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WHEREAS, in the words of Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"; and,
WHEREAS, Propel Schools, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to catalyze the transformation of public education so that all children have access to high performing schools. Propel does not accept the premise that poverty or family structure determines academic performance or life outcomes. Their mission is pursued by opening and operating high performance schools of choice in educationally underserved communities; and,
WHEREAS, Propel Schools, co-founded by Jeremy Resnick and Tina Chekan in 2003 with 180 children, is now the largest and fastest expanding set of charter schools in the state, with the highest level of student achievement among Pennsylvania public school districts serving high poverty areas. There are currently 10 Propel Schools educating 3400 students; and,
WHEREAS, Propel Schools opened its 10th school in the Hazelwood community with 200 students in grades Kindergarten to 4th grade. The Hazelwood community has been without a public school since 2006.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and commend Propel Schools for being a community asset and national model, providing measurable evidence of how innovative public schools can expand opportunity and revitalize a community and welcomes Propel Schools to the Hazelwood neighborhood; and,
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, September 16, 2014, to be "PROPEL HAZELWOOD DAY " in the City of Pittsburgh.