Unions, parents blast school austerity plans
Councilman Jim Kenney asks a question during Tuesday's session. He was concerned… (DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff…)
A coalition led by parent groups and Philadelphia school employee unions Wednesday blasted the district’s proposal to make drastic cuts and structural changes to balance its budget, saying they were shortsighted financial decisions that would ultimately hurt students.
“Nowhere does it speak about improving the education of youngsters,” said Delores Solomon, president of the Philadelphia Home and School Council. “It’s a business plan.”
The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, lamented that the School Reform Commission proposed a restructuring that could include closing 40 low-performing schools and shifting more students to charters without first seeking public input.
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