The Wissahickon School District Board on Dec. 23 voted to approve two human-resources actions: a resolution to discharge Philip Leddy and the appointment of Sue Kanopka as interim principal at Lower Gwynedd Elementary School.

Dr. Dewan presented both items, describing item 4.1 as “the resolution to discharge Philip Leddy in accordance with section 11-11-22 of the public school code” and item 4.2 as the appointment of Sue Kanopka as interim principal. After a brief period for board comments and expressions of appreciation for Kanopka stepping into the role, the board approved both items by voice vote with no members recorded as opposed.

The votes came after a series of public comments that included sharp criticism of the district’s prior handling of school cultural events and the public response to the principal. Jesse Klein told the board he believed leadership had failed to address earlier incidents — including a mural, a cultural fair and curriculum concerns — and described the principal’s removal as a “public shaming” that did not address broader problems. Rabbi Danielle Parmenter, a parent and founding rabbi of Darhe Noam in Ambler, said the district’s quick action on antisemitic remarks was appropriate but urged the board to adopt systemic measures: a public acknowledgment that political messaging occurred at the cultural fair, written guidelines governing cultural programming and adult oversight, and a commitment that Jewish students would not be required repeatedly to “prove their pain.”

Board members who spoke in support said they were proud of the administration’s swift response to antisemitism and committed to continued work to root out bias. One board member, who identified himself as a Jewish member of the district, said he had spoken with the parent who received the voicemail and described the district’s response as “overwhelmingly supportive.”

The board’s action resolves the personnel items on the special meeting agenda. The administration said it would follow up through board docs; no further personnel details beyond the motions approved were disclosed during the meeting.