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PHLCVB Announces Gregg Caren as new President and CEO

Throughout his 30-year career in the hospitality industry, Caren served in various senior leadership positions while with ASM Global and SMG for a combined 20 years. He has also held top positions with entertainment venues in Atlantic City, at the Valley Forge Convention Center/Sheraton Valley Forge and began his career with Marriott Hotels and Resorts.

In his new role, Caren will oversee the PHLCVB’s efforts to promote and sell Philadelphia as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, overseas travelers, and group tour visitors. He will also serve as the chief liaison for the PHLCVB’s tourism and hospitality partners, including the Pennsylvania Convention Center, as well as national industry associations, and the City of Philadelphia.

“After two decades working with dozens of convention centers and destinations around the globe, I am genuinely excited and honored to represent my hometown of twenty-five years to the rest of the world,” said Caren. “Given the current state of affairs and my love for the greater Philadelphia region, I also have a strong sense of civic responsibility. The PHLCVB drives meaningful economic impact for our city and region. I’m truly looking forward to contributing to Philadelphia’s recovery efforts by leading the extremely talented team at the PHLCVB and working closely with the partners and stakeholders that help drive our tourism industry forward.”

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Angela Val, longtime city tourism executive, has been named president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, the city's non-profit tourism promoter. —Tribune Photo/Abdul R. Sulayman

• Tribune Photo/Abdul R. Sulayman
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“I am thrilled to return to Visit Philadelphia as president and CEO so I can give back to a city and organization that has given me so much,” Val said. —Tribune Photo/Abdul R. Sulayman

Angela Val said she will start her new role at Visit Philadelphia by taking a “listening tour.” —Tribune Photo/Abdul R. Sulayman

Visit Philadelphia names 1st Black woman as president/CEO

• Stephen Williams TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
• May 12, 2022

Longtime city tourism executive Angela Val was named Thursday by Visit Philadelphia’s board of directors as the first Black female president and CEO of the group, that spearheads efforts to bring tourist dollars to the city.

"After a comprehensive executive search, Angela became the clear choice for the type of leader who will strategically drive the organization and city to new heights," said Manuel N. Stamatakis, chair of the Visit Philadelphia board.

"When I arrived in Philadelphia 31 years ago as an undergraduate at Drexel University, I would have never imagined this city's impact on me and my career," Val said. "It is my chosen home, and I am thrilled to return to Visit Philadelphia as president and CEO so I can give back to a city and organization that has given me so much. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, I look forward to working with our partners to build back the tourism industry, reinvigorate the economy and restore the vibrancy of Philadelphia, which is so essential to attracting leisure travelers."

To be sure, tourism is big business in Philadelphia, generating $12 billion in 2019 and accounting for more than 105,000 jobs, according to the latest figures available.

But it is not without challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely hurt the industry, and out-of-control gun violence that has devastated the city and damaged its image and brand.

"I think we have to be part of the solution. I think a lot of times in our industry, what we might call quality-of-life issues do impact what we do every day," Val said in an interview with The Philadelphia Tribune. "What has to change now is that hospitality in general, not just Visit Philadelphia, has to be part of that solution. Nothing can be done in Philadelphia unless it's clean and safe."

Val’s supporters said she is up for the challenge.

"She’s been a part of the hospitality and tourism industry in Philadelphia for her entire career," said Alison Grove, principal of Grimm & Grove Communications, based in the city. "She’s seen it through a lot, including 9-11 and COVID and the ups and downs of our city. I think she is really well-known and well-trusted by all of the various tourism and hospitality organizations. That’s going to be one of the keys in getting the industry back on its feet, getting everyone to work together."

Grove, whose firm works extensively in tourism, has worked with Val for about 20 years, in several capacities on some of the city’s biggest tourism projects: the Republican National Convention in 2000; Pope Francis' visit in 2015; the Democratic National Convention in 2016; and the National Football League Draft in 2017.

