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Alliance of Black School Educators’ 2019 Principal of the Year Award.
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WHEREAS, The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is a national non-profit organization committed to improving the academic experiences and accomplishments of Black youth. NABSE supports Black professionals as they develop a career in the education field, advocates for public policy that centers on the education of Black students, and promotes high-quality standards in public and private educational systems; and
WHEREAS, NABSE bestows the annual Principal of the Year Award to principals whose exemplary leadership skills have fostered a strong community comprised of students, educators, and families; and
WHEREAS, On November 16, 2019, the NABSE recognized Richard M. Gordon, IV for his commitment to academic excellence, integrity, civic responsibility, and social accountability; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, Richard M. Gordon, IV was appointed the principal of Paul Robeson High School, which was on the brink of permanent closure. Gordon immediately galvanized a team of transformative educators and passionate students and promoted a school culture built on service learning, innovate education, and community engagement with partners at Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania Netter Center for Community Partnerships, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the LINKS, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, members of Gordon’s school community value his unparalleled work ethic and his ability to build trust with students, who feel they can confide in him. Gordon comes in early, stays late, and always has time to talk to students. He is known for a welcoming office - well stocked with snacks, making it a popular destination for students; and
WHEREAS, Under Gordon’s leadership, Paul Robeson High School established itself as a profound testament that education achievements are not determined by race or socio-economic status; and
WHEREAS, Gordon’s countless accolades and achievements include becoming a member of the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders’ Neubauer Fellowship in Education Leadership, a coalition of exceptional principals who collaborate to promote quality education outcomes and student personal growth in Philadelphia schools, Education Dive’s 2017 Administrator of the Year; and
WHEREAS, In 2019, Black Enterprise Magazine recognized Gordon with the Be Modern Men distinction, which celebrates black men who make meaningful contributions in their profession and community, and in the same year, he received Lincoln University’s Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman Distinguished Alumni Award; and
WHEREAS, During Gordon’s tenure, Paul Robeson High School accomplished a four-year graduation rate of 95%, received the “2017 Most Improved High School” in Philadelphia, and in 2019 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania removed Paul Robeson High School from its high needs academic intervention list. In 2017 and 2019, the high school was also honored in U.S. News & World Report; and
WHEREAS, After 23 years of service as an educator and administrator in the mid-Atlantic region, Gordon continues his legacy as principal of Paul Robeson High School where he fervently nurtures and empowers Philadelphia youth in their educational experiences and personal development; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and recognizes Richard M. Gordon, IV for receiving the National Alliance of Black School Educators’ 2019 Principal of the Year Award.
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