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WHEREAS, this year, Mrs. Viola Burgess is retiring after 29 years with the Pittsburgh Public Schools; and,
WHEREAS, she began her career as a teacher, later became a principal, and most recently, served as the executive director of the Office of Equity; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Burgess spent her entire career tirelessly advocating on behalf of students, families, and members of the broader Pittsburgh community; and,
WHEREAS, in her most recent role as the Executive Director of Pittsburgh Public Schools Office of Equity, Mrs. Burgess oversaw the development and execution of all the school district’s equity-focused initiatives with a mission of eliminating racial and socioeconomic disparities in education and ensuring the academic success of all students; and,
WHEREAS, her career accomplishments include expanding the Office of Equity, founding the We Promise Program, which connects African-American males to the resources necessary to qualify for the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship, and developing the district’s long-term equality strategy known as the Getting to All Plan; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Mrs. Viola Burgess’s 29 years of service to the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the entire City of Pittsburgh; and,
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare October 6, 2016 to be “Mrs. Viola Burgess Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.