Feb. 18, 2021TIM TAI / Philadelphia InquirerThe $1 billion plan to close the gap between growing and shrinking Pa. school districtsby Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PAGov. Tom Wolf’s idea relies on a hefty tax increase on high earners, which will be a nearly impossible sell to the legislature and many in the public.
Jan. 14, 2021Commonwealth Media ServicesHead of Pa.’s public university system to examine historic roots of racism in state schoolsby Jamie Martines of Spotlight PAIn a wide-ranging interview with Spotlight PA, Chancellor Daniel Greenstein said he was “ashamed to admit” he had not studied how the university system has historically perpetuated racial inequity.
Nov. 23, 2020MARGO REED / The Philadelphia InquirerDid you go to Milton Hershey School? Tell us about your experience.by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA, Bob Fernandez of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Beena Raghavendran of ProPublica, and Zipporah Osei of ProPublicaPlease share your experience at the Milton Hershey School to help us report.
Oct. 27, 2020TIM TAI / Philadelphia InquirerSee how much funding your Pa. school district is owed, according to a new reportby Spotlight PA StaffThe analysis of state data shows widening gaps in education spending between affluent and poor communities — and divides in academic performance.
Oct. 27, 2020HEATHER KHALIFA / Philadelphia InquirerPa. schools need an additional $4.6 billion to close education gaps, new analysis findsby Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA and Maddie Hanna of The Philadelphia InquirerThe analysis is the latest salvo in a yearslong battle to address inequities in the state’s public school system, one that could intensify as a case moves toward trial.
Oct. 23, 2020Milton Hershey SchoolCourt green lights Hershey’s $350 million plan for six free childhood centers around Pennsylvaniaby Bob Fernandez of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PAThe centers will be the first time in more than 100 years that the charity that controls the chocolate giant, with assets of about $14 billion, will help poor children outside of its rural campus.
Oct. 21, 2020Commonwealth Media ServicesSolutions for racism, inequity should be central to redesign of Pa. state universities, senator saysby Jamie Martines of Spotlight PAThe system’s board created a commission this month to review diversity, equity, and inclusion. But a Spotlight PA report found students are tired of such symbolic efforts.
Sept. 30, 2020MARGO REED / Philadelphia InquirerHershey School proposes $350 million network of six early childhood centers in Pa.by Bob Fernandez of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PAThe Hershey School, the nation's richest private school, agrees under pressure from state Attorney General Josh Shapiro to expand across Pennsylvania.
Aug. 24, 2020Commonwealth Media ServicesAfter Spotlight PA report on campus racism, lawmaker tells state system to take actionby Aneri Pattani of Spotlight PAPennsylvania's public university system has already hired a new vice-chancellor focused on coordinating diversity and inclusion efforts across all 14 schools.
Aug. 6, 2020Sean Simmers / PennLive for Spotlight PAPa.’s public universities recruit students of color but fail them on campusby Aneri Pattani of Spotlight PAAt best, many students of color said they feel unwelcome and ill-supported. At worst, they feel unsafe and targeted.
Aug. 6, 2020JOSE F. MORENO / Philadelphia InquirerStudents of color offer solutions to make Pa. public universities more equitableby Aneri Pattani of Spotlight PACreating an inclusive campus goes far beyond punishing individuals for racist acts, students said.
Aug. 4, 2020MICHAEL BRYANT / Philadelphia InquirerPa. education secretary will step down in October to lead Lancaster technical collegeby Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PAEducation Secretary Pedro Rivera will be the next president of Thaddeus Stevens College.