PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia is launching the formal process to appoint three new members of the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. The appointment process will begin with the convening of the Educational Nominating Panel on Tuesday, November 17 and a three-week application window. 

The Nominating Panel will consider applicants for the Board and submit a final list of names for Mayor Kenney’s consideration. The timeline is as follows:

November 10: Board of Education application opens online.

November 17: Nominating Panel convenes. The public can view the meeting HERE via Zoom.  

December 3: Board of Education application closes.

December 15: Nominating Panel to recommend nine (9) candidates to Mayor. 

December 21: Mayor transmits Board of Education nominations to City Council. 

Upon approval by Council, appointed members of the Board of Education begin their terms. 

“Strengthening our public schools is one of the top priorities of our administration,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Serving on the School Board is an extremely demanding and deeply rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on young people and our city as-a-whole. We’re seeking candidates who understand the complex needs of youth and who are ready to hit-the-ground running to help implement the School Board’s established goals. I urge Philadelphians from all backgrounds who are interested in serving on the Board of Education to apply before the December 3 deadline.” 

The Nominating Panel will be held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. Public comment is available through written comment by submitting this form.

Individuals who are interested in applying to the Board of Education can do so using this online form which is also available at bit.ly/BOEapplication. The deadline for applications is Thursday, December 3, 2020. 

As required by the Education Supplement to the Home Rule Charter, the Mayor shall convene the 13-Member Educational Nominating Panel to recommend possible Board of Education candidates to the Mayor, who will make appointments subject to City Council’s advice and consent. 

The Nominating Panel members are:

  1. Bonnie Camarda, Director of Partnerships, The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. 
  2. Dan Fitzpatrick, President, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware
  3. Peter Gonzales, President and CEO, Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians
  4. Derren Mangum, Director of Institutional Giving, Opera Philadelphia 
  5. Maura McCarthy, Executive Director, Fairmount Park Conservancy
  6. Michael Mullins, Secretary Treasurer UNITE HERE Local 274
  7. Barbara Moore Williams, educational consultant
  8. Stephanie Naidoff, Board Member, Fund for the School District of Philadelphia
  9. Ivy Olesh, Executive Director, Playworks 
  10. Ellen Kaplan, Citizen at Large
  11. Kimberly Pham, community activist and member of the National Council of Young Leaders
  12. Chair Wendell Pritchett, Provost, University of Pennsylvania
  13. Sean Vereen, President, Steppingstone Scholars
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