Edward G. Rendell, former two-term governor of Pennsylvania and mayor of Philadelphia, said Val was the best person for the job.

"She knows the job well and can hit the ground running. Head over heels it’s Angela Val. No question about it. I have real confidence in her," Rendell said. "This is a good thing for Philadelphia. She will do a good job promoting the city."

It was Rendell who sought out Val to oversee operations at the DNC when he was national chairman of the convention committee in 2016.

"We needed someone to be chief operating officer. I reached out to Angela because I thought highly of her and persuaded her to come on as No. 2," Rendell said. "She just did a tremendous job. She was the reason we were so successful. The convention didn't elect Hillary Clinton president, but as a convention it was wonderfully run with no major slip-ups. We achieved all of our goals and Angela was spectacular at what she did."

Mayor Jim Kenney said Val is a terrific choice to succeed Jeff Guaracino as Visit Philadelphia's president and CEO. Guaracino, 48, died on Dec. 28 after a fight with cancer.

"With her deep knowledge of the tourism industry and extensive experience promoting our great city, I know she will continue to build upon his legacy of innovation and inclusiveness," Kenney said. "Having worked closely with Angela in her roles at the 2016 DNC Host Committee, PHLCVB and Ready.Set.Philly! I've seen her passion for Philadelphia firsthand."

Val worked for almost 17 years at Visit Philadelphia, a non-profit funded mainly by Philadelphia County's hotel taxes; the Democratic National Committee; and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is charged with attracting conventions and meetings to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Val is chief operating officer at Tempest, a for-profit company in Philadelphia that creates websites and other marketing materials for destination cities and states throughout the U.S.

Nevertheless, Val said she intends to take it slow when handed the reins to the non-profit group June 27.

"What I’d first like to do is go on a listening tour and meet with the staff, the board and those folks involved in our industries, such as the hotels, retail shops, business and community leaders, to make sure that whatever vision and long-term goals that we have, we've built it on a foundation of collaboration," Val said. "I think it's a little too soon right now to say what those long-term goals will be. In the short term, I'm really looking to make sure that there is a seamless transition and settle into that role."

So, she’ll be able to report back in a couple of months, she said.

According to Val, her management style is collaborative.

"I am someone who one leads with empathy," Val said. "I am a big believer in the 'we' and want to make sure that the work that we are doing as Visit Philly, as a tourism industry for the city of Philadelphia, we are doing that together because I believe we are stronger together."

Her longtime friend and colleague, Grove, of Grimm & Grove Communications, agreed.

"Most recently with the World Cup, when Angela was employed at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, she was helping to bring together the Sports Congress, the city and us as external consultants to organize. She really looked ahead and saw that this was a big job and organized around it and then COVID hit and the bureau was facing layoffs and extreme challenges and Angela stepped in while dealing with internal issues like managing staff and budgets, but she kept the bid going, seeing how important it was to the city and tourism."

Philadelphia is bidding for the World Cup in 2026, the biggest and most famous international soccer championship. An announcement on the winning city is expected in June.

Grove and Val reflected on her becoming the first Black woman to lead Visit Philadelphia.

"I think she is uniquely qualified for the job because of her experience," Grove said. "I think it is great for the city to have another female leader, another Black leader, someone in leadership who represents the diversity of this city. It is certainly a bonus," Grove said. "I think that everybody who works in the tourism industry in our region is feeling a great sense of confidence, collaboration and excitement when we think about Angela in control."

According to Val, she might be the first Black woman to lead the non-profit tourism group, but she doesn’t expect to be the last.

"Now that I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit, I hope people that look like me will take from this, is go for the opportunity when they have the chance," Val said. "Visit Philadelphia will continue, as they have been really great at, to promote Black and brown businesses and their story not just in one campaign, but in every thread every day."

[email protected]

215-893-5787

• Visit Philadelphia Ceo And President

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Andrew Frishkoff has served as Executive Director of Philadelphia LISC since 2011. He has dedicated his adult life to addressing issues of affordable housing and community development, with more than 30 years of experience.

