Honoring and commemorating the retirement of Paul Socolar, and his tireless devotion to promoting better public education in Philadelphia by serving as the editor and publisher of The Notebook for more than 15 years.

WHEREAS,

The Notebook

was collectively conceived by Socolar, education activists, parents, teachers and community members as a newspaper focused on Philadelphia schools. Following the 1993 issuance of an order to desegregate schools from Commonwealth Court Judge Doris Smith, Socolar was inspired by the inequalities highlighted within the ruling to take action and was named editor and publisher of

The Notebook

in 1999; and

WHEREAS,

The Notebook

functions as an independent, nonprofit news service to parents and supporters of Philadelphia public schools. Over the course of

The Notebook’s

20 year history, the news service has evolved into a respected, unbiased, and trusted news source. The circulation of the newspaper is 60 thousand copies, most of which are distributed free of charge; and

WHEREAS, Paul Socolar’s involvement and direction has greatly aided in

The Notebook

in achieving its goal of promoting informed public involvement in Philadelphia public schools and developing a strong movement for educational reforms. By providing information and analysis of educational issues,

The Notebook

supports the efforts of education advocates and encourages action and dialogue particularly for the needs of schools serving low-income communities; now

,

therefore

,

be it

RESOLVED

,

BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and recognizes Paul Socolar for his contributions and dedication to promoting important public education reforms and excellence in public schools in Philadelphia for all students. Socolar’s advocacy benefits all communities including, businesses, post secondary education institutions, parents, teachers and students, and reflects the pride and belief in a quality education for all

.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Paul Socolar as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. We are proud to honor and recognize his selfless efforts toward improving public education in Philadelphia schools, and congratulate him on his pending retirement.

End