A Pennsylvania school board is poised to decide whether Lower Gwynedd Elementary’s principal, Philip Leddy, will be dismissed after he allegedly made antisemitic comments during a phone call.
The Controversial Call
In a letter sent to parents last week, Wissahickon School District Superintendent Dr. Mwenyewe Dawan described how Leddy was leaving a voicemail for a parent when he began speaking with another staffer, believing the call had been disconnected. The conversation, which was still being recorded, allegedly contained antisemitic remarks. After Leddy self-reported the incident, the district started the legal process to remove him from his position.
External Responses
The district also reached out to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Philadelphia. ADL Philadelphia’s senior regional director, Dr. Andrew Goretsky, wrote, “No one promoting antisemitic rhetoric should be leading and teaching our children.” He added that the organization had worked with the district over the years and urged a full investigation, appropriate systemic action, and meetings with Jewish families to rebuild trust.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia responded with a statement. A spokesperson said, “In conversation with others in the office, he used antisemitic phrases, including references to ‘Jew camp,’ allegations that the parent has ‘Jew money,’ and the claim that ‘they [Jews] control the banks.’ At one point, when asked whether the parent was a lawyer, he responded, ‘the odds probably are good.’ These are deeply rooted antisemitic tropes that have historically been used to demean, marginalize, and endanger Jewish people.”
Hearing and Recommendation
A hearing on the investigation took place on Monday, December 22, 2025. Following the hearing, Dr. Dawan announced that she would recommend firing Leddy. She also stated that a special meeting would be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 7 p.m. in which members of the Wissahickon School Board would vote on her recommendation.
Interim Leadership
On the same day, Dr. Dawan announced that Sue Kanopka, the former principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary and the current Supervisor of Curriculum for the district, would serve as acting principal. She described Kanopka as a familiar and trusted leader in the community who would provide continuity and stability for students and staff. Kanopka’s duties as Supervisor of Curriculum would be absorbed by other members of the administrative team during her temporary reassignment. The district also said it would share information about the hiring process and anticipated timeline for a new principal directly with the Lower Gwynedd community.
Engagement with Jewish Families
Dr. Dawan invited Jewish families in the district to engage in conversations with district leaders. She wrote that the district would partner with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community Relations Council to facilitate structured conversations focused on listening, understanding impact, and moving forward together. The first session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6 p.m. at an undisclosed location. Families interested in attending can register online, with a deadline of January 9, 2026.
Training on Antisemitism
In addition, the district announced a partnership with ADL Philadelphia to hold training sessions for staff on recognizing, preventing, and responding to antisemitism. These sessions are slated for January 16, 2026, and February 13, 2026.
Current Status
NBC10 reached out to Leddy for comment, but the district has not yet received a response.
Key Takeaways
- The board will vote on firing Principal Philip Leddy on December 23, 2025.
- Acting principal Sue Kanopka will lead Lower Gwynedd Elementary while a new principal is recruited.
- The district is holding community meetings and staff trainings to address antisemitism.
The outcome of the board’s vote will determine whether Leddy’s tenure ends and how the district moves forward in addressing the allegations and restoring community trust.
