Recognizing the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School on being honored as National Charter School of the Year.

WHEREAS, On February 9, 1998, the School District of Philadelphia granted a charter to the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School (MaST); and

WHEREAS, In September 1999, MaST opened its doors to students from grades six to 12, adding grades K through 5, the following years; and

WHEREAS, After operating in rented space in multiple locations in the Northeast, all MaST students moved to the new and permanent facility at 1800 East Byberry Road on February 25, 2002; and

WHEREAS, MaST has excelled in its mission to provide state of the art educational opportunities in mathematics, science and technology; and

WHEREAS, The Center for Education Reform, a policy and advocacy organization located in Washington, D.C., evaluated the nation's charter schools on the themes of achievement, planning and execution, satisfaction and policies and programs; and

WHEREAS, The Center for Education Reform, a policy and advocacy organization located in Washington, D.C., has designated MaST as National Charter School of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Only 53 of the nation's 3940 charter schools received this coveted recognition; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and honor the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School for being designated as National Charter School of the Year; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End