Letters to the Editor | July 27, 2023

While admittedly complicated, with five weeks until the first day of school, it is not too late to attempt to place many of the upward of 800 students who yearned for placement in Philadelphia’s special-admissions schools, but were denied due to being unable to meet COVID-era PSSA scores or attendance requirements. For example, the incoming ninth-grade class at W.B. Saul High School has only 70 confirmed students for a potential 150 spots. There are about 13 other special-admissions schools (and many of the dozen citywide schools) with space for September 2023. Each of these schools provide unique opportunities for learning and growth. We are disappointed that the School District of Philadelphia’s efforts to fill vacancies earlier in the spring ultimately did little to change the situation. At the time, we urged the district to adopt more creative solutions (e.g. drop PSSA requirements). Finally, the recommendations on the district’s school selection process made by Accenture for 2024-2025 are promising, as they eliminate reliance on standardized tests. However, these recommendations don’t resolve the immediate issue. We urge the district to provide additional opportunities in well performing and innovative public schools where the capacity and resources already exist.

Gili Ronen, president, Home and School Association, W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, Philadelphia

Regarding the recent editorial, “As Israeli democracy falters, U.S. voters must pay attention,” the law to stop the Israeli Supreme Court from overturning what it deems “unreasonable” acts has been approved by the Knesset. As I recall, the parliament is elected by the people. So, what part of this is not democracy? What the law is designed to stop is government by proclamation — edicts from an unelected Supreme Court. What am I missing?

Mike Egan, Plymouth Meeting

A recent op-ed argued the governor could legally place on the November ballot an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution that would open a two-year window for filing timebarred claims of childhood sexual abuse. On Jan. 6, then-Gov. Tom Wolf called the General Assembly into special session to consider the open window amendment. Later that month, the Senate adopted a resolution joining that amendment with two others, one requiring voter IDs and the other providing for regulatory reform. On May 22, the House rejected the Senate version and adopted its own resolution limited to the open window amendment. The Pennsylvania Constitution requires that both the Senate and House agree on any amendment. There was no agreement since the Senate resolution was void as it went beyond the purpose for which the special session was called. Moreover, the resolutions the Senate and House passed materially differed, the Senate conditioning the open window amendment on the House accepting the two other amendments, a condition the House rejected. The commentary pressed the governor to place the open window amendment on the November ballot. The “bold action” the commentary urged is unconstitutional.

Stephen L. Mikochik, professor emeritus of Constitutional Law at Temple Law School, Mount Joy

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