Higher Learning

By John J. Dougherty

We need to make a greater investment in our city's schools.

We have to come to the realization that the traditional high school curriculum is not for every child. Rather than see so many kids struggle and drop-out, I believe we can provide them with vo-tech opportunities that lead to self-sustaining careers. That's why, at Local 98, I established the highly-regarded Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter High School.

It's also why, along with Pat Gillespie, I am working hard to establish Philadelphia's first Building Trades Charter School that would offer students a wide variety of skilled trades to study. The school would serve as a feeder for apprenticeship programs with all of the member Building Trades local unions and go a long way to increasing opportunities for minorities within the skilled trades.

It all begins with a solid education.