EPISODE · May 19, 2026 · 13 MIN
Ashley Redfearn MSA Charter School | Midday Break Room w/ Tiffany Bacon - 5.19.26
from WURD Radio · host WURD Radio
Ashley Redfearn is the CEO of American Paradigm Schools (APS): a non-profit, charter management organization that supports and serves four charter schools in North and Northeast Philadelphia. With the Philadelphia School Board making a recent decision to close 17 Philadelphia public schools, a Philadelphia charter school, Memphis Street Academy (MSA), is also at risk of closing its doors. MSA offers healthcare access, behavioral health services, asthma care, literacy support, English learner services, family resources, food access, and trusted relationships with staff who know the community. In one year alone, 475 students accessed healthcare services at MSA, resulting in more than 2,100 visits. Nearly 150 students were identified as needing behavioral health support. Because of this, MSA is asking the school board not to make a decision on closing MSA until a public, written transition plan protecting students, families, and the Port Richmond community is responsibly established. Ashley joins the show to further talk about the details associated with MSA in danger of closing its doors, and to also talk about the impact of the School District closing 17 public schools.
What this episode covers
Ashley Redfearn is the CEO of American Paradigm Schools (APS): a non-profit, charter management organization that supports and serves four charter schools in North and Northeast Philadelphia. With the Philadelphia School Board making a recent decision to close 17 Philadelphia public schools, a Philadelphia charter school, Memphis Street Academy (MSA), is also at risk of closing its doors. MSA offers healthcare access, behavioral health services, asthma care, literacy support, English learner services, family resources, food access, and trusted relationships with staff who know the community. In one year alone, 475 students accessed healthcare services at MSA, resulting in more than 2,100 visits. Nearly 150 students were identified as needing behavioral health support. Because of this, MSA is asking the school board not to make a decision on closing MSA until a public, written transition plan protecting students, families, and the Port Richmond community is responsibly established. Ashley joins the show to further talk about the details associated with MSA in danger of closing its doors, and to also talk about the impact of the School District closing 17 public schools.
NOW PLAYING
Ashley Redfearn MSA Charter School | Midday Break Room w/ Tiffany Bacon - 5.19.26
No transcript for this episode yet