About Us

What We Do

The Board of Education is the governing body responsible for overseeing all policies and budgetary decisions of the School District of Philadelphia. Additionally, the Board of Education serves as the authorizer for all charter schools in Philadelphia. The Board is made up of nine (9) Board Members who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. Board Members serve four-year terms that are co-terminus with the Mayor’s term.

Board members serve collectively in the best interest of every student in Philadelphia. As a collective body, the Board sets clear, aligned goals that drive decision-making and policy-making to foster strategic planning and investments in support of student achievement.

Goals & Guardrails

The Board of Education (BOE) has established Goals and Guardrails, a five-year strategic plan to increase student achievement and to ensure that all students receive an education that allows them to thrive, succeed and lead in a global society. The plan includes five academic Goals, focused on reading, math, and college & career readiness for all students. Just as importantly, our plan includes four Guardrails, or the conditions necessary to help our students learn and achieve.

Learn More about the Board's Goals & Guardrails

Board of Education Duties:

  • Adopt operating and capital budgets
  • Approve investments that align with the Board’s priorities
  • Appoint and evaluate the Superintendent of Schools
  • Consider the values and voice of all stakeholders
  • Evaluate progress toward the District’s goals
  • Communicate to the public the Board’s priorities, goals, policies, and accomplishments
  • Establish and communicate a process by which to seek public input

Board Members

Reggie

Reginald L. Streater, Esq.

Board President

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Reginald L. Streater believes that public education is both a civil and human right. A proud graduate of Germantown High School, he is the father of three children, two of which who currently attend Philadelphia public schools.

Mr. Streater is a personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil rights attorney at Feldman Shepherd where he works tirelessly to secure monetary and programmatic relief for his clients. Previously, he practiced class action and collective action law, focusing on unpaid wage and employment discrimination matters, and worked as a commercial litigator at a regional full-service law firm. He also served as a Federal Judicial Honors Clerk for the Honorable Chief Judge Theodore McKee of the Federal Third Circuit Court of Appeals and interned with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. He has also been published in scholarly articles on the topics of land reform related to international law and domestic employment discrimination law.

Beyond his legal practice, Reginald is deeply committed to community service, diversity and inclusion, mentorship, and leadership initiatives. In 2022, as an Eisenhower Fellowships USA Justice Fellow, he traveled to Finland and Kenya, exploring strategies to improve public education in low-resource urban settings often hindered by crumbling infrastructure and systemic inequities.

Reginald earned his B.A. magna cum laude in political science and African American studies from Temple University while balancing full-time work and fatherhood. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate with a Certificate in Trial Advocacy from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he held numerous leadership roles, including as the first Black president of the Student Bar Association and president of the Black Law Students Association.

An active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Rho Chapter, and a former executive board member of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Reginald participates in numerous community service initiatives. He is also the former Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania ACLU.  philosophy of servant leadership is shaped by the John S. Mbiti quote: “I am because WE are, and since we are, therefore I am.”

Email:
rstreater@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

Sarah Ashley updated

Sarah-Ashley Andrews

Vice President

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Sarah-Ashley Andrews is committed to educational equity and to helping all the city’s students reach their greatest potential today, so they have a better life tomorrow. She describes herself as a product of North Philadelphia, the public school system and of advocates who fought for her educational opportunities. Ms. Andrews works as a family therapist at TAG Inspires, and previously served as a social worker with Philadelphia Health Management Coalition. In addition, Ms. Andrews founded Dare 2 Hope, a suicide prevention non-profit, serving more than 5,000 students locally and nationally. She is concerned about the “whole child” and advocating for life-changing educational opportunities for all the city’s children. She also serves on the Administration’s Reconciliation Steering committee, which seeks to build a more equitable city for all Philadelphians. Ms. Andrews has also published, “Move Making Monday,” a motivational book about moving forward and living your best life. Ms. Andrews, who attended W.B. Saul High School, holds a master’s degree in Counseling from Lincoln University and a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Human Services from Lancaster Bible College. She also attended undergraduate classes at Bloomsburg University.

