Dem Gubernatorial Candidates: Abolish SRC

Philadelphia School Notebook reports that all four Democratic candidates for governor believe the School Reform Commission, the state-controlled board that runs Philly schools, should be abolished and control of schools returned to local government.

The SRC was created in 2001 with the intention that the state would have more of a say in – and take more responsibility for – the outcomes achieved in Philadelphia public schools.

“I think the School Reform Commission has not worked,” said State Treasurer Rob McCord. “Very importantly, we don’t know who to hold accountable. We don’t know whether or not to hold the mayor accountable, the governor accountable.”

The other candidates agreed. A Democratic governor, though, would still need approval from the Republican-controlled legislature to return Philly schools to local control.