October 2003 — Editorial
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In Loving Memory of Dr. Sylvia Charp
I just walked in from attending Dr. Charp's funeral. She was eulogized and lauded for her pioneer work with technology in the School District of Philadelphia and throughout the world. Most of the people at the funeral were family and friends. A colleague of Sylvia's wrote a loving statement in which he thanked her for her guidance and direction.
My short note to T.H.E. Journal is for the thousands of students and teachers in Philadelphia who now have access to technology because of Dr. Charp's determination and feistiness. In the early '60s, when I was a new principal, we had just begun to use machines instead of knitting needles; Sylvia was out in front of the crowd leading the way.
Dr. Charp was the tireless advocate for these newfangled contraptions. But, fighting for funding and technology recognition was too often her solo battle. Sylvia understood her mission, and her vision was clearer than most at the headquarters building. She surrounded herself with capable lieutenants, and Philadelphia soon surged into a national leadership position.
Sylvia did it all - fighting the system to nourish its curriculum and program. Our students and teachers who currently find themselves in IT leadership roles owe much to this woman of valor. For all of the people who were not at the funeral, some loving goodbyes were said for all.
- Dr. Leonard B. Finkelstein, LBF Management Research
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