Pittsburgh Mayor’s Tantrum About School Finances Proves He Doesn’t Understand Education or Equity
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto is steaming mad and he doesn’t care who knows it.
On Tuesday he raved that Pittsburgh Public Schools’ finances should be taken over by the state – the same fate the city had suffered during its own economic troubles from 2004-18.
The reason Peduto thinks the school should submit to a financial recovery plan overseen by a state appointed board? School Superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet is proposing a 2.3% tax increase in 2020 for a reserve fund while Peduto’s municipal government allegedly is managing with a surplus.
If the city can manage its finances without a tax increase, wonders Peduto, why can’t the school district?
However, the Mayor’s narrative conveniently leaves out a few pertinent facts.
Most importantly – during the city’s economic trouble 14 years ago, Pittsburgh Public Schools gave a portion of their tax revenue to the municipal government to help it pay the bills.
Now that the city is doing better, school officials are suggesting Peduto should give CONTINUE READING: Pittsburgh Mayor’s Tantrum About School Finances Proves He Doesn’t Understand Education or Equity | gadflyonthewallblog
