Community Renewal Good Stories - Philadelphia-Camden

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Academy Bonds Revitalize Schools in Philadelphia EZ

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania/Camden, New Jersey, EZ

The Philadelphia school system knows that QZABs are effective in helping schools in EZs to raise cash for capital projects. In November 2000 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania approved issuing $22,985,000 in QZABs to renovate several existing school buildings and convert them as necessary for specific age ranges and abilities. About $2 million of that has been earmarked for the purchase and installation of security equipment at the schools, and the rest is being spent on the renovation and conversion.

To meet the eligibility criteria for the QZAB program, 10 percent of the project costs had to come from the private sector. This goal was met: $2,298,500 in contributions from private businesses was raised through the Children Achieving Challenge Grant during 1999 and 2000. This created an important buy-in between the local business community and the school district.

Philadelphia had a second round of QZAB-funded school improvements in process during fall 2004. The $19,335,700 bond issue will pay for two middle school conversions to high schools.

The QZAB program has proved a vital one for the Philadelphia School District and they believe that the program is a particularly important tool in EZ communities. In this day of tight budgets, QZABs have provided this school district with another method to meet the educational needs of its diverse student body.

For more information on the programs of the Philadelphia EZ, please contact Elinor Haiderat (215) 683-2157.