PHILADELPHIA, PA -- In the wake of Edison Schools Inc.’s poor performance nationwide, Congressman Chaka Fattah is calling on Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressman John Boehner (R-OH), Chairmen of the Senate and House Education committees respectively, to examine Edison Schools Inc.’s record in schools nationwide.  

Schools in Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, and Minnesota have recently ended their contracts with Edison.  School Boards in Macon, GA, Wichita, KS, and San Francisco, CA, are trying to sever Edison’s contract because of poor student performance and rising costs. Congressman Fattah, out of concern for what might happen in Philadelphia and schools nationwide, is asking for hearings to look into this matter. 

“There are troubling and glaring inconsistencies between independent studies of Edison-run schools and those commissioned by Edison themselves,” said Congressman Fattah.  “Through my own research, I have been unable to find the academic success that Edison says they achieve.  Before one more community is negatively impacted by their claims, it is imperative that Congress examines their record.”
“In our search for appropriate reforms in public education, we cannot afford to be reckless. Congress must hold hearings, inviting both the local school officials and Edison, so the public can be informed and knowledgeable about what happens in Edison-run schools,” said Congressman Fattah.

Congressman Fattah has also called on the General Accounting Office to conduct an investigation on the performance of Edison Schools and other for-profit education companies.