Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

[UPDATED] PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON DEADLY MASS SHOOTING IN KINGSESSING

UPDATED July 4, 2023

PHILADELPHIA--"Again and again, the devastation wrought by the scourge of gun violence continues to rip families apart and leave communities shattered. As we continue to learn more about last evening's mass shooting in Kingsessing, my heart just breaks for the now-reported five individuals whose lives were stolen from them and for their families and loved ones whose lives will never be the same. And I am so sorry for the two individuals wounded in this deadly mass shooting. Their lives, too, will be forever impacted by this devastating tragedy.

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN on the DEADLY SHOOTING OUTSIDE OF VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY

June 7, 2023

"What devastation. A deadly shooting at a Virginia high school graduation has torn families apart and traumatized countless individuals. I am so sorry for those whose lives were stolen, and for all impacted by this horror.

"To the entire Huguenot High School community, we send our deepest condolences.

"The ongoing scourge of gun violence across our nation is shameful, and we demand real, sustainable action to save lives."

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON "ACCELERATE PHILLY" SCHOOL DISTRICT 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

June 1, 2023 PHILADELPHIA--"The strategic plan is rooted in an important vision for our District, and rooted in a set of core values that are reflective of a collective vision for a more equitable and just District. The recent landmark school funding decision effectively proved what we've known for decades: there is an inherent injustice in how education is currently funded in this Commonwealth. And in our District, where the students we educate are primarily Black and brown and experiencing poverty, the impact of this inequitable system has been catastrophic. "The strategic plan set forth by Superintendent Watlington and his team, in consultation with stakeholders, lays out what can be accomplished when we look at what is possible and what resources our students need to learn and thrive. MORE

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON THE FATAL SHOOTING OF ROXBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT RANDY MILLS

May 26, 2023

"I am so very sorry to learn of the fatal shooting of Roxborough High School student Randy Mills--just 15 years old--his whole life ahead of him.

"My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Randy, and to every member of the Roxborough High School community.

"This loss, which should be unthinkable, is devastatingly far too common. We can and must address the deadly scourge of gun violence."

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PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON CHERELLE PARKER'S VICTORY IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR MAYOR

May 17, 2023 PHILADELPHIA--"I offer my sincere congratulations to Cherelle Parker on her victory in the Democratic primary election for Mayor. The first female Mayor in our city's history will be an important role model for our youth--especially young Black girls who see themselves reflected in the highest officeholder in our beautiful city. MORE

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CW HENRY BUILDING

4-22-2023

PHILADELPHIA--"Time and again, we see the very real consequences of a failure to invest in our young people and their right to a thorough and efficient system of public education. The ongoing facilities crisis, which would never be tolerated in a wealthier, whiter school district, is a searing example of the impact of decades of disinvestment.

"The closure of CW Henry-- the fourth District school to close due to damaged asbestos in just the past two months--is upsetting, disturbing, and emblematic of the urgent need to resolve this facilities crisis.