School crisis drives families from city
Realtor Christopher Plant, drying dishes with his son Mason, tells perspective buyers "they can't rely on any of the public schools." TOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Brian Hackford is divorcing Philadelphia, citing irreconcilable differences over public education.
For most of his adult life, Hackford has loved this city - its energy, its grit, its humor, its culture, its diversity, restaurants, parks, museums, and a host of other ineffable qualities that have made this place home.
But try as he might, he no longer believes the Philadelphia School District can be trusted to provide his three children with a good education.
"I've lived in the city since 1995. I've planted roots. Every single one of my friends except one lives in the city. But at 41, I'm having to start all over again."
Hackford, a co-owner of the Keswick Cycle stores, and his wife have put their home in Roxborough up for sale.
"We have an offer," he said glumly, "and if it works out, we're going."
There is no way to know how many parents have lost faith in the city's ability to adequately fund education, and whether they outnumber those who like their kids' schools and won't bail out because of "yet another funding crisis," as one father put it. Countless others can't afford private schools or a move to the suburbs.
But even as officials were promising last week that schools will open on time, several real estate brokers, parents, and public