The Chief Minister will also deliver a keynote address highlighting Periyar’s legacy and the enduring influence of Dravidian thought on social reforms and modern governance.

As part of the event, Stalin will release two books, *The Dravidian Pathway* and *The Cambridge Companion to Periyar*, underlining Tamil Nadu’s contribution to progressive and reformist ideologies.

This cultural milestone coincides with Stalin’s broader mission to attract global investments to Tamil Nadu, as his government pursues the ambitious goal of transforming the state into a $1 trillion economy.

### Investment Diplomacy and Overseas Engagements

Over the past few years, the DMK government has actively courted foreign investors through international summits and meetings. CM Stalin has undertaken four overseas visits so far, signing agreements worth Rs 18,500 crore.

After concluding his tour of Germany, where he engaged with industrial leaders, Stalin arrived in London to continue investment-focused discussions. On Wednesday, he witnessed the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with business groups, inviting them to set up operations in Tamil Nadu.

He emphasised the state’s industrial growth, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly environment as compelling reasons for investment in sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology.

### Engagement with the Tamil Diaspora

The CM’s itinerary also includes a visit to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London on Friday. There, he will interact with about 30 Tamil students and graduates. This session aims to strengthen ties with the Tamil diaspora and encourage their participation in Tamil Nadu’s growth story.

### Conclusion

Through this blend of cultural assertion and investment diplomacy, CM Stalin is projecting Tamil Nadu as both a progressive state proud of its reformist heritage and a rising global economic hub.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/tamil-nadu-cm-m-k-stalin-to-unveil-e-v-ramasamy-periyar-portrait-at-oxford-university-today

Need to integrate trans-inclusive science in medical education, says study

Posted on by
Reply

**Integrating Trans-Inclusive Science in Medical Education: A Crucial Step for India’s Healthcare System**

NEW DELHI: Transgender individuals in India routinely face discrimination in healthcare, often encountering prejudice and ignorance from medical providers. Addressing this issue, a recent study published in the American journal *Advances in Physiology Education* emphasizes the urgent need to integrate trans-inclusive science early within India’s medical curricula. This integration is essential to adequately meet the specific medical needs of transgender people.

Globally, many medical schools dedicate minimal to no hours to LGBT health education. India is no exception. Despite the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019—which prohibits discrimination—transgender individuals continue to face barriers in education and healthcare.

To tackle this challenge, a first-of-its-kind study was conducted in India, offering fresh hope if its recommendations are incorporated into medical education. Dr. Satendra Singh, Director Professor of the Department of Physiology at the University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital in Delhi, and one of the study’s authors, highlighted the shortcomings of the National Medical Commission (NMC), the body that regulates medical education in India.

“The NMC has failed to adequately address LGBT health,” Dr. Singh said. “Unfortunately, the NMC has made repeated U-turns on including LGBTQI content in the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum, first in 2019 and again in 2024.”

According to the 2011 census, India has approximately 4.88 lakh transgender persons. This study is the first in the country to longitudinally integrate trans-affirmative competencies into the MBBS physiology curriculum, marking a significant milestone for medical education in India.

Dr. Singh was recently honored with the prestigious WHO South-East Asia Region award for Public Health Champion in the individual category, recognizing his efforts in championing disability inclusion within health systems and medical education.

The pilot study employed a mixed-methods approach to integrate trans-affirmative competencies into the MBBS physiology curriculum, explained the study’s primary author, Dr. Athul KM, based in Kozhikode.

Co-author Prof. (Dr.) Aqsa Shaikh, Professor of Community Medicine at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, added, “From dehumanization in the old curriculum to a human-centered approach in this pilot, we have taken a small step in the right direction.”

The findings from this study highlight a critical path forward for transforming India’s medical education system—towards inclusivity, sensitivity, and comprehensive care for transgender individuals.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2025/Sep/28/need-to-integrate-trans-inclusive-science-in-medical-education-says-study

Maharashtra Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar Inaugurates 360-Degree Cinema At Bollywood Park, Filmcity

Posted on by
Reply

**‘360-Degree Cinema’ Inaugurated at Bollywood Park in Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri**

A new ‘360-Degree Cinema’ at Bollywood Park in Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri (Filmcity), Goregaon East was inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Cultural Minister, Ashish Shelar, on Saturday. This innovative addition promises to elevate the visitor experience by combining entertainment with education through cutting-edge technology.