Deborah joined Campus Philly in 2010 as president. She began her career as a college professor, teaching political philosophy at Columbia University and Bryn Mawr College. But after falling in love with Philadelphia as a place to live, she shifted focus, launched a career in market research and joined Visit Philadelphia as their first director of research and strategy. Working and raising two kids in the city has led to a deep appreciation of Philadelphia’s playgrounds, public schools, and errands easily done on a walk home from work. Deborah holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College and an MA and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. She is chair of the board of the Greater Philly Hillel Network. Contact Deborah at [email protected]

As president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA, Jeff Guaracino is charged with building the region’s image, driving visitation and boosting the economy. Guaracino — who assumed the role in October 2018 — was selected by the VISIT PHILADELPHIA board of directors following an extensive national search.

With 20 years of experience in travel and organizational management, he has previously worked for Welcome America, Inc., the Atlantic City Alliance and The Franklin Institute.

Before being named VISIT PHILADLPHIA’s president and CEO, Guaracino served the company’s communications team for more than a decade. During that time, he worked on many of VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s groundbreaking marketing campaigns, including Philly’s More Fun When You Sleep Over® and With Love, Philadelphia XOXO®, and he developed the pioneering Philadelphia – Get Your History Straight And Your Nightlife Gay®.

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Mary Rose Cunningham

Mary Rose has both a JD (1972, Villanova Law School) and a PsyD (Chestnut Hill College 2011). She has worked in behavioral health for over 30 years.  Prior to that time, she was an active member of the Philadelphia bar and a juvenile court judge. 

Her youngest son is a young man who has intellectual disabilities and behavioral health and co-occurring intellectual disability over the years for numerous agencies, including Networks for Training & Development and Vision for Equality.

Colleen Heavens

Colleen Heavens is a Director of Community Development at Health Union, a Philly-based digital health company. Previously, she has served in a variety of roles across publishing, higher education, and professional services industries as a writer, editor, and marketer. Colleen is a published author, with a bachelors in journalism from the University of Pittsburgh and a masters in communications from the University of Pennsylvania.

She is a proud Philadelphian, active NAMI volunteer, and passionate mental health advocate.

Rachael Aylward

Rick is a lifelong Philadelphian with a passion for serving the community and building partnerships in unlikely places. After graduating from a local Philadelphia high school, Rick went right into the workforce, joining Target in 2019 where he has held several leadership positions across several Philadelphia stores, now overseeing the Philadelphia market and supporting a few others in the state of PA as Assets Protection Outreach Coordinator, helping to bridge the gap between security teams and the precipitating factors that lead to some of the security challenges seen in store. After attending NAMICon 2023 in Minneapolis and being inspired by the incredible work of NAMI Next Gen, Rick pledged to get more involved in the mental health space, particularly in ways that would support Philadelphia youth, leading him to building a relationship with NAMIPhilly. Outside of work, Rick enjoys exploring new brunch spots, spending time with friends and family, playing video games, and diving deep into a variety of ever-changing interests. 

Komal Gulati

After being a long-time advocate for mental health and wellness, Komal is am thrilled to be continuing this important work with the NAMI Philly Board of Directors. At the same time, Komal attends medical school at Temple University where she is pursuing both an MD and an MA in Urban Bioethics.

She also continues to operate my small business, Kindly, Komal, where she manages writing, digital illustration, and speaking engagements for various clients, including local nonprofits, businesses, and family/friends.

DeAngelo Harris-Rosa

DeAngelo Harris-Rosa, currently the Deputy Director for the Philadelphia Office of Violence Prevention, is a dynamic force in civic leadership. Beyond a mere title, his role signifies a commitment to reshaping the narrative of a city navigating a crucial juncture of transformation. At the helm of this pivotal position, DeAngelo orchestrates the delicate interplay of planning, implementation, and policy-setting, uniting the community in a harmonious endeavor to curb gun violence in Philadelphia's vibrant streets. His vision, rooted in a public health approach, empowers residents through Cure Violence services and resources meticulously curated by the Office of Violence Prevention, focusing on the needs of at-risk youth and their families.

