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WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Local Task Force on the Right to Education is a parent-majority group working collaboratively with the Pittsburgh Public Schools to improve, strengthen, and expand educational services for students with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, every November the Local Task Force honors one person whose advocacy and partnership is critical to their mission of making the Pittsburgh Public Schools safe, open, and welcoming for children with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, this year the Local Task Force honored Sandra Zelno, School Reform Associate at the Education Law Center; and
WHEREAS, Sandra has worked with the Education Law Center since 2000, focusing her attention on educational policy and reform issues at the local, state, and national levels; and
WHEREAS, Sandra works closely with schools, communities, and policymakers on a host of critical issues from school finance equity and adequacy to closing the achievement gap for disadvantaged students; and
WHEREAS, the Education Law Center is a nonprofit legal advocacy and educational organization working to improve educational opportunities for children facing the greatest barriers in school, including children with disabilities, those learning English as a second language, and those living in poverty or in the foster care or juvenile justice system.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Sandra Zelno, the Education Law Center, and the Pittsburgh Local Task Force on the Right to Education for their tireless work on behalf of our children and their families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare November 19, 2012 "Sandra Zelno Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.