WHEREAS, Changes to schools including closings, programming, boundaries, and administration impact students, parents, and the surrounding community; and
WHEREAS, After-school evening, weekend, and summer school program closings including cuts to sports, music, and the arts are being proposed; and
WHEREAS, School boundaries have been changed impacting which schools students can and cannot attend in their neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, West Philadelphia High School is in search of a new school superintendent who's relationship and partnership with the community is necessary and important; and
WHEREAS, Proposed school closings across the City will impact all students in all schools, particularly concerning transportation, and relocating students to schools which are already at maximum capacity; and
WHEREAS, Students, parents, community and neighborhood leaders have expressed concern about the proposed changes; and
WHEREAS, We have been meeting with Pedro Ramos, Chairman, School Reform Commission, representatives from the Mayor's Office of Education, stakeholders from the educational community, and residents in the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, All stakeholders have meaningful and important ideas and opinions about the proposed changes that are respected and need to be expressed in an open, public forum; and
WHEREAS, The proposed changes and decrease in opportunities available for students by their school will have a direct impact on neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Increases in drop-out rate, crime, and detrimental impacts to quality of life for Philadelphia school students and their families are major concerns; and
WHEREAS, Student success is contingent upon schools' implementing consistent, well-organized, long term programs and having a relationship with parents, community and neighborhood leaders; now therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council Calls on the City Council Committee on Education to Hold Hearings on Changes in Schools and Their Impact on Neighborhoods in Which they Reside.
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