Anyone who has listened to Michael Nutter over the course of the campaign knows that his inaugural speech resonated with familiar themes: an open and honest government, a concern about growing Philadelphia, a desire to improve public education.
It differed in three major ways.
For one thing, he came up with a phrase to serve as an envelope for the program – The New Philadelphia (a nice rhetorical touch).
For another, he talked – and talked a lot – as if he also yearns to be a regional leader, and not just Philadelphia's mayor.
Third, he set very specific goals in three areas:
One. He said he wanted to reduce the homicide race by 30 percent to 50 percent in the next three to five years. That is an ambitious one. The last time homicides were below 200 a year was in 1963.
Two. He wants to double the city's 18 percent four-year college graduation rate over the next five years. That's the percentage of city residents who have graduated from four-year-colleges. I believe that may be mathematically impossible to meet such a goal in that period of time, but let's wait to see. Remember: that figure is based upon the entire adult population of the city. Iti s in part a reflection of the fact that we have a high percentage of those 65 and older, many of whom did not graduate from college.
Three. He wants to reduce the public school's drop out rate by 50 percent in the next five to seven years. It currently is 45%. His goal would take it to 22%. In my memory, the drop out rate has never been that low.
One problem is that as mayor, Nutter does not control the public schools. The district is, in effect, in receivership, and controlled by the state. He can propose, but the School Reform Commission disposes.
-- TF
It is rare to hear such specifics in an inaugural, but Nutter took the risk.
-- TF
Comments (5)
A 45% dropout rate is the saddest statistic i have ever seen re: Philadlephia.
Achieve #3 - and #1 and #2 will be a residual effect.
How do you achieve #3? That is the great question. I say start by cutting fatherlessness in half.
Posted by RB | January 7, 2008 1:00 PM
Posted on January 7, 2008 13:00
Music to my ears, all of it. Now let's get it done!
Posted by Roman | January 7, 2008 1:03 PM
Posted on January 7, 2008 13:03
We have a 45% dropout rate.
Guess what folks.
Its actually one of the better rates in the country. For the 50 largest school districts in America, the Philadelphia school district lies right in the middle of dropouts. Many have over 60% of students out before the end of high school. You might think its only an "urban" problem.
Think again.
Another big one on that is many of the 50 largest school district contain suburbs as well.
So to RB, tell me what the saddest statistic is again?
Posted by Patricio | January 7, 2008 2:14 PM
Posted on January 7, 2008 14:14
With the issue of murders, there is no reason Nutter can't bring the homicide rate below or around 250 by the end of his first term. It has been over 300 every year, I believe, since the late 60's. Oh wait it was 288 in 2003. Nutter could with his focus and team bring a 40+ year low.
On the degree issue, Nutter brings up these cities that have 35% of their populace with a 4 year degree. Well most, if not all those cities, don't have a high minority, senior, or foreign born population which Philly has. Citizens who typically fall into any or all those traits are less likely to have a degree then say the 30 something year old white guy.
Posted by Patricio | January 7, 2008 2:35 PM
Posted on January 7, 2008 14:35
Lets support Nutter. Lets support him from the Burbs too?!
Posted by glenn porter | January 7, 2008 4:04 PM
Posted on January 7, 2008 16:04