🏫 Why Philly teachers want to strike

🪧 Are Philly Teachers Next To Strike?

The School District of Philadelphia’s recent challenges are now reaching a boiling point as public school teachers prepare to walk off the job right after kids return to school. So we spoke with Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president Arthur Steinberg and chief of staff LeShawna Coleman to hear what they’re demanding in a new contract. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🗳️ Canvassing Beyond Election Season

The general election is Nov. 4 and volunteers will be knocking on your door, if they haven’t already. But why does engagement have to start and stop with elections? Changing The Conversation Together is using its deep canvassing skills to keep citizens informed and engaged year-round. [Philadelphia Citizen]

🪩 Camaraderie While Clubbing

The weekend may be over, but keep Sept. 6 free on your calendar. Earlybirds Club is now inviting Gen X and Millennial women, and transgender and nonbinary people, to come out and party without judgment. [Billy Penn]

• Related: If you can’t wait until September to hit the dancefloor, here are some other options for nightlife fun. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

📽️ Let’s Go to the Movies

If you want to watch Christopher Nolan’s next film in IMAX, here’s some good news. The former Regal UA Riverview Theater in South Philly is reopening under Apple Cinemas next year with an IMAX screen and a laser system for more vivid visuals. [Philly Voice]

• Related: Want to meet folks who enjoy movies as much as you do? Join a local film club. [📝 Hey Philly]

🚶 Open Streets Returns This Fall

Walnut Street west of Broad will be closed for six Sundays this September and October for the return of the Center City District’s Open Streets program. Enjoy a car-free environment while shopping and checking out the pop-up performances and games. [Center City District]

A new academic year is set to begin at the end of August, with students shuffling back into their schools’ halls. Behind the scenes many are now working to decide how funding is allocated, which schools are upgraded or shut down, and what can be done to engage the community in the decision-making process.

Hey Philly spoke with Board of Education President Reginald Streater to break down the functions of the school board, its current priorities, and how you can be an active participant. While we didn’t discuss ongoing negotiations regarding teachers’ contracts and a possible strike, you can learn about that subject in this episode of City Cast Philly.

This conversation has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.

What does the school board have power over, and what are some misconceptions about the board?

“The state created a statute that mandates our power and authority. We are wholly a creature of the state and we are a separate governmental agency, so we're not technically part of the city. The Board of Education is mandated by the state. Most of our funding comes from the state. But the mayor appoints us and City Council confirms us, almost like the Supreme Court.

“Whatever money we get, we have to be good fiscal stewards of it. We are what's called fiduciaries, which means that we have to ensure that we honor the role that the school district plays in our communities, but also ensure that the institution has what it needs to survive and thrive with the resources we have.

“We also have the power to hire and fire the superintendent, which is our ultimate power.

“The state gave us the authority to be the authorizers of charter schools in the city of Philadelphia. The Board of Education, by way of the state, gives charter schools autonomy. But every five years, the Board of Education cannot renew a charter school if it is non-compliant with law, or if there are other issues around academic achievement, governance, and finances.”