DeAngelo firmly believes in engaging those closest to the challenges to collaboratively identify effective solutions. Addressing complex socioeconomic disparities and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health conditions in affected communities is paramount to creating a more secure and nurturing environment for the city. With a degree in Political Science from Shippensburg University, DeAngelo's journey has been marked by excellence and service. As a Trial Commissioner for the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, he played a pivotal role in justice reform initiatives, leaving no stone unturned to enhance social equality. Passionate about the government sector, DeAngelo envisions a future where urban centers breed young leaders, bringing over a decade of experience to his role as a Community Engagement Liaison and Diversion Policy Advisor in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. His mission is rooted in ushering in economic growth, cultivating opportunity, and sculpting transformative policies through intricate public-private partnerships, a story of commitment, passion, and unwavering dedication to advancing Philadelphia's future.

Nicole Lee Jean- Baptiste

Nicole Lee Jean-Baptiste works as a Community Liaison/Marketer in Business Development through Universal Health Services. Nicole was born and raised in North Philadelphia and is a graduate of the Philadelphia Public School System. 

Nicole is also a proud and active alumnae of Lincoln University (PA). “Go Lions”! She currently holds a Masters in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Psychology and Human Services. Her areas of expertise within Social Services/Mental Health includes but not limited to; Social Work, Individual and Group Therapy, Life Coaching, Juvenile Reformation, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, as well as Domestic Violence/Victim Advocacy.

Jacob Lokoff

Pete venig, ph. d..

Pete Vernig holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Suffolk University and an MBA in Healthcare Management from West Texas A&M University. He is licensed as a psychologist in Pennsylvania and holds faculty appointments at Drexel University College of Medicine and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is an associate editor of the Journal of Substance Use and the President of the Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association.

Dr. Vernig is the Vice President of Mental Health Services at Recovery Centers of America, where he oversees mental health care across an organization serving patients at 12 inpatient and outpatient sites in seven states. Prior to RCA, Dr. Vernig served as Chief Clinical Officer at Friends Hospital, the oldest private psychiatric hospital in the United States. He has experience in a wide range of settings and clinical populations and expertise with many different facets of modern behavioral healthcare.

Samantha Xander

Samantha is a Temple undergraduate and law school alum and a proud Philadelphian. She practices Social Security Disability Law, helping folks who have physical or mental health conditions that affect their ability to work. After practicing this area of law since 2005, she opened her own law firm, Xander Disability Law, in 2017.

Samantha actively volunteers with her local public school, alumni organizations, and Girls Inc. She enjoys dancing and spending time with her family. She is excited to be a part of NAMI and truly believes in the mission of “Mental Health for All”!

About Mental Illness

A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.

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Recovery from serious mental illness is not only possible, but for many people living with mental illness today, probable. The notion of recovery involves a variety of perspectives.

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If in crisis , please call 988 | Text “NAMI” to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling | If calling 988 or 911: Ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer

Tiger Woods to be lone player on negotiating committee with Saudis

Woods is the only player-director whose board term has no limits., by doug ferguson | the associated press • published may 8, 2024.

Tiger Woods will be the lone player on a five-member subcommittee that will be involved in negotiations with the Public Investment Fund, part of a busy day of governance as the PGA Tour tries to strike a deal with Saudi backers of LIV Golf .

Woods was appointed to the PGA Tour board in August, making him the sixth player-director and the only one whose board term has no limits.

The tour said Woods will be part of the “transaction subcommittee” on the board of PGA Tour Enterprises that will handle day-to-day negotiations as PIF seeks to become a minority investor.

Also on the subcommittee are PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group and Joe Ogilvie, a former tour player appointed as a director liaison in March.

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The subcommittee reports back to the full board.

The developments capped a day that began with  Rory McIlroy losing the inside track on rejoining the board  as Webb Simpson's replacement when board members resisted his return.

