Helen Gym is a long-time public education advocate who organizes grassroots campaigns on issues of school funding and policy. She knows the ins and outs of city schools and district governance as well as probably anybody in Philadelphia, and has gained the support of many top district employees past and present.
She co-founded of Parents United for Public Education, as well as The Philadelphia Public School Notebook. She had a short stint as a teacher in a Philly school and also started a high-performing charter school that's centered on Asian heritage.
She was also a leading voice against the creation of a new Phillies ballpark in Chinatown, arguing it would disrupt the community.
In 2007, the Inquirer selected Gym as its "Citizen of the Year." Last year, the White House tapped her for the Cesar E. Chavez Champion of Change award.
"For twenty years I've been advocating on the outside about what it means for marginalized communities to raise up their voices, to become visible in a city that's long overlooked them," said Gym. "I think I'm the right person to bring forward a community agenda that doesn't just change the face of who's in City Hall, but changes the way we look at politics in this city."
She has the backing, and the big cash that comes with it, from the teachers union. She's also raised more money in small donations under $50 dollars than any candidate this year – including in the mayor's race.
Gym's forceful point of view has no doubt earned her a slate of staunch critics. She's had several high-profile clashes recently with School Reform Commissioner Bill Green, a former at-large councilman.
Of all the city council candidates, she's the only one who's developed a comprehensive plan to raise immediately the new revenue that the school district says it needs. Her three children attend Philadelphia public schools.
Endorsements include: Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (Philly principals) 5th Square, Action United, Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club, National Organization for Women, Network for Public Education, Teamsters, District Council 47.
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