Philly board of education president defends oversight after charter school agrees to pay millions in discrimination settlement

September 6, 2026 - 03:45

Philadelphia Board of Education President Reginald Streater spoke out on Saturday, reaffirming the board's commitment to oversight after Franklin Towne Charter High School agreed to a multi-million dollar settlement in a federal discrimination case. Streater addressed the public directly, stating that the board will continue to hold the charter school accountable for its actions. The settlement resolves allegations that the school discriminated against students, though Streater did not comment on the specific terms of the agreement beyond noting the board's role in the process.

The case drew significant attention to the relationship between the district and its charter schools, with critics questioning whether enough was being done to monitor compliance. Streater pushed back on that narrative, insisting that the board has taken the matter seriously from the start. He pointed to internal reviews and cooperation with federal investigators as evidence of the board's diligence. He also emphasized that the settlement is not the end of the conversation, but rather a step toward ensuring that all students in Philadelphia are treated fairly under the law.

Streater acknowledged the pain caused by the allegations, particularly for the families involved, and said the board is committed to learning from the situation. He noted that the district has already begun reviewing its oversight procedures for all charter schools, not just Franklin Towne. While he stopped short of announcing new policy changes, he made it clear that the board is prepared to take further action if needed. The settlement comes as a reminder that accountability must be constant, he said, and that no institution is above the standards set by the district.