Martha WoodallWhat I DoMartha Woodall has been an Inquirer reporter since 1982. She covers K-12 education with a focus on Philadelphia district, charter, and nonpublic schools, and investigative stories. (215) 854-2789Two-plus hours on a school bus: How a Chester charter taps Philly kids to growChester Community Charter School, which is the largest bricks-and-mortar charter school in Pennsylvania, is targeting Philadelphia students to fuel its growth. Some ride buses for more than two hours to attend a school that has some of lowest charter test scores in the region.Martha Woodall Jan. 2, 2018Link copied to clipboardWoman severely burned after setting herself ablazePolice said a 35-year-old woman was being treated for severe burns she received Saturday evening when she doused herself with gasoline at gas pumps in Germantown and then used a lighter to set herself on fire.Martha Woodall Dec. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboardFormer charter parents countersue Agora Cyber founderAngelique and Ira Smith, former Agora Cyber parents who were defendants in a defamation suit filed by one-time charter mogul Dorothy June Brown, have sued her charging malicious prosecution.Martha Woodall Nov. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboardChildren's Scholarship Fund to aid 2,000 city kids in 2018-19The nonprofit's scholarships will provide aid for private school tuition for four years, awarded by lottery from the pool of qualified candidates.Martha Woodall Sept. 22, 2017Link copied to clipboardFormer SRC member hired to direct charter-advocacy groupSylvia Simms, a longtime parent advocate and former member of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, will be the first executive director of Educational Opportunities for Families.Martha Woodall Sept. 12, 2017Link copied to clipboardTemple, part-time profs reach tentative agreementThe proposed contract is a first for part-time faculty.Martha Woodall Aug. 31, 2017Link copied to clipboardStolen bust of Civil War general found under I-95Philadelphia Police find the stolen bust of a Union general under Interstate 95/Martha Woodall Aug. 25, 2017Link copied to clipboardHow Chester Community Charter School got a 9-year dealThe move means the state's largest bricks-and-mortar charter won't have to worry about its fate for nearly a decade, even if its test scores continue to fall far short of state benchmarks.Martha Woodall Dec. 22, 2017Link copied to clipboardGermantown Friends adds Center City preschool"Planting the flag." With millennials flocking to Center City, Germantown Friends School opened an early childhood and after-school program on Washington Square this fall to tap into the burgeoning market.Martha Woodall Dec. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboardFaith in the Future Foundation CEO to leaveSamuel Casey Carter, founding CEO of the foundation that manages 17 Catholic high schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will leave Dec. 31. The foundation said it will seek a replacement.Martha Woodall Oct. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboardPrivate school for low-income children readies for a home of its ownAn unusual, private school for low-income children in North Philadelphia, founded by Germantown Academy and Project HOME, celebrates as it prepares for a home of its own.Martha Woodall Sept. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboardCatholic H.S. teachers ratify one-year pactThe action capped a busy weekend of negotiations for the union that represents lay teachers at the 17 archdiocesan high schools.Martha Woodall Sept. 5, 2017Link copied to clipboardPhilly Archdiocese, Catholic high school teachers in talks as contract set to expireThe Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the union that represents lay teachers at Catholic high schools are hoping to wrap up negotiations for a new contract ahead of next week's start of school. The 17 Catholic high schools enroll more than 12,000 students.Martha Woodall Aug. 30, 2017Link copied to clipboardPhilly School District settles last case from $7.5 million no-bid camera contractThe Philadelphia School District has settled the final lawsuit stemming from a $7.5 million no-bid contract for surveillance cameras. It spent more than $7 million on four cases stemming from the 2010 contract.Martha Woodall Aug. 11, 2017Link copied to clipboardSRC votes to shut a troubled Philly charter, starts process for 2 moreNearly two years after it first considered the fate of John B. Stetson Charter School in Kensington and Olney Charter High School, the SRC voted to yank Olney and Stetson, two schools run by Aspira Inc. of Pa., the Latino community organization.Martha Woodall and Kristen A. Graham Dec. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboardAlums give $5M gift to Bucks Catholic schoolThe Danaher Lynch Family Foundation is giving $5 million to Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills.Martha Woodall Nov. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboardGirard College president Clarence Armbrister leaving to head university in CharlotteGirard College President Clarence "Clay" D. Armbrister to step down in December to lead Johnson C. Smith University, an Historically Black College in Charlotte, N.C.Martha Woodall Oct. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboardStudy highlights long-term costs of charter school expansionPennsylvania school districts may be able to reduce some expenses when students enroll in charters, but they still face significant financial costs long after those students have gone, according to a report by Research for Action.Martha Woodall Sept. 13, 2017Link copied to clipboardFormer academic leader sues Aspira, says she lost job for backing sexual harassment claimOne of the former top academic officials has sued the nonprofit that operates five charter schools, sayingshe was wrongfully fired for supporting a complaint an employee had filed against the CEO.Martha Woodall Sept. 1, 2017Link copied to clipboardBurlington City man charged in Cherry Hill murderBurlington City man charged with murdering juvenile, injuring two others in Cherry Hill shooting.Martha Woodall Aug. 26, 2017Link copied to clipboardSee more stories