Email: saandrews@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

Crystal

Crystal Cubbage

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A Philadelphia native and graduate of Philadelphia public schools, Crystal Cubbage serves as Executive Director for the Philadelphia Learning Collaborative. Crystal began her career as an Electronics Engineer at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH. She also served as an Education Volunteer in the Peace Corps, in Cameroon, West Africa. In 1996, Crystal made the permanent career change from engineering to education. For 10 years, she taught physics and chemistry at public and private Philadelphia high schools including Girard College, The Shipley School, and Germantown Friends’ School. In 2007, Crystal earned a Master’s Degree in School Leadership from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. She has conducted research at the educational think tank, Jobs for the Future; started a nonprofit, Teachable Moments International; and worked on teams to open new public schools in her former positions with Drexel University and the School District of Philadelphia. Crystal studied physics at Lincoln University.

Email: ccubbage@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

Cheryl Harper

Cheryl Harper

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Cheryl Harper was educated in Philadelphia public schools, graduating from Germantown High School. Harper formerly worked in the School District of Philadelphia as an Elementary Teacher, Vice Principal, and as a Placement Officer in Human Resources; and was appointed by the late Superintendent Dr. Constance E. Clayton as Director of Human Resources. Following her retirement from the district, Cheryl was called to work for the Camden Public School District as Executive Director of Human Resources. Later under Governor Ed Rendell, she was appointed as a Distinguished Educator for the PA Department of Education, wherein she was assigned to various school districts across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping them make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). During her career, Cheryl served as a Site Director/Adjunct Professor, responsible for supervising student teachers at Drexel University. Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cheyney University in Elementary and Special Education, and a Master of Science degree from Arcadia University. She also holds certifications in Elementary and Special Education, Elementary/Secondary Principals, Educational Supervisor and Superintendent. Harper is currently a Trustee for Cheyney University.

Email: ceharper@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

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Whitney Jones

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Whitney Jones is the Chief Financial Officer at Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC), a mental and behavioral health nonprofit serving children and families. Whitney comes to CCTC from the KIPP network of schools where he held financial leadership positions in the Philadelphia and San Antonio regions. With KIPP, Whitney led the organizations’ budget development, financial reporting, internal controls, general accounting, and accounts payables. Previously, Whitney served as the School Finance Specialist at the DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB), monitoring charters’ financial stability and ensuring adherence to federal and local laws. Whitney was also a Client Manager with EdTec, a niche consulting firm based in Emeryville, CA and dedicated to supporting charter schools’ financial and operational needs. Whitney began his career at Moody’s Corporation, working in public finance credit ratings and strategic planning. Whitney received his Master of Educational Leadership from The Broad Center (merged with the Yale School of Management in 2021), his Master of Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business and his Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University.

Email: whljones@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

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ChauWing Lam

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ChauWing Lam has extensive experience in education. She previously worked in the School District’s Superintendent’s Office and in the Office of Evaluation, Research and Accountability. She has also worked in the classroom as a math tutor at Lea and the former Drew Elementary School, as an elementary and middle school English teacher abroad, and as a preschool classroom assistant. Until recently, she led Operations for a leadership development organization focused on supporting school leaders. She has also served as a consultant to the Commonwealth on a panel to review and advise on cyber charter authorizations and renewals.

Currently, Ms. Lam is the Operations Director at GVICC (Gun Violence Intervention Coordination Center) which works to expand the capacity, effectiveness and coordination of gun violence intervention programs in Philadelphia. Her drive to ensure opportunity, access and safety for youth stems from her upbringing as an immigrant and the eldest child in a single-parent family struggling to make ends meet.

ChauWing is a graduate of public schools, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, and is a proud parent of a second grader.

E-mail: clam@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

Wanda

Wanda Novalés

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Wanda is the Executive Pastor of City Reach Church, with two local campuses including one in the heart of Kensington. Prior to her faith leadership, she was the founding CEO and Principal of Pan American Charter School, an International Baccalaureate school in partnership with Congreso de Latinos Unidos. With extensive experience in teaching and managing in Philadelphia’s public district and charter schools, Wanda brings insight and perspective. Wanda has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University in Early Childhood Education & Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Cheyney University, and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Arcadia University.

