SRC Commissioner Takes Leave of Absence

School Reform Commissioner Lorene Cary will take a leave from the School District of Philadelphia's organizing body due to health reasons.

The district released a statement Thursday announcing her leave without mention of a timetable.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that her illness "was temporarily debilitating but not life-threatening."

SRC Chairman Pedro Ramos said in a news release:

We (the School Reform Commission Members) have the highest respect and affection for Lorene. Lorene dedicates her all, demonstrating her compassion for our city’s children. As the founding chairperson of the Safety and Engagement Committee, she marshaled the resources and input of parents, students, teachers, principals and civic leaders. Under her leadership, the committee implemented a district-wide conference on school climate and rewrote a Code of Student Conduct which provides principals with more discretion, aims to reduce out of class suspensions, and promotes more individualized responses to behaviors.  

Given her dedication to and passion for our work, we understand how difficult of a decision this is for her. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return. 

Cary did not attend the SRC's Sept. 10 meeting in which the commission approved a five-year financial plan to close the district's debt. At the time, it was said she was on vacation.

With Cary on leave, that leaves Ramos and three others—Joseph Dworetzky, Feather Houstoun and Wendell Pritchett—on the board.