WASHINGTON, DC -- The Philadelphia Congressional delegation – Congressmen Chaka Fattah and Robert A. Brady and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz – today called for the renewal of Paul Vallas’ contract as Chief Executive Officer of the School District of Philadelphia.

Expressing his support for Vallas, Congressman Fattah declared, “Paul Vallas needs the stability and certainty of a new contact to continue his extraordinary work as the leader of the School District of Philadelphia. We call upon the School Reform Commission to conclude its negotiations with Mr. Vallas and assure his tenure in Philadelphia.”

Vallas has a contract that expires in July 2007. He indicated in March that he was willing to remain on the job, a step that Fattah enthusiastically endorsed.

“Mr. Vallas has achieved proven results in a challenging urban environment – in graduation rates, test schools, student assessment, a standardized curriculum and a far-sighted construction program,” Fattah said today. “We feel strongly that Paul Vallas is, without contradiction, Number One in school reform across this nation.

“The uncertainty and public speculation surrounding Mr. Vallas’ continued tenure at the head of Philadelphia’s school system is unhelpful,” Fattah said. “Anyone who fails to support Paul Vallas for this vital post is failing the 200,000 students of the School District of Philadelphia and the broader community that benefits from his leadership.”

Congressman Brady said, “Paul Vallas has been a strong and accessible leader for the public schools. He has been willing to go everywhere to carry the message that our schools are on the way back.” 

Congresswoman Schwartz said, “Paul Vallas’ leadership skills and proven commitment to public education have made an important difference in the educational performance of students in the School district of Philadelphia.”