WHEREAS, Public Schools Week is observed nationwide to honor the critical role that public schools play in educating generations of students, fostering civic engagement, promoting equity, and preparing young people to become informed, engaged, and productive members of society; and
WHEREAS, The School District of Philadelphia serves a diverse community of students whose talents, cultures, and lived experiences enrich our City, and whose success depends upon safe, well-resourced, and supportive learning environments that nurture academic achievement and personal growth; and
WHEREAS, For the 2024-2025 school year, the School District of Philadelphia reported a total enrollment of 117,956 students, reflecting the scale and importance of Philadelphia’s public education system to the City’s future; and
WHEREAS, The District serves a student population with significant needs and responsibilities, including a reported 75.0% economically disadvantaged enrollment, 21.3% English language learners, and 19.9% special education enrollment districtwide highlighting the urgency of equitable resources and culturally responsive supports; and
WHEREAS, Strong public schools are foundational to thriving neighborhoods, economic mobility, and community stability, serving not only as centers of learning but also as hubs for nutrition, social services, extracurricular enrichment, and family engagement; and
WHEREAS, Safe and healthy school buildings are essential to student learning, and reporting has noted that roughly 300 of the District’s 339 buildings contain asbestos, underscoring the need for sustained attention and investment in facilities and environmental safety; and
WHEREAS, Public Schools Week provides an opportunity for elected officials, families, students, and community stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to transparency, investment, collaboration, and meaningful public engagement in decisions impacting the future of Philadelphia’s public education system; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognize February 23 to February 27, 2026 as Public Schools Week and honors the students, educators, families, and school communities whose dedication strengthens public education across Philadelphia; and urges continued partnership and investment to ensure that every public school student has access to safe facilities, equitable resources, and high-quality educational opportunities.
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