Most Sportsmanlike: Philadelphia School District Athletes

The School District of Philadelphia has recently joined the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (“PIAA”). PIAA membership establishes connectivity between the Commonwealth’s broader student athlete community and the Philadelphia School District. One notable recent achievement: during the 2003-2004 school year, the PIAA reported that Philadelphia had the lowest number of players and coaches disqualified or penalized (see story). Relatedly, the District is in the midst of a $27 million spending program to upgrade programs and implement non-traditional urban school district programs such as golf and crew. Take a second, third, and fourth look at what Paul Vallas, his staff, and the School Reform Commission are doing; it's nothing short of revolutionary for Philadelphia's public schools.