The School District of Philadelphia has made a proposal to permanently close William Penn High School due to lack of the buildings upkeep. We, The Coalition for Revitalization of William Penn High School, oppose the closing of William Penn High School after the 2009-2010 school year. We urge the School Reform Commission to vote no on the closing of the school and insist that the School District cease the process of closing the school. The Coalition for the Revitalization of William Penn High School is a conglomerate of community groups, alumni organizations and other interested stakeholders concerned and dedicated to keeping William Penn High School open for students. The following is a summary of the coalition’s recommendations to increase student achievement and revitalize William Penn. This new structure will better prepare students for higher education and the workforce. Buildings 1 & 2 – Workforce Development/Trade School Building 3 – Health Care and Business Academy Building 4 – Green Industries Academy Building 5 – Arts & Entertainment and Communications & Technology Academy One of the academic facilities would also serve as a Parent’s University which would offer afternoon and evening programs dedicated to ensuring full parental/guardian involvement in the academic development of each student. Additionally, several afterschool programs would be established or transferred to William Penn’s facilities. These programs would take full advantage of the facilities available at the school, while at the same time serving as supplements to the academic programs implemented through the revitalization efforts. There is no other comprehensive high school in Eastern North Philadelphia to serve young people in this community. We urge the School District to consider other alternatives for the building such as those outlined above. By signing this petition, you acknowledge that you support the revitalization of William Penn High School and oppose its closing. Thank you, The Coalition for Revitalization of William Penn High School

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