The Pennsylvania National Action Network supports an audit of the School District of Philadelphia. The organization's chairperson and president applaud the state auditor general's pledge to audit the district in spring 2014. They believe an audit is long overdue and will bring needed transparency and accountability to how the district spends its funds. While the district can afford to hire hundreds of bureaucrats and pay six-figure salaries, it claims to lack money for essential education positions and resources. On December 2nd, the Pennsylvania National Action Network will hold a town hall meeting to discuss the district's performance during its first 100 days and advocate for students' constitutional right to a thorough and efficient public education.

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paula Peebles
(215) 765-6181 office
(215) 869-0166 cell
paulapeebles@yahoo.com
Penn. National Action Network Supports Audit of School District of Philadelphia
A Forensic Audit Will Bring Transparency and Accountability to 440 Broad
Philadelphia, PA – November 21, 2013 – Following a news story regarding the School
District of Philadelphia’s alleged violation of the state Sunshine Act, Pennsylvania
Auditor General Eugene DePasquale has pledged to audit the district next spring.
“We applaud the auditor general’s decision,” said Paula Peebles, chairperson of the
Pennsylvania State Chapter National Action Network (PA NAN). “The audit represents a
great victory for parents, teachers and other stakeholders who have long pushed for a
forensic audit. It’s past time that we followed the money.”
“Sunshine is the best disinfectant,” said Matthew Smith, Sr., president of PA NAN. “A
forensic audit will bring much needed transparency and accountability to 440 Broad. It’s
outrageous the district can find money to hire hundreds of bureaucrats, some of whom
are making six-figure salaries. But there’s no money for books, librarians, guidance
counselors and school nurses.”
On December 2, 2013, PA NAN will hold a town hall meeting on the school district’s first
100 days. The community conversation will kick off our 2014 advocacy in action plan to
hold officials accountable for ensuring all students have access to a “thorough and
efficient system of public education” as mandated by the constitution of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
About Pennsylvania State Chapter National Action Network: The Pennsylvania
State Chapter National Action Network is a nonprofit organization incorporated for the
purpose of advocating for equal education opportunities and equal justice under the law;

2. promoting policies and initiatives to reduce gun violence, racial profiling and “stop and
frisk” policing; and fostering civic engagement by hosting community forums, rallies and
other nonpartisan events. For more information, visit www.phillynan.org.
About National Action Network: The National Action Network is the nation’s leading
civil rights and human rights organization, with chapters throughout the United
States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and
tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that
includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all
people regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender. For more information, visit
www.nationalactionnetwork.net.