WHEREAS, The School Reform Commission has closed many schools in the Philadelphia School District this year, raising concerns about the District's plan to address the resulting transition of thousands of students into new schools while providing a safe environment which is conducive to learning; and
WHEREAS, The school closings raise serious concerns regarding the plan to ensure safe travel for students who must now walk new routes through unfamiliar neighborhoods to get to school on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, These closings also raise concerns regarding how the School District will address tensions which could result from an influx of students into certain schools from new neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Questions remain regarding how the School District will ensure that students requiring specialized curricula continue to receive services in their new schools; and
WHEREAS, Adding thousands of students into existing schools could increase student to teacher ratios in several Philadelphia schools, placing additional pressure on teachers and administrators, which could negatively impact educational outcomes; and
WHEREAS, The transfer of thousands of students into existing schools will further strain already insufficient budgets, making it more difficult to provide educational opportunities for the increased number of students in several schools; and
WHEREAS, City Council is especially concerned about the School District's ability to provide services to larger student bodies in light of the recent layoffs of School District employees; now therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Authorizes
the Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the School District of Philadelphia's transition plan following the recent school closings.
End