**Bollywood Park: Entertainment Meets Education**

Bollywood Park aims to offer tourists a unique blend of entertainment, education, and information. It has already established itself as a major tourist attraction by providing visitors with glimpses of iconic locations featured in popular television series and feature films.

Santosh Mijgar, the director of Bollywood Park, highlighted the immersive experiences available at the venue. “From deep-sea diving to space exploration, volcanic eruptions to jungle safaris, our attractions make audiences feel like an integral part of the story,” he said. Mijgar added, “360-Degree Cinema is not just entertainment; it’s a blend of knowledge, thrill, and unforgettable experiences.”

**Boosting Maharashtra’s Tourism Identity**

Minister Ashish Shelar emphasized that innovative facilities such as the 360-Degree Cinema will offer visitors unique experiences and contribute significantly to strengthening Maharashtra’s cultural and tourism identity.

**Dignitaries Present**

The inauguration event was graced by Swati Mase Patil, Managing Director of Film City, along with several other dignitaries from the entertainment industry, marking the occasion as a significant milestone for Bollywood Park and Maharashtra’s tourism sector.

—

### 360-Degree Cinema Features

– **Immersive Experience:** Audiences feel fully surrounded by the film, creating a sensation of being part of the story.
– **Edutainment:** Combines education and entertainment, making science, nature, and adventure films enjoyable, especially for children.
– **Advanced Technology:** Utilizes high-definition projection, 3D/7D effects, and surround sound to enhance the realism and thrill of the experience.

The ‘360-Degree Cinema’ is set to become a highlight at Bollywood Park, offering visitors of all ages a memorable and enriching experience.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-cultural-minister-ashish-shelar-inaugurates-360-degree-cinema-at-bollywood-park-filmcity

The plastic patriots want to bring Britain down – we won’t let them

Posted on by
Reply

As members, activists, trade unionists, and politicians come together from across the country to fight for working people, we are laser-focused on whose side we’re on and who we’re delivering for. Because that is what phase two of this government is all about: delivery.

Our first year of government was about fixing the foundations and clearing up the mess the Tories left behind after 14 years of neglect and decline. In that time, we have made decisions that only a Labour government would make to change the lives of working people.

Free school meals for an extra half a million children, breakfast clubs, and 30 hours of free childcare will put cash in the pockets of parents, lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, and make life easier for hard-working families.

Five million extra NHS appointments — more than double what we promised in our manifesto — will mean millions of patients will get the care they need, when they need it.

Boosting the minimum wage will ease the burden for the three million lowest-paid during a cost of living crisis.

These are vital changes. But it’s just the beginning, and there’s a lot more to do to get the country back on track for the long term.

That’s because our economy was left to stagnate for 14 years. Skills and training were neglected, and we didn’t build the infrastructure we needed for a modern era. Add that to regional inequality and the last government’s botched Brexit deal, and it’s no wonder many people still don’t feel this country works for them.

Living standards have stagnated, public services have been struggling for years, and small boats are still arriving on our shores.

That’s why we’ve moved into phase two of this government. Our focus remains the same, but we go further.

We are boosting living standards across the country, fixing our public services, getting the NHS fit for the future, and making sure people feel safe in their communities and know their borders are secure.

Our focus remains the same, but we go further.

So at conference, this autumn and beyond, The House readers can expect us to make the reforms we need to make Britain work for working people once more.

That is why we are putting our efforts into investment in training and opportunities, so young people can begin good, well-paid jobs and businesses have the skills they need.

We’re unveiling further plans to tackle regional inequality and ensure growth benefits every corner of the country.

We’ll be focused on building homes and infrastructure like transport and grids, so people have a good standard of living and opportunities across the nation.

And we’re investing in the technologies of the future, like AI, to make workforces more productive and improve people’s lives.

Because we must rewire the country to close the fairness gaps.

These are the gaps between hard work and reward, background, opportunity, and different parts of the country that hold people back.

There isn’t an overnight fix. These problems require solutions for the long term, not sticking plasters.

My government won’t pull that lever.

We have always rejected the politics of the easy answer that others bang the drum for.

On one side, we’ve got the plastic patriots who don’t just want to talk Britain down — they want to bring Britain down. They rely on anger and grievance, so they don’t want things to get better at all.

On the other, we have the plastic progressives who oppose green infrastructure, block housebuilding, and want to take us out of NATO in the most volatile global era in decades.

There is only one patriotic, progressive party: the Labour Party.

There is only one party on the side of working people: the Labour Party.

