KYW Newsradio (103.9 FM / 1060 AM) is hosting a special live broadcast event to address education concerns. The broadcast will start at 8:00 PM, taking place at Audacy’s corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, and will be moderated by KYW Newsradio morning anchor Ian Bush.
A recent court ruling in Pennsylvania has increased the urgency for more funding in education, as it declared the state’s support for schools unconstitutional. Although this year’s state budget marked a historic increase in school funding, advocates believe it will significantly improve students’ access to essential resources.
However, the problems accumulating in city schools for decades persist. Many school buildings still grapple with lead and asbestos contamination and faulty HVAC systems. Many students continue to perform below grade level in reading and math, which worsened during the pandemic. Additionally, the ongoing gun violence crisis in the city negatively impacts children during their crucial developmental years.
“We stand at a pivotal moment for public education in Philadelphia. While the recent court decision is poised to be a game-changer for schools, the systemic challenges that have plagued our schools for decades won’t be easily solved,” said Kevin McCorry, News Director, KYW Newsradio.
Education Reporter Mike DeNardo, City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb, and Reporter Shara Dae Howard will pose questions. The panel will consist of key stakeholders, including Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington and Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan.
“We’re proud to leverage our platform to bring together a panel with diverse viewpoints to discuss critical issues, including deteriorating infrastructure, academic disparities, and gun violence. The future of our city depends on the quality of education we provide to our students, and conversations like these can kick start action.”
Apart from Watlington and Jordan, the panel will include Christopher Dormer, Superintendent of the Norristown Area School District; Shereda Cromwell, a parent from North Philadelphia; David Hardy, Co-Founder and retired CEO of Boys’ Latin Charter; and Charity Robbins, a freshman at UPenn who attended Frankford and Carver for high school.
Listeners can tune in to the event on KYW Newsradio (103.9 FM and 1060 AM) in Philadelphia and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. You can follow the station on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
