Pennsylvania New Safe Schools Advocate Addresses School Reform Commission

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kelley Hodge, the newly-appointed Safe Schools Advocate for the Philadelphia School District, today addressed the School Reform Commission.

"First and foremost, I am an advocate and my number-one priority is to do what needs to be done to ensure that victims of school violence get the help that they need," Hodge said. "However, I cannot do that alone. I need partners who are as committed to the mission of this office as I am. I need partners like you."

In addition to serving as an advocate on behalf of students who are victims of crime, Hodge will work within the school district's disciplinary process as well as in coordination with police, prosecutors, the courts and victim service providers.

"Please know that I take very seriously the mandates of the Safe Schools Advocate office and will ensure the school district's compliance to all laws, regulations and reporting requirements," Hodge said. "After all, without knowing the breadth and depth of our challenges, we will not be able to measure our successes. I believe we are all on the same team."

Hodge is also responsible for monitoring the school district's compliance with the reporting of violent incidents to Philadelphia police department and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

For more information, visit www.pccd.state.pa.us  or call 717-705-0888.

Media contact: Melanie Horvath, PCCD, 717-307-1388

SOURCE Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency