What is the next step in the search for the new director of schools in Philly

This story originally appeared on Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

Amanda Jones began teaching Muñoz-Marín Primary School in North Philadelphia about 10 years ago – a year before outgoing Superintendent William Hite was appointed head of the Philadelphia School District.

Jones, who is now the principal of the school, believes Hite’s replacement should be someone who puts fairness first. The 610-student school is located in zip code 19140, the city’s second most economically disadvantaged area, and access to resources is a concern.

“When we talk about who will lead the district, all schools should have access to quality education and resources,†Jones told Chalkbeat on Friday. “Despite our zip code, all of our students should have a quality education.”

Hit announcement At the end of last month, he would step down in August, continuing the process of finding a replacement to lead the school district of more than 120,000 students. The research began this week, with 17 in-person and virtual listening sessions scheduled in city districts to solicit public input. Students, parents and community members were invited to share what qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent.

Like Jones, member of the Board of Education Reginald Streater also keeps an eye on equity and points to other important events that coincide with the district’s search for new leadership.

“We hope that with the fair funding lawsuit and federal grant money, we will have the opportunity to remake the district to create the 21st century learning environment all children need,” a- he declared.

The seven-year-old lawsuit, in which six school districts and several parents allege that public aid to education is insufficient and unfairly distributed, is expected to go to trial next month. Pennsylvania has one of the biggest spending gaps between the richest and poorest districts in the country. Although the Philadelphia School District is not among the plaintiffs, Hite said he plans to testify.

Philadelphia should also receive $ 1.2 billion in federal dollars following the pandemic.