School commission is back in session

Convening yesterday for the first time after a two-month break, the School Reform Commission heard from several charter-school representatives seeking renewal and expansion for the schools.

Walter Palmer, founder of the Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter School, pleaded with members of the commission and Superintendent Arlene Ackerman to allow the school to add a grade to its roster.

Whether or not the SRC grants its request to expand, the school, at 6th and Poplar streets, plans to open next month with students in grades K-12, bringing their enrollment to 925 students from 675.

"I'm not asking the school district to give me or the school anything that isn't earned," said Palmer, to the applause of students and staff sitting behind him.

Meanwhile, representatives from Montessori Charter, on Island Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia, are seeking renewal of their charter. The school serves mostly those in the primary grades.

The SRC last year renewed the school's charter for one year with the intention that the school district would evaluate students' academic progress.

Susan Mannix, who spoke on behalf of the board of trustees yesterday, said that the school had attained its goals.

"We were asked to improve our academic achievement, and that was accomplished," Mannix said. "The students, parents and staff deserve a decision to improve our charter."