Email: wnovales@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

Joan Headshot

Joan N. Stern

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Joan is a retired public finance attorney who matriculated K-12 Philadelphia public schools. In 1971, Joan Stem became the first paralegal hired by the law firm now known as Blank Rome LLP. In 1972, Joan was assigned to work on the law firm’s first public finance engagement for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – the Commonwealth’s Disaster Relief General Obligation Bonds, Series of 1973. The experience focused her on pursuing a career in the law. She entered Temple University School of Law (now the Beasley School of Law) in 1974 as a full-time student and graduated cum laude in 1977. She then joined Blank Rome as an associate and became the second woman in Pennsylvania to practice public finance law. At Blank Rome she was elected partner in 1983. She served in a series of leadership roles at Blank Rome until joining, as a Partner in the Public Finance Practice, the law firm of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC in 2014. As a public finance attorney, Ms. Stern concentrated her practice in financings for state and local governments, governmental agencies and authorities, cultural and sports facilities, institutions of higher education and health care entities. From 1977 to September 30, 2023 (when she retired from private law practice), she served as bond counsel and special counsel to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia and The School District of Philadelphia. Joan received a Bachelor of Arts degree. from the University of Pennsylvania prior to earning her J.D from Temple University.

Email: jstern@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

Joyce Headshot

Joyce Wilkerson

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Joyce Wilkerson has an extensive career in public service. She most recently served as a mayoral appointee and Chair of the SRC, where she oversaw milestones such as the creation of a new teachers’ contract and the return to local control. Joyce started off in Philadelphia as an attorney with Community Legal Services, and later served as Chief of Staff to Mayor John Street. She helped to stabilize the Philadelphia Gas Works and chaired the board of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. She is currently a member of the board at the Merchant Fund, Scribe Video Center, Brandywine Workshop and Committee of Seventy. Joyce earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Email: jwilkerson@philasd.org

Commitment Letter

Board Committees

Policy Committee

The Board of Education has constituted and appointed a Policy Committee. This Policy Committee will provide governance oversight of the District’s existing and any proposed policies established by and pursuant to applicable laws and regulations as well as coordination and reconciliation of existing or any proposed policies among any other committees of the Board. More information can be found in Board Policy 006 Meetings.

View Meeting Materials | Watch Previous Committee Meetings

Policy Committee Members

Policy Committee Duties:

  • Meet twice during the school year
  • Set and publish meeting dates for the Committee
  • Review and recommend policies for consideration by the Board
  • Review and reconcile any existing and proposed policies
  • Provide reports to the Board, as necessary or as requested by the Board
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Board
Joan Headshot

Joan Stern (Co-chair)

Joyce Headshot

Joyce Wilkerson (Co-chair)

ChauWing Lam

Cheryl Harper

Cheryl Harper

Goals & Guardrails Committee

The Board of Education formed a Goals and Guardrails Committee in order to increase both internal and external engagement with the Board’s Goals and Guardrails. This committee engages in monthly progress monitoring sessions focused solely on student outcomes. More information can be found in Board Policy 003.1.

Goals and Guardrails Committee Members

Goals and Guardrails is a committee of the whole.

Goals & Guardrails Committee Duties:

  • Meet monthly to monitor the Superintendent’s progress towards achieving the Board’s Goals and Guardrails by monitoring data related to at least one Goal or Guardrail.
  • Determine whether the Superintendent and their staff is on track to achieve the Board’s Goals and Guardrails.
  • Provide the public with opportunities to engage in the process to improve student outcomes.
  • Set and publish meeting dates for the committee.

Student Board Representatives

The Board of Education includes two non-voting student representatives who serve in an advisory role by representing their peers. For instance, they voice student concerns with the Board at monthly meetings and report Board deliberations and actions to the student body. They also meet with student groups, initiate important work, such as registering student voters, and have participated in the recent superintendent search.

