GOVERNOR CHALLENGED AS LOCAL POLITICIANS SUPPORT DISTRICT’S REQUEST FOR MORE FUNDS
By Christopher “Flood the Drummer”® Norris
5.10.13: Philadelphia– (Politics/Education): After closing more than 20 schools and issuing countless pink slips, The Philadelphia School District is in critical condition and is desperately pleading for more funds. From the Commonwealth, the District is requesting new funding of $120 Million. Additionally, the cash-strapped District has requested $60 Million from the City and $130 from Labor partners. Yesterday morning at the Andrew Jackson Elementary School, 12th & Federal St, Mayor Nutter, Senator Vincent Hughes, Senator Anthony Hardy Williams, State Representative Jordan Harris and members of the Philadelphia State Delegation stood with Superintendent Hite to announce their support of the District’s call for additional funding from the State and City government and its request for labor savings. “We need help, and we appreciate the help that’s being demonstrated here today,” says SRC Chairman Pedro Ramos. While no percentage of the requested funds will be invested to grow capital and fuel innovation, it will be instrumental however in keeping guidance counselors, assistant principals and music and arts in schools, at least for another year.
“All of the money we’ve requested is to maintain what we have today. We have to dramatically rethink how we utilize resources,” says Dr. Hite.
Despite borrowing $300 Million last year to pay bills, and making more than $315 Million in cuts this year - and over $700 Million last year – the District is still facing a $304 Million shortfall. With approximately