Two-plus hours on a school bus: How a Chester charter taps Philly kids to growChester Community Charter School, which is the largest bricks-and-mortar charter school in Pennsylvania, is targeting Philadelphia students to fuel its growth. Some ride buses for more than two hours to attend a school that has some of lowest charter test scores in the region.Martha Woodall Jan. 2, 2018Link copied to clipboard
Two-plus hours on a school bus: How a Chester charter taps Philly kids to growChester Community Charter School, which is the largest bricks-and-mortar charter school in Pennsylvania, is targeting Philadelphia students to fuel its growth. Some ride buses for more than two hours to attend a school that has some of lowest charter test scores in the region.Martha Woodall Jan. 2, 2018Link copied to clipboard
Woman severely burned after setting herself ablazePolice said a 35-year-old woman was being treated for severe burns she received Saturday evening when she doused herself with gasoline at gas pumps in Germantown and then used a lighter to set herself on fire.Martha Woodall Dec. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Woman severely burned after setting herself ablazePolice said a 35-year-old woman was being treated for severe burns she received Saturday evening when she doused herself with gasoline at gas pumps in Germantown and then used a lighter to set herself on fire.Martha Woodall Dec. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Former charter parents countersue Agora Cyber founderAngelique and Ira Smith, former Agora Cyber parents who were defendants in a defamation suit filed by one-time charter mogul Dorothy June Brown, have sued her charging malicious prosecution.Martha Woodall Nov. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Former charter parents countersue Agora Cyber founderAngelique and Ira Smith, former Agora Cyber parents who were defendants in a defamation suit filed by one-time charter mogul Dorothy June Brown, have sued her charging malicious prosecution.Martha Woodall Nov. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Children's Scholarship Fund to aid 2,000 city kids in 2018-19The nonprofit's scholarships will provide aid for private school tuition for four years, awarded by lottery from the pool of qualified candidates.Martha Woodall Sept. 22, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Children's Scholarship Fund to aid 2,000 city kids in 2018-19The nonprofit's scholarships will provide aid for private school tuition for four years, awarded by lottery from the pool of qualified candidates.Martha Woodall Sept. 22, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Former SRC member hired to direct charter-advocacy groupSylvia Simms, a longtime parent advocate and former member of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, will be the first executive director of Educational Opportunities for Families.Martha Woodall Sept. 12, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Former SRC member hired to direct charter-advocacy groupSylvia Simms, a longtime parent advocate and former member of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, will be the first executive director of Educational Opportunities for Families.Martha Woodall Sept. 12, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Temple, part-time profs reach tentative agreementThe proposed contract is a first for part-time faculty.Martha Woodall Aug. 31, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Temple, part-time profs reach tentative agreementThe proposed contract is a first for part-time faculty.Martha Woodall Aug. 31, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Stolen bust of Civil War general found under I-95Philadelphia Police find the stolen bust of a Union general under Interstate 95/Martha Woodall Aug. 25, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Stolen bust of Civil War general found under I-95Philadelphia Police find the stolen bust of a Union general under Interstate 95/Martha Woodall Aug. 25, 2017Link copied to clipboard
How Chester Community Charter School got a 9-year dealThe move means the state's largest bricks-and-mortar charter won't have to worry about its fate for nearly a decade, even if its test scores continue to fall far short of state benchmarks.Martha Woodall Dec. 22, 2017Link copied to clipboard
How Chester Community Charter School got a 9-year dealThe move means the state's largest bricks-and-mortar charter won't have to worry about its fate for nearly a decade, even if its test scores continue to fall far short of state benchmarks.Martha Woodall Dec. 22, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Germantown Friends adds Center City preschool"Planting the flag." With millennials flocking to Center City, Germantown Friends School opened an early childhood and after-school program on Washington Square this fall to tap into the burgeoning market.Martha Woodall Dec. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Germantown Friends adds Center City preschool"Planting the flag." With millennials flocking to Center City, Germantown Friends School opened an early childhood and after-school program on Washington Square this fall to tap into the burgeoning market.Martha Woodall Dec. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Faith in the Future Foundation CEO to leaveSamuel Casey Carter, founding CEO of the foundation that manages 17 Catholic high schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will leave Dec. 31. The foundation said it will seek a replacement.Martha Woodall Oct. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Faith in the Future Foundation CEO to leaveSamuel Casey Carter, founding CEO of the foundation that manages 17 Catholic high schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will leave Dec. 31. The foundation said it will seek a replacement.Martha Woodall Oct. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Private school for low-income children readies for a home of its ownAn unusual, private school for low-income children in North Philadelphia, founded by Germantown Academy and Project HOME, celebrates as it prepares for a home of its own.Martha Woodall Sept. