Authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings to investigate challenges and make recommendations for a strategic plan for the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts.

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has a vested interest in ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) has long been recognized as an institution that cultivates artistic and academic excellence; and

WHEREAS, CAPA has produced numerous distinguished alumni, including Boyz II Men, Black Thought, Jazmine Sullivan, Leslie Odom Jr., Christian McBride, Marchant Davis, Joey DeFrancesco, and many more; and

WHEREAS, The school has experienced a significant decline in enrollment, with enrollment dropping from 744 in the 2022-2023 school year to a projected 569 for the 2025-2026 school year; and

WHEREAS, As a result of the decline in enrollment. CAPA was projected to lose five teaching positions. And additional staff have begun seeking employment elsewhere, raising concerns about the school’s ability program continuity; and

WHEREAS, Since the end of the 2022-2023 school year, CAPA has had two different principals and has had regular visits from assistant superintendents; and

WHEREAS, Part of fostering success in the youth includes having stable and determined leadership to oversee the day-to-day aspects of the institution; and

WHEREAS, This legislative body is committed to the continued success and revitalization of CAPA as a beacon of opportunity and creativity in public education; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby authorizes the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings to investigate challenges and implement a strategic plan for the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts.

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