On June 27, Charter High School for Architecture + Design (CHAD) held its Annual Gala Champagne Breakfast. At the event, Anne Papageorge, Vice president of Facilities & Real Estate Services at the University of Pennsylvania, was awarded the DFF Civic Award. Two students were also awarded Women in Architecture Awards, and Billie Tsien, Co-founder of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects was awarded the DFF Design Award. Interim CEO Jacqueline Jeffries Barnett also spoke, sharing her excitement for CHAD, and the need for CHAD to stay open to encourage diversity and growth in ACE industries.
Click below to see photos from the event!
CHAD has also provided an update on its activities and its efforts to keep its charter.
From Jacqueline Jeffries Barnett, Interim Chief Executive Officer, CHAD:
Thank you on behalf of the Charter High School for Architecture + Design (CHAD).
Since our founding, August 31st, 1999, we have enjoyed a proud history of commitment to the success of our school, displayed last Thursday by those who joined us at the School District of Philadelphia.
You may already be aware that the School Reform Commission (SRC) held a meeting, June 21st, 2018 at 1:00 PM, and voted to recommend the issuance of a non-renewal notice to be delivered to CHAD and begin the non-renewal process of our charter.
What does this mean for the future of CHAD?
CHAD is still open and will remain open for the foreseeable future.
Summer Session will begin on Monday, June 25th, 2018, and regularly scheduled school will commence as planned for the Fall 2018 term. We ask that you remain steadfast as we restore the Architecture & Design Charter High School to its original mission and principles. We are counting on students, parents, and staff, to step up to the plate, and take ownership of our future.
To the more than 1,500 supporters who signed the circulated petition – Now is the time to join with us in setting the course for corrective action and restoring the pride once held in the community. This is your opportunity to work with us and “Right Our Ship”. We cannot do this without you!
After the SRC vote, renowned architect and Director of Design Education at CHAD Andrew Phillips and I lingered to address the SRC membership individually, as well as the Charter School Office (CSO) leadership. Collectively, they assured us that there will be a deliberate effort to work with CHAD. In fact, by the end of the day, we received an encouraging email from the CSO requesting a meeting in early July to discuss the current progress made and intended future corrections to be achieved.
We will provide you with updates of this process by the end of July and I assure you we will keep you informed along the way.
On June 27th, 2018, we’re making a strong commitment by executing multi-year educator / staff contracts. Having had the pleasure of personally meeting with and listening to the vast majority of our educators and staff, I ensure you, they intend to help “Right Our Ship.”
You can read Andrew Phillips’ inspiring testimony here. You can read the Inquirer article here. Stand with us to ensure that CHAD receives our utmost dedication to Excellence.
Onward and Upward,
Jacqueline Jeffries Barnett
Interim Chief Executive Officer