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Private school for low-income children readies for a home of its ownAn unusual, private school for low-income children in North Philadelphia, founded by Germantown Academy and Project HOME, celebrates as it prepares for a home of its own.Martha Woodall Sept. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Catholic H.S. teachers ratify one-year pactThe action capped a busy weekend of negotiations for the union that represents lay teachers at the 17 archdiocesan high schools.Martha Woodall Sept. 5, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Catholic H.S. teachers ratify one-year pactThe action capped a busy weekend of negotiations for the union that represents lay teachers at the 17 archdiocesan high schools.Martha Woodall Sept. 5, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Philly Archdiocese, Catholic high school teachers in talks as contract set to expireThe Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the union that represents lay teachers at Catholic high schools are hoping to wrap up negotiations for a new contract ahead of next week's start of school. The 17 Catholic high schools enroll more than 12,000 students.Martha Woodall Aug. 30, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Philly Archdiocese, Catholic high school teachers in talks as contract set to expireThe Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the union that represents lay teachers at Catholic high schools are hoping to wrap up negotiations for a new contract ahead of next week's start of school. The 17 Catholic high schools enroll more than 12,000 students.Martha Woodall Aug. 30, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Philly School District settles last case from $7.5 million no-bid camera contractThe Philadelphia School District has settled the final lawsuit stemming from a $7.5 million no-bid contract for surveillance cameras. It spent more than $7 million on four cases stemming from the 2010 contract.Martha Woodall Aug. 11, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Philly School District settles last case from $7.5 million no-bid camera contractThe Philadelphia School District has settled the final lawsuit stemming from a $7.5 million no-bid contract for surveillance cameras. It spent more than $7 million on four cases stemming from the 2010 contract.Martha Woodall Aug. 11, 2017Link copied to clipboard
SRC votes to shut a troubled Philly charter, starts process for 2 moreNearly two years after it first considered the fate of John B. Stetson Charter School in Kensington and Olney Charter High School, the SRC voted to yank Olney and Stetson, two schools run by Aspira Inc. of Pa., the Latino community organization.Martha Woodall and Kristen A. Graham Dec. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboard
SRC votes to shut a troubled Philly charter, starts process for 2 moreNearly two years after it first considered the fate of John B. Stetson Charter School in Kensington and Olney Charter High School, the SRC voted to yank Olney and Stetson, two schools run by Aspira Inc. of Pa., the Latino community organization.Martha Woodall and Kristen A. Graham Dec. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Alums give $5M gift to Bucks Catholic schoolThe Danaher Lynch Family Foundation is giving $5 million to Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills.Martha Woodall Nov. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Alums give $5M gift to Bucks Catholic schoolThe Danaher Lynch Family Foundation is giving $5 million to Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills.Martha Woodall Nov. 15, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Girard College president Clarence Armbrister leaving to head university in CharlotteGirard College President Clarence "Clay" D. Armbrister to step down in December to lead Johnson C. Smith University, an Historically Black College in Charlotte, N.C.Martha Woodall Oct. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Girard College president Clarence Armbrister leaving to head university in CharlotteGirard College President Clarence "Clay" D. Armbrister to step down in December to lead Johnson C. Smith University, an Historically Black College in Charlotte, N.C.Martha Woodall Oct. 4, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Study highlights long-term costs of charter school expansionPennsylvania school districts may be able to reduce some expenses when students enroll in charters, but they still face significant financial costs long after those students have gone, according to a report by Research for Action.Martha Woodall Sept. 13, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Study highlights long-term costs of charter school expansionPennsylvania school districts may be able to reduce some expenses when students enroll in charters, but they still face significant financial costs long after those students have gone, according to a report by Research for Action.Martha Woodall Sept. 13, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Former academic leader sues Aspira, says she lost job for backing sexual harassment claimOne of the former top academic officials has sued the nonprofit that operates five charter schools, sayingshe was wrongfully fired for supporting a complaint an employee had filed against the CEO.Martha Woodall Sept. 1, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Former academic leader sues Aspira, says she lost job for backing sexual harassment claimOne of the former top academic officials has sued the nonprofit that operates five charter schools, sayingshe was wrongfully fired for supporting a complaint an employee had filed against the CEO.Martha Woodall Sept. 1, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Burlington City man charged in Cherry Hill murderBurlington City man charged with murdering juvenile, injuring two others in Cherry Hill shooting.Martha Woodall Aug. 26, 2017Link copied to clipboard
Burlington City man charged in Cherry Hill murderBurlington City man charged with murdering juvenile, injuring two others in Cherry Hill shooting.Martha Woodall Aug. 26, 2017Link copied to clipboard