PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Saying he has raised the consciousness of the citizens of Philadelphia, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) today praised Superintendent David Hornbeck for six years of dedicated services to City schoolchildren. 

“Superintendent Hornbeck has been a tireless fighter for fair and equitable education for the students of this City,” said Fattah. “In his tenure, test scores have gone up and he has tried to ensure Philadelphia’s students get the same financial support invested in their education as other students around the state.” 

Congressman Fattah and Superintendent Hornbeck teamed up last year when the School District applied for a GEAR UP grant, an initiative championed by Congressman Fattah in the U.S. Congress.  Because of their work, the School District of Philadelphia was awarded $28 million in federal education dollars, affecting upwards of 17,000 students who wish to go on to college. In its first year alone, GEAR UP has already benefitted 4,180 middle school students in 21 schools and Philadelphia  hasreceived $3.3 million in federal funds. 

Another important issue for public school students around the country is equal access to quality education.  While Congressman Fattah works on this on a federal level with the Equal Protection School Finance Act, he has also supported Superintendent Hornbeck’s efforts to have this addressed within Pennsylvania.

“Superintendent Hornbeck has raised the consciousness of the citizens of this City as he worked diligently for our children,” said Fattah.