This spring, the Board invites rising Sophomores and Juniors to bring student voice to the Board by applying to become a Student Board Representative and/or alternate Student Board Board Representative for the next school year.

To qualify as a Student Board Representative, students must:

  • be a current resident of Philadelphia and attend a Philadelphia public or charter school;
  • be in the 10th or 11th grade during their term as a Student Board Representative;
  • have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher and be in good standing;
  • be actively involved in their school community and willing to work to support Philadelphia’s public schools, on behalf of their peers, on a regular basis;
  • be willing to represent their peers at Board of Education meetings and to communicate student opinions to the Board and report Board deliberations and actions to the student body.

Email: studentboardrep@philasd.org
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Charles Rinker

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Charles Rinker is a 10th-grade student at Franklin Learning Center, where his passion for youth advocacy and restorative justice inspired him to apply for the role of Student Board Representative. Charles is dedicated to addressing key challenges faced by students in the district, particularly the need for programs that help students prepare for life beyond high school. As a student representative, his primary goals are to increase student engagement and strengthen the connection between students and administration.

To ensure that student voices are effectively represented, Charles plans to remain active on the Student Board Representatives’ social media accounts and organize in-person events, fostering stronger connections with his peers. Outside of school, Charles enjoys gaming, playing the guitar, and spending time with friends. He is also deeply involved with the Philadelphia Community Youth Court (PCYC), a transformative court focused on dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. As a peer trainer and member of the PCYC leadership team, Charles continues to pursue his passion for restorative justice.

Kenzy Ahmed

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Kenzy Ahmed is an 11th-grade student at Northeast High School. Inspired by a former student board representative from her school, Kenzy has long aspired to hold this position. Her passion for advocacy and the belief that an ordinary student like herself can represent the voices of students across Philadelphia fuels her commitment to the role. Kenzy is eager to use this platform to address critical issues in the district, especially those affecting students from immigrant backgrounds.

A key challenge Kenzy hopes to tackle as a Student Board Representative is the lack of support systems for young immigrants in the school system. Through her work as a Teen Leadership Assistant at the Northeast Regional Library, she has seen firsthand how many immigrant students struggle to keep up academically and integrate socially. Kenzy aims to strengthen bilingual parent engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster a welcoming environment where all families feel valued and empowered to succeed.

Outside of school, Kenzy is passionate about teaching and helping younger students, which she does through her job at the library. She also has a keen interest in learning about her future career, having participated in a UPenn Dental Internship summer program where she shadowed dental students and gained hands-on experience.

Jake Benny

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Jake Benny is an 11th-grade student at Central High School, where his long-held aspiration to serve the school district as a Student Board Representative is finally coming to fruition. Inspired by the announcement of the first cohort of student board reps back when he was in the fifth grade, Jake sees this role as an opportunity to give back to his community and advocate for students across all types of schools—whether special admission, neighborhood, or charter.

Jake is deeply committed to increasing student engagement within the district. He believes that all students deserve opportunities to grow and develop a sense of community during their school years. One of his key goals as a student representative is to raise awareness of the Office of the Student Board Representatives by organizing in-person events and using social media effectively. Outside of school, Jake is actively involved in his church community, St. Thomas Syro Malabar Forane Catholic Church, where he coordinates activities, serves as a leader for the altar servers, and supports the church’s missions. A fun fact about Jake is that he is proud to be the first South Asian representative on the Board of Education.

Parent and Community Advisory Council

The Parent and Community Advisory Council  serves as a link between school communities and the Board of Education by promoting city-wide engagement with the Board and the School District of Philadelphia. Council members provide the Board with input and guidance on the interests and concerns of Philadelphia public and charter school parents, caregivers and community members.

The Council is composed of parents, caregivers, community stakeholders, faith-based leaders, former educators and staff members who are dedicated to the children and youth of the School District of Philadelphia.