“I think there was a subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason," McIlroy said at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a $20 million signature event is being played.

Simpson had offered to resign, but only if McIlroy were to replace him. When a player director resigns, the other players on the board have to unanimously agree on a successor. McIlroy resigned from the board in November, and the players selected Jordan Spieth to replace him.

The seven players — Woods, Spieth, Simpson, Ogilvie, Patrick Cantlay, Adam Scott and Peter Malnati — are on the board of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises, the commercial entity that agreed to a deal with Strategic Sports Group as a minority investor.

That deal included a $1.5 billion investment, which could be as much as $3 billion.

McIlroy was willing to return, believing he could help find a solution to the split in golf that has left some of the best players on two tours. McIlroy sees the reunification in some form as the ultimate goal and rubbed players the wrong way when he suggested earlier this year that LIV players return without punishment.

“Today's news is in no way a commentary on Rory's important perspective and influence,” Monahan said in a statement. “It's simple a matter of adherence to our governance process by which a tour player becomes a board member.

“Webb remaining in his position as a member of the policy board and PGA Tour Enterprises board through the end of his term provides the continuity needed at this vital time,” he said. “We are making progress in our negotiations with the PIF.”

McIlroy is certain to stay involved in an unofficial capacity based on his experience of two years on the board and his voice in the game. He was the only European tour member on the PGA Tour board, and McIlroy has cultivated relationships across continents during his career.

He had said on a British soccer podcast at the start of this year that he met with the PIF governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in late 2022 and that he returned home and encouraged the tour board to meet with him.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy learn how much loyalty is worth in new PGA Tour equity program

Rory McIlroy debunks LIV Golf rumors: ‘I'll play the PGA Tour the rest of my career'

The framework agreement among the PGA Tour, European tour and PIF was announced June 6, with a deadline to finalize it by the end of 2023. Negotiations continue with little progress.

Woods was among the player directors who went to the Bahamas on March 18 — Monahan and Henry also attended — to meet with Al-Rumayyan.

Woods said at the Masters about that meeting, “I don’t know if we’re closer, but certainly we’re headed in the right direction. That was a very positive meeting, and I think both sides came away from the meeting feeling positive.”

Gorder is the chairman and CEO of Valero, the title sponsor of the Texas Open. He has been appointed the inaugural chairman of the PGA Tour Enterprises board.

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• Corporate & Incentive Travel
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• Insurance & Financial Meetings Management

Visit Philadelphia® President And CEO Announces Executive Leadership Team

Jeff Guaracino, president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA ® , announced the formation of an executive leadership team, comprised of both new and veteran staff, to lead the tourism marketing organization. Under the guidance of Guaracino, who took the helm of VISIT PHILADELPHIA in October 2018, the team includes a chief marketing officer (a new position for the company), a chief financial officer and four other promoted VISIT PHILADELPHIA employees who are all experts in their disciplines. The group’s charge is to position the region for future growth in leisure tourism.

The Executive Leadership Team:

The team is made up of:

• Rachel Ferguson , chief innovation and global diversity officer (promoted after six months with the organization; she also worked for VISIT PHILADELPHIA from December 2008-July 2012)
• Neil Frauenglass , chief marketing officer (new position)
• Michael Newmuis , chief of staff, president’s office (promoted after five years with organization)
• Cindy Ray , chief financial officer (long-established position; seven years with organization)
• Jim Werner , chief tourism officer (promoted after 14 years with organization)
• James Zale , chief digital officer (promoted after 17 years with organization)

“VISIT PHILADELPHIA is home to many of the best tourism marketers in the country. I’m proud that our executive leadership team is made up of a diverse group of professionals with Philadelphia ties, national reputations for excellence and varied backgrounds and experiences,” said Guaracino. “As our company and industry evolve in these ever-changing times, the Board and I are confident that this strong team will collaborate to help our company achieve and excel at our mission of boosting the region’s image and making it an increasingly popular destination for four generations of travelers.”

