Philip Leddy, principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School, reportedly made the comments after a phone call with a parent about a student issue.
Friday, December 19, 2025 11:23PMA Montgomery County principal is on administrative leave and faces termination after allegedly making antisemitic remarks, Wissahickon School District officials confirmed Friday.
Philip Leddy, principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School, reportedly made the comments after a phone call with a parent about a student issue. District leaders say Leddy believed the call had ended when he made the remarks to another employee in the room, which was inadvertently recorded on a parent's voicemail. It's something he reportedly confirmed when he self-reported to the district Friday morning, officials said. "We are truly shocked and sickened that a school leader trusted with the safety and well-being of students and staff would speak this way," said Superintendent Dr. Mwenyewe Dawan. "The principal self-reported that he had indeed left that message. He thought the call had disconnected and then continued talking. He confirmed that he made those remarks. He knew they were not appropriate," Dawan added. Leddy has served as principal since 2023 and previously chaired an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee in another district, according to his school bio. "For somebody who presents himself as one of the good ones, and for it to come out of his mouth so carelessly, so easily, it boils my blood," said Rabbi Kevin Lefkowitz of Tiferet Bet Israel Synagogue. Wissahickon School District said it will continue working with the Anti-Defamation League to address what Dawan and community members describe as a broader systemic issue of antisemitism. Rabbi Danielle Parmenter of Darchei Noam Synagogue said the district's response was only a first step. "I'm really thankful to Dr. Dawan for a quick termination, but I think there's so much more that needs to be done," she said. Leddy is currently on administrative leave, and district officials said they intend to fire him. A hearing is scheduled for Monday, where Leddy will have an opportunity to speak. Counselors will also be available at Lower Gwynedd Elementary on Monday for students affected by the incident.
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