Email Us: schoolboardadvisorycouncil@philasd.org

Qualifications to Serve

  • A resident of Philadelphia
  • At least eighteen (18) years of age
  • Affiliated with a Philadelphia District or charter school (current parent/caregiver or a community
    member with a demonstrated commitment to supporting public schools)

Council Roles:

  • Act as champions for public education in Philadelphia, supporting District governance by communicating the interest and concerns of public school communities to the Board
  • Take on responsibility to encourage stakeholder engagement and awareness of the decision making process through the hosting of community conversations and other means
  • Be available to attend and participate in monthly PCAC meetings

Advisory Council Members

J. Bright

Jinaki Bright

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Section of the City: West Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: I am a proud parent of a School District of Philadelphia student and a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls.

Experience: I am an experienced educator with over 25 years of expertise in creating inclusive learning environments and empowering caregivers with practical strategies to support their children. My background includes designing and leading community-based programs that improve literacy skills, helping children build confidence in their reading abilities, and strengthening caregiver-child relationships to foster early learning success.

Why I Serve: I am passionate about serving on the PCAC because I believe in the power of collaborative efforts to create meaningful change for children, families, and communities. By contributing my experience and insights, I hope to advocate for equitable access to resources, strengthen parent engagement, and support initiatives that empower families to actively participate in their children’s education. Through my participation, I aim to help build a supportive and inclusive school district where every child can thrive.

C. Burrell

Caleila Burrell

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Section of the City: West Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: Parent

Experience: As a former PTA executive board member and a passionate advocate for all things West Philadelphia, I have experience championing local initiatives, organizing events, and fostering collaboration to uplift the community. My work reflects a deep commitment to driving meaningful change and engaging with stakeholders to support the needs of the area.

Why I Serve: As a parent of four school-age children, I see firsthand the challenges and opportunities within our schools and community. I’m passionate about serving on the Parent/Community Advisory Council because I believe our children deserve an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through my participation, I hope to amplify the voices of families, advocate for equitable resources, and collaborate on solutions that address the real issues impacting our students. My goal is to ensure that every decision made reflects the needs and experiences of the families it serves.

S. Carlough

Stacey L. Carlough

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Section of the City: South Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: Parent of a GAMP middle schooler and education/social services program designer for organizations across Philadelphia, including several schools within the SDP.

Experience: I am a trained journalist and an inquiry- and equity-driven teacher-leader with nearly two decades of experience in Philadelphia education. I spent over a decade teaching high school English and designing and running student support and professional development programs in schools. Since 2019, I have worked in the Office of School and Community Engagement at Penn GSE, where I design collaborations between the university, the School District of Philadelphia, and community organizations to address the challenges faced by the city’s youth, families, and educators.

Why I Serve: I am deeply committed to ensuring that students and their families as well as educators and school administrators have access to the resources and support necessary to thrive. Through my role on the PCAC, I hope to advocate for policies and practices that improve educational outcomes while also prioritizing equity, strengthening community-school partnerships, and integrating well-being and psychological safety into the fabric of our educational system, so that all students—regardless of background—can achieve their full potential.

S. Cunningham

Simone Cunningham

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Section of the City: Northeast Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: Parent

Experience: Secretary for the Student Advisory Council at Philadelphia Virtual Academy. Owner and operator of a virtual executive assistant business, providing administrative and operational support to businesses and organizations.

Why I Serve: I am passionate about serving on the PCAC because I believe that strong parent and community engagement is key to student success. I aim to advocate for families in Northeast Philadelphia and at Philadelphia Virtual Academy, ensuring their voices are heard and working collaboratively to create policies and programs that support all students. Through my participation in the PCAC, I hope to strengthen communication between families and the school district, ultimately improving educational opportunities and resources for students across Philadelphia.

A. Dorn 2

Anne Dorn

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Section of the City: Southwest Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: I am the parent of six current, former, and future district students ages 4-19

Experience: I have a PhD in Economics from Columbia University, with certifications in Public Finance and Microeconomic Theory. I have expertise in the design of admissions processes and in statistical analysis.

