A New School Year Amid Uncertainty
As the first day of school approaches, teachers and students across Philadelphia are facing a mix of excitement and anxiety. For Nicole Wyglendowski, a special-education teacher at Steel Elementary in Nicetown, the start of the school year feels more ominous than usual. She is worried about whether her supplies are ready, if she has connected with all the parents, and most importantly, if she is prepared for a new group of students.
Wyglendowski’s concerns are shared by many educators in the Philadelphia School District, which serves over 117,000 students. The district is grappling with multiple challenges that threaten to disrupt the academic year. One of the biggest issues is the ongoing funding crisis affecting SEPTA, the transit system that transports more than 50,000 students and thousands of employees to school and work each day.
SEPTA Cuts and Their Impact
The budget standoff in Harrisburg has led to significant cuts in SEPTA service, set to take effect just as students return to class. These changes will have an immediate impact on students who rely on public transportation to get to school. For some, this means longer commutes and potential delays, which could affect their ability to attend classes on time.
Superintendent Tony B. Watlington emphasized the importance of every minute of instruction, noting that the SEPTA cuts could hinder the district’s efforts to accelerate academic improvement. “We need every day, every hour, and every minute of instruction,” he said during a recent meeting with the school board.
Real-Life Challenges for Students
Three local students are already feeling the effects of these changes. Journey Singleton, a freshman at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush, is struggling with a drastically altered commute. What was once a one-hour bus ride has now become a 90-minute journey involving two trains and a walk. Even the best-case scenario results in her arriving just two minutes late for first period.
Geneya Singleton, Journey’s mother, is considering selling their West Philadelphia home to move closer to the school. While this would reduce the commute to about 20 minutes, it will take time to complete the process, leaving Journey with a long commute for at least two months.
Sophia Kilbride, a senior at Rush Arts, is also affected by the SEPTA cuts. Her daily commute involves taking the 66 bus and then transferring to the 84, both of which are being impacted. She worries about increased crowding and less frequent service, which could make it harder for her and her peers to get to school on time.
Christine Savard, whose son Lincoln will be starting ninth grade at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, is facing another challenge. The 27 bus route, which she relied on, will be shortened, making Lincoln’s commute significantly longer. This change adds another layer of difficulty for Lincoln as he transitions to high school.
Struggles Beyond Transportation
The challenges extend beyond transportation. The contract for 14,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, secretaries, and paraprofessionals expires on August 31, and negotiations are moving slowly. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has authorized a strike, and preparations for a possible work stoppage are underway.
Additionally, the district’s facilities planning process may lead to school closures and forced building colocations. Announcements are expected this fall, with a final decision scheduled for the end of the year. These changes could further complicate the lives of students and families.
The Long-Term Consequences
For vulnerable students, the impact of these disruptions could be even more severe. At Steel Elementary, many students face housing insecurity and rely on SEPTA to get to school. Wyglendowski notes that while the district prioritizes attendance, the SEPTA cuts could lead to learning loss. “We can excuse them, but we can’t get that hour of learning back,” she said.
As the school year begins, the challenges facing students, teachers, and families are clear. From transportation issues to potential strikes and facility changes, the road ahead is uncertain. However, many are determined to find solutions and support their communities through these difficult times.