Meetings set up to hear what Philadelphia parents want in a superintendent

Ten community meetings have been scheduled across the city to give parents and others a chance to tell the Philadelphia School Reform Commission what leadership traits are important in the next Philadelphia superintendent of schools.

Representatives from the nine-member search team assembled by the SRC will attend to hear suggestions that will help guide the search for the leader of the 146,000-student district.

The meetings are scheduled to begin Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Nicetown at Mastery Gratz High School, 1798 W. Hunting Park Ave., and conclude Feb. 21 in East Mount Airy at Leeds Middle School, 1100 E. Mount Pleasant Ave.

The commission hopes to have a new, permanent superintendent in place by July 1 to replace former Superintendent Arlene C. Ackerman, who left in August. Similar community meetings were held before Ackerman was selected in 2008.

The United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania's Project for Civic Engagement are assisting the district with the community forums.

Schedule of Meetings

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m., Mastery Gratz H.S., 1798 W. Hunting Park Ave.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m., Roxborough H.S., 6498 Ridge Ave.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m., Lincoln H.S., 3201 Ryan Ave.

Monday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m., West Philadelphia H.S., 4901 Chestnut St.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m., Strawberry Mansion H.S., 3133 Ridge Ave.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m., Edison H.S., 151 W. Luzerne St.

Monday, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., Northeast H.S., 1601 Cottman Ave.

Thursday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., Bartram H.S., 2401 S. 67th St.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m., South Philadelphia H.S., 2101 S. Broad St.

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m., Leeds Middle School, 1100 E. Mount Pleasant Ave.