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Thanking the School District of Philadelphia, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services for taking part in a roundtable meeting with schools in the 4th Council District and for their collaborative work to break down barriers that will build stronger, safer, and better prepared students and facilities in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, For a long time, many schools within the 4th Council District have been faced with a wide range of challenging issues. These issues include in-violence, mental health challenges, environmental concerns, and a lack of resources. On Monday, May 15, 2023, The School District of Philadelphia and multiple schools from throughout the 4th District came together to talk about solutions; and
WHEREAS, Within the 4th District, schools are dealing with students who suffer from trauma, and unfortunately, many schools in the city lack the resources to be able to properly work with their students to provide trauma informed care. These traumas directly stem from gun violence, physical altercations, mental health challenges, and the state of the economy; and
WHEREAS, The round table discussion between the Philadelphia School District, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services has begun to bridge the gap between these entities by talking and listening to each other. It is imperative that every group has a seat at the table to discuss their challenges, talk about their ideas, and work to implement their solutions; and
WHEREAS, This is not an issue that only effects the 4th Council District. Schools from West Philadelphia, Wynnefield, Overbrook, Manayunk, Roxborough, and all over the city face challenges that can be solved. But only if everyone works together to break down the barriers and work toward solutions for all Philadelphians and our public school system; and
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes the School District’s efforts to build upon new strategies to combat the spread of traumatic conditions by offering extended forms of counseling for students and staff; and
RESOLVED, The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby thanks the School District of Philadelphia for its efforts to assist with working through these issues and developing solutions for all; now, therefore, be it.
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby thanks the School District of Philadelphia for taking part in a roundtable meeting with schools in the 4th Council District to work in collaboration to break down barriers that will build stronger, safer, and better prepared schools.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be presented to Dr. Tony Watlington of the School District of Philadelphia, Commissioner Kimberly Ali of the Department of Human Services, and Commissioner Jill Bowen of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services as a sign of the respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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