Bluford Charter School opens doors for its last school year
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – In West Philadelphia, Tuesday is the first day of class for students at the Bluford Charter School. Students were originally set to return last Monday but the first day was delayed because of staffing shortages among other things.
This will be the last year for students at Bluford. Unfortunately, the area was hit with some rain making it a wet back-to-school day.
"We are excited to see our doors opening for scholars to come and learn. It's exciting to hear the laughter of the children even in the midst of the rain because we definitely been through a storm," Dr. Deshawnda Williams, Board President of Bluford Charter, said.
As students arrived they were greeted by eager faculty and torrential downpours.
"I'm excited about seeing new people," one student said.
The Philadelphia School District announced it would be closing in 2023, joining the already shuttered Daroff Charter School. The district has chosen not to renew its charter agreement with the company that operates the school.
"A lot of these scholars and their parents and the community, the staff, the teachers, they've all been through some transformation," Williams said. "We want to take it one day at a time and keep it moving. Make sure these scholars have the best year that they can have."
Parents say the uncertainty, just like this weather, is concerning.
"My daughter, she's autistic so that means we're going to have to find another avenue for her, and the teachers that were here before they were really good so it's gonna be kind of hard," parent Mark Palmer said.
The district says they've set up ways for parents to get information.
Bluford Charter School will permanently close on June 30.