And there’s only one party that can put the country on the path to renewal and deliver the change people deserve: the Labour Party.

This party conference and beyond, the country will see us doing just that.

Keir Starmer is Prime Minister and Labour leader.
https://www.politicshome.com/opinion/article/plastic-patriots-want-bring-britain-wont-let

Odisha Civil Services Exam Results Declared; Priyansu Pal Secures First Rank

Posted on by
Reply

**Odisha Public Service Commission Declares Odisha Civil Services Examination 2023 Results**

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) announced the results of the Odisha Civil Services Examination 2023 on Friday. A total of 398 candidates have successfully cleared the examination, including 144 women.

The recruitment process was conducted in three phases: preliminary and main (written) examinations held during April–May 2025, followed by personality tests in September.

—

### Topper Profile: Priyansu Pal

Topping the merit list, Priyansu Pal, a resident of Angul district, secured the first rank. A mining engineering graduate from Government Engineering College, Keonjhar (2018), Priyansu had initially worked in a private firm before moving into a managerial role at a multinational company.

In January 2025, he resigned from his well-paying job to focus entirely on preparing for the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) exam. His dedication and hard work paid off, earning him the top spot in this year’s examination.

—

### Other Top Performers

The second rank was claimed by Ananya Mishra, the only woman among the top 10 merit-holders, while Sovan Pattanaik secured the third position.

OPSC has clarified that the selection of candidates is provisional and contingent upon verification of original certificates by the appointing authorities.

—

### Official Notification and Congratulatory Messages

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his congratulations to the successful candidates via a post on X, stating:

> “My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all who have succeeded in the Odisha Administrative Service Examination. Administrative service is a matter of pride and it plays an important role in the development trajectory of the state.
> I hope that you will work transparently, impartially, and with a people-oriented approach from the grassroots level for the development of the state.
> May your future career be bright, and I wish you progress in your professional life.”

—

This year’s results reflect an impressive performance by candidates across Odisha, highlighting the growing talent and commitment of young professionals like Priyansu Pal and Ananya Mishra. These promising individuals are set to contribute significantly to state governance and development at the grassroots level.

—

*For official details and notifications regarding the Odisha Civil Services Exam results, please visit the [OPSC website](#).*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/odisha-civil-services-exam-results-declared-priyansu-pal-secures-first-rank

Maharashtra Govt Announces ₹2,000 Diwali Gift For Anganwadi Workers & Helpers

Posted on by
Reply

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has announced a special Diwali gift for anganwadi workers and helpers serving under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Each worker and helper will receive Rs 2,000 as a token of appreciation, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said.

The government has sanctioned Rs 40.61 crore for this initiative, with a formal government resolution issued on Thursday.

Minister Tatkare emphasized the vital role anganwadi workers and helpers play in the care, nutrition, and overall development of women and children. She stated, “Anganwadi workers and helpers play a crucial role in the care, nutrition, and overall development of women and children. To acknowledge their dedicated service and add joy to the festive season, the state government has sanctioned this Bhau Beej gift. Every anganwadi worker and helper is a true strength of our society, and we endeavour to make their festival more joyful.”

The amount will soon be disbursed to the beneficiaries through the ICDS commissioner’s office. This decision is expected to bring festive cheer to thousands of anganwadi workers and helpers across Maharashtra, making their Diwali celebrations brighter, the minister added.

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-announces-2000-diwali-gift-for-anganwadi-workers-helpers

Southern States of Mississippi and Louisiana Go Back to Teaching the Basics in School – Now Lead Liberal States Like California in Literacy

Posted on by
Reply

Anyone who follows education news—or simply has children in public schools—knows that we are facing an education crisis in this country right now. Grade school students in multiple states cannot read or do math at grade level. The problem existed years ago, but school shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic made things even worse.

Now, some states in the South have discovered a solution: going back to basics and teaching foundational skills like phonics. It’s amazing—if you focus on teaching kids to read rather than prioritizing subjects like social justice and gender theory, they actually learn to read. Who knew?

Kelsey Piper writes at *The Argument* on Substack: *Illiteracy is a policy choice*.

This month, the Department of Education released its latest edition of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the standardized tests better known as the Nation’s Report Card. The results have left me blazing with rage.

In my home state of California, for instance, only 30% of public school fourth graders can read proficiently. Fully 41% cannot even read at a basic level—which means they cannot truly understand and interpret written text at all. Eighth graders look almost as bad.

