The Wissahickon School Board is set to vote on the potential termination of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School Principal Philip Leddy following allegations of antisemitic remarks made during a recorded conversation. The board’s decision comes in response to a conversation Leddy had while leaving a voicemail for a parent, during which he spoke with another staff member, mistakenly believing the call had been disconnected.
In a letter addressed to parents, Dr. Mwenyewe Dawan, the Superintendent of the Wissahickon School District, detailed that Leddy’s comments included references to “Jew camp” and insinuations about Jewish people controlling financial institutions, which perpetuate harmful antisemitic stereotypes. After Leddy reported the incident himself, the district began the legal process to seek his dismissal.
The school district has since communicated with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Philadelphia regarding the situation. In a statement, Dr. Andrew Goretsky, the ADL’s senior regional director, expressed relief that the district is taking swift action against the alleged antisemitic statements. He emphasized the importance of addressing such rhetoric, stating, “No one promoting antisemitic rhetoric should be leading and teaching our children.”
A hearing regarding Leddy’s comments took place on December 22, 2025. Following the hearing, Dr. Dawan announced her recommendation for Leddy’s dismissal. The school board will convene for a special meeting on December 23, 2025, at 19:00 (7 p.m.) to determine Leddy’s fate.
To provide stability during this period, Sue Kanopka, the former principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary and current Supervisor of Curriculum for the district, will assume the role of acting principal. Dr. Dawan noted that Kanopka’s familiarity with the school community would help maintain continuity for both students and staff while her responsibilities will be distributed among other administrative team members.
In a bid to rebuild trust within the community, Dr. Dawan has invited Jewish families to engage in discussions with district leaders. The district plans to collaborate with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community Relations Council to facilitate these conversations, focusing on understanding and addressing the impact of Leddy’s comments. The first meeting with Jewish families is scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 18:00 (6 p.m.) at a location that will be disclosed to participants.
Additionally, to enhance awareness and response to antisemitism, training sessions for district staff will be conducted in conjunction with the ADL. These sessions are set to take place on January 16, 2026, and February 13, 2026.
The situation has raised significant concerns within the community and beyond, highlighting the need for vigilance against discrimination and the importance of fostering an inclusive educational environment. The outcome of the school board’s vote will be closely watched as it reflects the district’s commitment to addressing serious allegations and promoting a safe learning atmosphere for all students.
