Students Protest School Takeover Plan by State

Hundreds of Philadelphia high school students walked out of class protesting a state takeover plan for their district and Gov. Mark Schweiker’s proposal to privatize dozens of the worst-performing schools.

The largest exodus took place at Strawberry Mansion High School, where up to 500 students left, district spokesman Paul Hanson said.

“They’re not looking out for our best interest. It’s a struggle at our school already and they’re making it worse,” said Shereen Davis, 15, a William Penn High School sophomore, who was among dozens of students protesting at City Hall after leaving school.