But scores are not slipping everywhere. In Mississippi, they have been rising year over year. The state recovered from a brief decline during COVID and has now surpassed its pre-COVID highs. Its fourth-grade students outperform California’s on average, even though California is richer, has a more educated population, and spends about 50% more per pupil.

The difference is most pronounced when you look at the most disadvantaged students. In California, only 28% of Black fourth graders read at or above a basic level, compared to 52% in Mississippi.

But it’s not just that Mississippi has raised the floor. It has also raised the ceiling. The state is one of the nation’s best performers when you look at students who are *not* economically disadvantaged.

And it’s not just Mississippi. Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee have adopted the same strategies to stem the bleeding experienced in other states—and they have seen significant improvements.

This is the part of the story that has gotten the most attention: teach phonics! And you should, indeed, teach phonics. But making schools adopt this approach took more than a mere nudge.

The Southern Surge states have used a combination of earmarked funding, guidance to districts, and outright mandates to accomplish universal adoption of phonics-based instruction.

When schools embrace topics like gender and social justice at the expense of basic and necessary skills like reading and math, they rob students of the learning they need to succeed in life.

Every school in America needs to return to the basics. It is an absolute crime for a young person to go through years of schooling only to emerge unable to read.

Southern states are showing the way—and it works.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/southern-states-mississippi-louisiana-go-back-teaching-basics/

Philadelphia school board extends superintendent’s contract through 2030

Posted on by
Reply

Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. will continue leading the School District of Philadelphia through 2030, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Education to extend his contract. His original agreement was set to expire in 2027, falling a year short of his five-year strategic plan.

Under the new extension, Watlington will receive a 3% annual raise on his current salary of $367,700.

“Dr. Watlington, you have led with energy, vision and a deep commitment to our students,” said Board of Education President Reginald Streater during a recent board meeting. “Under your leadership, we have seen measurable progress. The board firmly believes that with you at the helm, we can continue to accelerate progress and deliver on our commitment to Philadelphia students,” he added.

Watlington expressed appreciation to the board for their continued confidence in his leadership. “It has been an honor to work under your leadership,” he said. “We’re going to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We’re going to do you proud.”

Appointed in 2022, Watlington was chosen by the school board from over 400 candidates to become superintendent. He previously served as superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury in North Carolina and is the first superintendent chosen by a locally governed school board since David Hornbeck in the 1990s.

Under his tenure, Philadelphia public schools have seen their first enrollment and graduation increases in over a decade, improved test scores for grades 3–8, and over 1,400 fewer dropouts.

The school district recently finalized new three-year contracts with two unions: the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) and the School Police Association.

The PFT represents approximately 14,000 members, including educators, counselors, nurses, paraprofessionals, and other school staff. The School Police Association represents about 350 School Safety Officers.

Joyce Wilkerson, board member and president emeritus, praised Watlington’s handling of contract negotiations with both unions. “You came from a jurisdiction that did not have unions,” Wilkerson said. “You’ve done a stellar job building relationships with our unions. You’ve encouraged us to focus on our children. There are huge challenges remaining, but I have confidence in your ability to lead us going forward,” she added.

Arthur Steinberg, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said the district is experiencing a level of stability it hasn’t seen in years.

“Superintendent Watlington has demonstrated his respect for our members in the only way that matters: a strong, on-time labor contract,” he said in a statement.

“For veteran Philly public educators like myself who endured politicized, anti-educator and anti-labor leadership under the SRC, the respect and alignment on priorities such as state funding and improvement of staff hiring and retention are a long-fought achievement,” Steinberg continued. “I look forward to continuing to build on a productive and mutually respectful working relationship with superintendent Watlington,” he added.

—

**Community Guidelines**

To maintain a positive environment, please observe the following:

– Keep it Clean. Avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually-oriented language.
– PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
– Don’t Threaten. Threats of harm will not be tolerated.
– Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
– Be Nice. No racism, sexism, or any form of degrading -ism toward others.
– Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to report abusive posts.
– Share with Us. We welcome eyewitness accounts and insights related to our stories.

—

Stay informed and connected — subscribe to *The Philadelphia Tribune* NOW! [Click Here]

—

**Upcoming Event**

*The Philadelphia Tribune* hosted its 2025 Most Influential African Americans event on Thursday evening, September 18, 2025. The event celebrates and honors Black Philadelphians who are making a significant impact throughout the area.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philadelphia-school-board-extends-superintendents-contract-through-2030/article_255714e5-2956-459c-8605-046b0d28ef79.html