Title
Authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth and the Committee on Education to conduct hearings exploring the creation of a School District of Philadelphia "community connector" position to further enhance connections between families, caregivers, and school communities.
Body
WHEREAS, School communities are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. Families and caregivers must be listened to, responded to, supported, valued, and centered. Schools must always be welcoming, and never be threatening; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 37 percent of Philadelphia public school students live in poverty, while 12 percent of School District students are English Language Learners, and 16 percent require special education supports. The families that support these students face significant barriers and challenges that can be addressed through strong partnerships between schools and families; and
WHEREAS, Family and community involvement in schools has, time and time again, been shown to boost student performance, behavior, and attendance. Caregiver involvement builds and sustains public support for schools and can even rebuild investment with families that have had prior negative experiences in navigating the school system; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there is no consistent, school-based, direct point of contact for caregivers and families when they need to engage with their schools regarding a specific issue or concern; and
WHEREAS, Each month, the Board of Education hears from countless parents and guardians during public testimony about individualized concerns, thus showcasing a need for families to have a direct point of contact at the school level; and
WHEREAS, The FY 2020 School District of Philadelphia budget will be the first considered by the newly appointed Board of Education. As public budgets reflect public policy priorities, any further investment in family and community engagement will demonstrate that the Board of Education is taking a step towards respons...
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