The deal means PHA can begin
creating space for first incoming class of new college preparatory
school
Philadelphia May 19, 2017 - The Philadelphia
Housing Authority announced today that it has completed the
purchase of the historic Vaux High School building in North
Philadelphia from the School District of Philadelphia for $2
million. The transaction clears the way for construction to begin
immediately to make a portion of the school ready for the first
class of at least 100 9th grade students in September. 118 students
have already applied for enrollment.
"This purchase marks just the beginning," said PHA President and
CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah. "We've been gratified by the number of
rising 9th grade students expressing interest in attending what
will be a superb school. Our task now is to work diligently to have
everything in place to open our doors to them in September."
PHA has pledged to invest $10-$15 million on renovations to the
building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic
Places. One grade of students will be added each year, moving
toward a total enrollment of 504 students in 9th-12th grades in
2020.
Big Picture High School represents a unique partnership among
PHA, nationally acclaimed education innovator Big Picture Learning
and the School District of Philadelphia. It will be a
District-managed neighborhood high school, operated by Big Picture,
with educators represented by the Philadelphia Federation of
Teachers. To be eligible for admission, students must have
graduated 8th grade on time and looking for a proven,
internship-based, college preparatory experience.
"A high quality neighborhood school has been a critically
important component of our Sharswood-Blumberg revitalization plan.
In addition to the quality homes we and our partners are building
and the revitalized Ridge Avenue business corridor we are helping
to create, I am most pleased with the school because of the
potential it has to significantly change the lives of our children
and the community in which they live," Jeremiah said.
In addition to its investment in the building, PHA will provide
an annual subsidy of up to $500 per student. Philadelphia School
Partnership, Lenfest Foundation; Barra Foundation; Centene
Foundation and Santander Bank Foundation provided financial support
for school planning and for the first year of
operation.
"With the support of our residents and partners, our foundation
funders, the Board of Commissioners and the community, all
together, we're doing great things," said Jeremiah.