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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. James R. Roebuck |
  
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Legislators say efforts moving forward to continue Berean tradition
HARRISBURG, July 23 – Three of Philadelphia’s top elected officials said today the state Department of Education is committed to re-establishing the tradition of education excellence established over the last century at Berean Institute, a historically black trade school where thousands of students began their post-secondary careers or trained in trades such as cosmetology, court-reporting, data-processing and stenography.
"We were assured by the department that the Rendell administration is committed to continuing Berean’s legacy," said James R. Roebuck, chairman of the House Education Committee.
"I am confident the students who are now enrolled will be able to complete their training and that future students will have new education opportunities offered in the same spirit as Berean."
Roebuck has been monitoring developments at Berean, as have state Sen. Shirley Kitchen, Rep. Dwight Evans, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Philadelphia Reps. Curtis Thomas and Frank Oliver.
A recent state audit found widespread mismanagement at the school which lost its accreditation and may also lose its license to operate. Roebuck said the education department is working with 55 students enrolled in the cosmetology and barbering programs. Those who can complete their training within 90 days will be permitted to do so. The remainder will be placed in other cosmetology and barbering programs.
Roebuck said Berean’s state funding was allocated to the Department of Education which will re-establish Berean’s programs, most likely under the auspices of the Community College of Philadelphia or through other education partners.
"Despite recent problems, Berean served the community well for a century in its commitment to provide education opportunities," Roebuck said. "In the long term, it is important we recognize that effort and continue it through similar programs. For now, the Department of Education is working closely with the current Berean management team to insure that students can complete their training programs."
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CONTACT: Rep. Jim Roebuck
Rep. Roebuck's Office
Phone: 215-724-2227
Phone: 717-783-1000