Charter schools rally for renewal and expansion

Hundreds rallied for renewal and expansion of charter schools in the city. Rikard Larma/METRO Hundreds rallied for renewal and expansion of charter schools in the city. Rikard Larma/METRO

Charter Schools need to expand, supporters cried outside of the city’s school district headquarters.

Hundreds rallied for the School Reform Commission to approve charter school renewal and expansion requests at its upcoming April 18th meeting. The school’s say waiting lists contain thousands of names.

Sixteen schools are eligible for renewal this year. Fourteen of the 16 are seeking modifications or expansions.

“Tell the SRC and the school district of Philadelphia and special interests groups to get out of the children’s way,” said Naomi Booker, CEO of the Global Leadership Academy Charter School. “Let them get in.”

The School District is in the process of reviewing this year’s charter applications, according to a statement.

“At this time the School District has not made a decision on when it will consider charter seat expansions,” according to the statement.

The district said it faces a $304 million gap.