After the controversial dissolution of the School Reform Commission, Mayor Jim Kenney has worked toward appointing a new Board of Education for Philadelphia schools. The new Board's duties include managing the Philadelphia School District's major finances, determining charter school authorization, and working to "appoint and evaluate the superintendent of schools." Because of the widespread impact this change will have on Philadelphia schools, the Mayor's appointments have been much anticipated by those waiting to see what the future holds for Philadelphia's education system. 

 

Among the nine individuals who were thoroughly vetted, four of them have either worked at or graduated from Temple University. Mallory Fix Lopez, a graduate from Temple University, received her bachelor of science in education and master's degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages before becoming a faculty member at Temple. She has since moved on to become the founder of connectEd, an educational consulting firm focused on designing workshops focused on communication in the workplace, specifically surrounding cross-cultural communication. Christopher McGinley also serves on the Board. Dr. McGinley is currently an associate professor in the Department of Policy, Organizational, and Leadership Studies at Temple. Dr. McGinley has an extensive background in K-12 education and advocacy and brings a variety of leadership experiences to his new role on the Board. Angela McIver obtained her master's degree in teaching and learning from Temple University as well. She has worked as a middle school math teacher and has a collective 25 years of experience in the education setting. She has since founded Trapezium Math Club, an after-school program aimed at building math skills for students. Finally, Joyce Wilkerson, former Chair of the SRC, is the senior advisor for Community Relations and Development at Temple. She has also done extensive work in public service throughout several Philadelphia organizations, including serving as a member of several boards across the Greater Philadelphia area.