Title
Resolution calling upon the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh to create a Public Schools Task Force and further calling upon the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education to place a moratorium on the closing of Pittsburgh Public Schools for the 2014-2015 school year to allow such Task Force to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the public schools system.
Body
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education, the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, parents, and families, have been working diligently over the past decade to improve public education in the City of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, changes in teacher and student expectations and curriculums, coupled with serious financial debt, have resulted in many schools being closed and consolidated; and
WHEREAS, funding has played a role in the district's fiscal position, and upcoming elections may shape the educational agenda and budgeting decisions for the 2014 and 2015 school year; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that all parties collaborate to make the best decisions for the students, parents, educators, and community members of the City of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the future of the Pittsburgh Public Schools system is critical to the future of the City of Pittsburgh and its residents, and City Council desires to foster greater collaboration among the city and all stakeholders in our public schools.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby calls upon the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh to appoint a Public Schools Task Force, comprised of Twenty-one (21) members plus one (1) ex officio member, as follows:
· two (2) members from the Pittsburgh School Board: one being a minority;
· one (1) member from the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers;
· one (1) member from the Pittsburgh School District;
· one (1) member from the Mayor's Office;
· four (4) members from City Council (North, South, East, West)...
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