School district identifies 720 students

The School District of Philadelphia identified 720 students who were incorrectly dropped from rosters this year because they lacked supporting documentation.

State funding deadline

The district responded to an Inquirer report that some students who moved were re-enrolled ahead of an October 1 enrollment deadline that determines state funding.

District statement

The School District of Philadelphia said Thursday 720 students were 'inappropriately dropped' from school rosters because they lacked supporting documentation.

“The School District of Philadelphia said Thursday 720 students were 'inappropriately dropped' from school rosters because they lacked supporting documentation.”

Funding impact

Last year, the district reported receiving approximately $2.5 billion from the state and having an enrollment of 198,405, which would equate to about $12,600 per student.

Funding calculation

So based on those figures, if the district had 720 additional students, that would mean more than $9 million in state funding.

Superintendent statement

Superintendent Tony Watlington said the district is committed to enforcing rules, improving data accuracy, and preventing children from falling through the cracks.

“We are committed to enforcing the rules, improving data accuracy, and preventing children from falling through the cracks”

Withdrawal requirements

Principals are required to follow state withdrawal codes, Board of Education policy, and federal guidelines that require supporting documentation for moving out of state or country, enrolling in private school, or transferring schools.

Truancy protocol

The district's truancy protocol uses a multi-tiered intervention technique that includes issuing a formal notice after three unexcused absences and holding an attendance improvement meeting after six.