CMO Background :

A veteran of New York’s McCann Erickson agency, Neil Frauenglass will lead VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s advertising, communications and social media teams.

Frauenglass spent 20 years with McCann Erickson, serving most recently as executive vice president, co-head of account management. He worked on strategy and brand development for many of the agency’s key accounts, including Qualcomm, Choice Hotels, OppenheimerFunds, Verizon Fios, Office Depot/Office Max, Staples, Kohl’s and NASDAQ. Before joining VISIT PHILADELPHIA, Frauenglass worked as executive vice president/managing director, account management and strategy at Philadelphia’s Tierney agency. He currently lives in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, where he serves as president of the Elfreth’s Alley board of directors and owns 36 Craven design studio.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA ®  is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog,  visitphilly.com  and  uwishunu.com , visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

Meet the new boss: Philly school board picks leaders after clash over nominees

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After a campaign to oust him from the Philadelphia Board of Education failed, Reginald Streater was unanimously reelected president of the body on Thursday.

At their first meeting as a new board , members also made a surprising decision by electing first-time board member Wanda Novales to be vice president. The position was contested and required the board to vote twice. Members Sarah-Ashley Andrews and ChauWing Lam were also nominated but did not garner enough votes.

“I have no written comments as I didn’t think this was going to happen,” Novales said after she was elected. “But I am so excited to serve the students.”

Speaking before the vote, Streater hinted at the potential for holding board “office hours” and “reimagining” meetings in the future, as well as focusing on “our facilitation of tough and public conversations that we must have.”

Philadelphia’s school board nomination process became Mayor Cherelle Parker’s first big political struggle with the City Council. Although the council approved Parker’s eight other school board nominees, several members strongly opposed Joyce Wilkerson’s nomination. Their reasons for doing so remained relatively vague, but allegations of racial bias in the charter school authorizing process came up during a tense council hearing on Parker’s nominees.

Education Committee Chair Isaiah Thomas also indicated a desire to seek accountability for the actions of earlier iterations of the board and its predecessor, the School Reform Commission.

Wilkerson is the longest serving board member and has been both board president and chair of the School Reform Commission.

Ultimately, a behind-the-scenes campaign to oust Wilkerson and Streater fizzled. After Wilkerson’s nomination stalled for several days, Parker announced that she was asking Wilkerson to remain on the board anyway — without the council’s consent. Wilkerson agreed to do so. In response, Thomas has called for hearings to “explore possible reforms to the school board nomination, confirmation, and governance processes.”

All eyes will be on this new board in the coming months, and special attention will undoubtedly be paid to their votes on whether to approve applications for new charter schools, or proposed charter expansions.

Novales, the new VP, founded Philadelphia’s Pan American Charter School.

With budget negotiations ongoing in the City Council and in the state capitol, the school district’s financial position is also being scrutinized by councilmembers and legislators. Several state lawmakers on Tuesday signaled their support for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed increases in education funding that would benefit Philadelphia schools. But until the budget process is settled, those increases are far from secure.

One concrete piece of good news for the district came on Wednesday, when the credit ratings agency Fitch Ratings upgraded the district’s outlook . But Fitch cautioned that the district’s enrollment has been “adversely impacted” by a soaring number of students switching to charter schools and cyber charter schools over the past decade.

“This shift has led to an increase in spending to fund charter schools which accounts for a significant portion of the district’s spending,” representatives from the credit ratings agency wrote in their explanation for the rating change. “These charter school payments pose a significant limitation on the district’s ability to manage its expenses.”

Former board member Mallory Fix-Lopez wished the new members well and cautioned the board Thursday to “please be mindful of even the appearance of improprieties” because of its negative impact on the district’s primary mission and its students. She also issued a warning.

“You are in for a wild ride,” Fix-Lopez said.

The new board’s first action meeting will be on May 30.

Carly Sitrin is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Contact Carly at [email protected] .

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