Philadelphia's new school superintendent says a controversial plan to close dozens of schools is essential in getting the district back on track.
Dr. William Hite sat down with FOX 29's Jeff Cole on Monday to discuss the basics of the plan.
Hite's plan calls for schools to dig themselves out of a $1 billion projected five-year deficit while improving student learning and developing excellent schools across the district.
To do it, Dr. Hite will have to muscle through his controversial plan to shutter 37 schools.
His plan also calls for building strong reading and math skills in the early grades. Mediation and other tools to combat violence and a direct push back at charter schools are also included.
You can watch the story and Jeff Cole's full interview with Dr. Hite in the video above.
Friday, June 7 2013 11:24 PM EDT2013-06-08 03:24:19 GMT
In the days after the building collapse that killed six people and injured more than a dozen in Center City, officials are shedding light on some things that happened before the disaster.
In the days after the building collapse that killed six people and injured more than a dozen in Center City, officials are shedding light on some things that happened before the disaster. And they're promising to make sure they don't happen again.
Thursday, June 6 2013 11:07 PM EDT2013-06-07 03:07:14 GMT
A top, local school official voluntarily resigns after a district investigation. FOX 29 Investigates broke the story. Find out how much it cost taxpayers.
A top, local school official voluntarily resigns after a district investigation. FOX 29 Investigates broke the story. Find out how much it cost taxpayers.
Thursday, June 6 2013 7:58 PM EDT2013-06-06 23:58:23 GMT
FOX 29 wants to know who applied for the permits to tear down that building, and who was checking up on this job? Investigative Reporter Jeff Cole is working to get us answers.
FOX 29 wants to know who applied for the permits to tear down that building, and who was checking up on this job? Investigative Reporter Jeff Cole is working to get us answers.
Tuesday, June 4 2013 6:02 PM EDT2013-06-04 22:02:11 GMT
The Health and Human Services Secretary, swept out of the hearing room flanked by staff, stopped upon hearing a news crew was from Philly. She wanted to ask about Sarah Murnaghan.
The Health and Human Services Secretary, swept out of the hearing room flanked by staff, stopped upon hearing a news crew was from Philly. She wanted to ask about Sarah Murnaghan.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:45 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:45:53 GMT
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
Monday, June 17 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:41:15 GMT
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
Monday, June 17 2013 10:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:25:38 GMT
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby. It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby.It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:21:46 GMT
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 00:44:29 GMT
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:55:01 GMT
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:51:37 GMT
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Dr. William Hite sits down with FOX 29's Jeff Cole to discuss his plan to fix Philadelphia schools.
