Gilmore Richardson To Convene Hearing on Leveling
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson introduced a resolution to “hold public hearings (to) examine the School District of Philadelphia’s use of ‘leveling’ and its impact on students and teachers.’”
According to the resolution, “leveling” is the process by which teachers are required to move to new positions, often with only a week’s notice, resulting in some classes to nearly double in size. The school district describes the process as a reassignment of teachers based on “enrollment needs and changes.”
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Gilmore Richardson, who herself was a teacher in the school district, excoriated the district in heated remarks. While thanking the district for being communicative with council, she questioned the district’s commitment to equity while it continued the practice of leveling.
“You can’t say we care about the trajectory of these young people and then turn around and double their class size without any additional help or support,” Gilmore Richardson said. “We know from data that young people are struggling post COVID, particularly using people who were in pre-K and first grade at the onset of the pandemic.”
Council Condemns Terrorism
Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson and Mike Driscoll introduced a resolution “condemning the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and calling for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.”
The attacks, which occurred last week, have claimed the lives of over 1300 Israelis and injured nearly 4000. 1800 people in Gaza have been killed, with another 8000 injured.
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The resolution makes note of the fact the attackers have targeted both Israeli Jews and Arabs alike in an effort to undermine the fragile peace process both sides have been struggling to maintain.
Gauthier Introduces “Children’s Environmental Health Day” Resolution
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced a resolution “designating Thursday, October 12, 2023, as ‘Children’s Environmental Health Day’ in the City of Philadelphia, and recognizing the importance of clean air and water, safe food and consumer products, health environments, and a stable climate to children’s health and development.”
According to the resolution, Children’s Environmental Health Day was founded by the Children’s Enviornmental Health Network to raise awareness locally, regionally, and internationally to support safe and health environments for children.
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The resolution praises the work of the Children’s Environmental Health Network while also mentioning Philadelphia children still face significant Enviornmental issues, including lead exposure, poor air quality, mold, chemicals in consumer products and food supplies, and diminishing water and soil quality.
The Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Enviornmental Health, along with other community organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and experts are working together to develop programs to reduce rats of childhood asthma and improve housing conditions and air quality through the city.
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