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File #: 130608    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 9/12/2013 In control: Committee on Education
On agenda: Final action:
Title: Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the School District of Philadelphia's transition plan following the recent school closings.
Sponsors: Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember O'Brien, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Squilla
Attachments: 1. Signature13060800.pdf
Title
Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the School District of Philadelphia's transition plan following the recent school closings.
 
Body
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