Why I Serve: My passion is to support every child in getting the education he needs to prepare him for the future he wants. I hope to hear from families about their plans for their children, and about what they need from the school district to make those plans a reality. I hope to utilize my expertise in service of improving the city wide admit School Selection Process, and in keeping district statistical analysis focused on the needs of students.

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Jonathan Jacobs

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Section of the City: South and Northeast Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: SDP graduate. Formerly a middle and high school math and science teacher in both traditional and alternative schools in Philadelphia. Currently employed with the Office of Career and Technical Education as a Career Awareness Specialist, serving in both compliance and direct service capacities at Jules E. Mastbaum, Parkway West, and West Philadelphia High School CTE programs.

Experience: I am a Navy veteran and a graduate of Temple University College of Engineering, where I earned my BSET in Environmental Engineering and Chemistry. I have also completed graduate and certification courses at Drexel and St. Joseph’s University. Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom teacher, youth job developer with nonprofits, and in program administration. I am also an elected Committeeperson and Election Committee Member in the 48th Ward in South Philly.

Why I Serve: As a former public school teacher in several disadvantaged districts of Philadelphia, I am acutely aware of the educational deficits that high school students face. My current role with the School District has only reinforced this sobering reality. Despite these challenges, I am confident that closing the achievement gap is possible, and I’ve dedicated my career to finding the right tools and supportive staff to achieve it. I aim to continue this mission by utilizing my background in project-based learning and expanding opportunities through collaborations with business and post-secondary partners. Additionally, I hope to simplify the behind-the-scenes processes that impede teachers and communities from providing the best opportunities to students.

U. Mathies-Benjamin

Ulaysha Mathies-Benjamin

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Section of the City: North Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: A 2002 SDP graduate and parent of three children attending Sankofa Freedom Academy. Former Parent Representative for Sankofa and member of Wazuri.

Experience: I am a Social Work Supervisor at the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, specializing in the Special Investigations Region. I’ve been with the Department for 19 years, driven by my passion for protecting and serving children.

Why I Serve: I am passionate about serving on the PCAC to bring positive change and improve academics across schools. I believe in creating an environment where students feel free to be themselves, learn from mistakes, and are motivated to thrive. My goal is to contribute to solutions that improve the educational climate and support our youth.

J. Smallwood

Jasmine "Sawdah" M. Smallwood

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Section of the City: Mount Airy

SDP Affiliation: Alumni of Murrell Dobbins Area Vocational Tech (“Go Mustangs”) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Currently, I serve as the Director of Student Services for two schools under The Opportunity Network, a partner of the Philadelphia School District (“Go Trojans and Stallions”). I have been affiliated with the School District since 2017.

Experience: As an educator and parent, I bring unique perspectives to the table, ensuring diverse input that is free from bias. I am passionate about leadership and empowering others to believe in their voices and ability to create change. I have two children who currently attend Charter schools in the Philadelphia area—one in elementary school and the other in their first year of middle school for the 2024-2025 school year.

Why I Serve: I am deeply committed to serving on the PCAC because I believe that my experience as both an educator and a parent allows me to bring important perspectives to the board. My goal is to contribute to meaningful change in Philadelphia’s schools by listening to others, reviewing data, and offering suggestions on topics, goals, and guardrails. My motto has always been, “I’m not the sharpest tool, but I’m a tool that will get the job done.” I will remain firm, fair, and consistent in my efforts to help shape positive change for our students and schools.

S. Rhoads

Shaneaka Rhoads

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Section of the City: North Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: Parent of a current high school student and a 2020 graduate of the School District of Philadelphia.

Experience: As a Community Impact Director for the American Heart Association, combined with over 18 years of experience in home healthcare operations, I bring a unique and valuable perspective to the PCAC. My background will help create a healthier and more equitable environment for all students.

Why I Serve: I am passionate about serving on the PCAC because I believe in the potential of our youth and am eager to contribute meaningfully to their development.

O. Smith Warren

Orien Smith-Warren

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Section of the City: Northwest Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: Proud parent of a 7th grader attending a District school.

Experience: I have been actively involved in my school’s community for over 7 years. I serve as a member of the PTA and the facilitator for our School Advisory Council (SAC). Additionally, I hold the newly created role of Grade Representative, where I work to engage students and families by grade level. I was also a member of the inaugural cohort of the District Family Action Group, facilitated through the FACE office.

Why I Serve: I am passionate about public education and eager to contribute to discussions on how best to serve our school community. Public education is under attack, and there are forces working to disenfranchise our children by denying them the education they deserve. I feel compelled to get involved in ways where I can have the greatest impact.

S. Thach

Series "Sarey" Thach

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Section of the City: South Philadelphia

SDP Affiliation: Community Partner

Experience: I serve as a mentor for the Girls and Boys program at a local nonprofit and as an entrepreneur, teaching youth how to use entrepreneurship to overcome adversity. My educational background includes studying Early Childhood Education at CCP, transitioning to a B.A. in Biology at Chestnut Hill College, and pursuing an MBA at Howard University.

Why I Serve: I am passionate about education because both my parents and I faced barriers to learning. As a non-native English speaker, I struggled to learn at the same pace as my peers, and I did not learn to read until I was 28, while in college. This experience drives my commitment to supporting others in overcoming similar challenges.

E. Thomas

Eugene Thomas

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Section of the City: Frankford, Northeast Philadelphia, and Kensington

SDP Affiliation: SDP graduate with experience working at Mastery Charter Schools.

Experience: I led the “Community That Cares” coalition, which expanded into Mastery Charter Schools, and have managed an after-school program for over 10 years. I am also the founder of Powercircle Mentors, a nonprofit that bridges the gap between students and their communities by providing resources and job opportunities. Our programs include after-school activities, group trips, community givebacks, and more.

Why I Serve: I am passionate about serving on the PCAC because it aligns with the work I’ve been doing in Philadelphia for years. My goal is to connect students and their families to resources. Having seen firsthand the impact of after-school programs, I aim to contribute to meaningful discussions that lead to tangible improvements for the District. I hope to focus on amplifying student voices, advocating for effective policies, and collaborating with stakeholders to develop innovative solutions. Ultimately, I want to help shape the future of education in Philadelphia and uplift communities by empowering youth and parents for a safer, brighter future.

K. Usher-Martin

Keisha Usher-Martin

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Section of the City: Graduate Hospital

SDP Affiliation: Parent of children in the District since 2013.

Experience: As the founder of the Modern Impact Collective, I focus on amplifying children’s voices and protecting their rights, with a strong background in advocating for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ youth and Black and Brown individuals. I understand the challenges faced by students in Philadelphia and the need for an inclusive, equitable learning environment for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or learning ability. I am committed to strengthening partnerships among the school district, families, and community organizations to support collaboration and advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students.

Why I Serve: My lifelong commitment to social justice and child advocacy fuels my passion for serving on the PCAC. I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality, equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive education. As both a parent and a community member, I recognize the essential role the PCAC plays in ensuring the voices of students, families, and educators are heard and considered in shaping educational policies and practices. Through the PCAC, we can work together to build a just educational system that empowers all students to succeed.

C. Williams

Callie Williams

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Section of the City: Overbrook

SDP Affiliation: SDP graduate, parent of children in District schools, and currently a grandparent of a District student. Employee with Mastery Charter Schools (Senior Parent & Community Organizer).

Experience: For the past eight years, I’ve worked with Mastery Charter Schools to amplify parent voices, hold decision-makers accountable, and advocate for policies that promote fairness and excellence in education. My advocacy is driven by the inequities I’ve witnessed firsthand in public education—disparities in funding, resources, and student outcomes.

Why I Serve: I believe every child has unlimited potential, and it’s our collective responsibility to remove barriers to their success. Whether it’s advocating for improved school funding, supporting policies that empower families, or fighting against systemic inequities, my goal is to create lasting change.

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