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Inquirer Editorial: Teachers must do more than talk the talk

Philadelphia's teachers' union has been a diligent participant in efforts to increase state and local funding to the city's financially struggling public schools, but it has yet to say what it will do to help.

Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president Jerry Jordan along with Quanisha Smith of Action Now (left) and Anne Gemmell of Fight for Philly respond to Philadelphia School Superintendent William Hite's action plan in front of Philadelphia School District Headquarters. ( RON TARVER / Staff Photographer )
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president Jerry Jordan along with Quanisha Smith of Action Now (left) and Anne Gemmell of Fight for Philly respond to Philadelphia School Superintendent William Hite's action plan in front of Philadelphia School District Headquarters. ( RON TARVER / Staff Photographer )Read more

Philadelphia's teachers' union has been a diligent participant in efforts to increase state and local funding to the city's financially struggling public schools, but it has yet to say what it will do to help.

That is not only disappointing, but it sends the wrong message to legislators from other parts of the state who think of Philadelphia as a perpetual beggar.

Of course, the characterization is wrong. Philadelphia contributes far more to the state economy than it receives. But now is not the time to bolster the argument of those who think the city doesn't do enough to help itself.

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is helping to feed that attitude by not agreeing to any of the pay and benefits concessions the School District is asking for to save money. Nor is it offering its own concessions. Given that, why should anyone believe the teachers are taking a situation they claim is urgent seriously?

Schools Superintendent William R. Hite has called for "shared sacrifice" under a proposal that seeks an additional $120 million in funding from the state, $60 million from the city, and $133 million in concessions from the teachers and other unions.

City Council is considering Mayor Nutter's proposals to raise the cigarette, liquor-by-the-drink, and use-and-occupancy taxes to help schools. The legislature and Gov. Corbett are expected to do something for all public schools. Four districts are in "financial recovery" status, and four more are under "financial watch."

Meanwhile, PFT President Jerry Jordan, in a meeting with the Inquirer Editorial Board last week, said his members are unwilling to accept any pay or benefits cuts in a new contract. Their current pact expires Aug. 31. Jordan understandably doesn't want to negotiate in public. But he could provide some indication that compromise is possible.

He's not wrong to point out the sacrifices teachers make daily, often spending their own money on supplies. In this situation, however, the PFT shouldn't be asking for more money. Yet that is exactly what its contract proposal does. It's a $175 million wish list that asks for smaller class sizes and more librarians, nurses, and counselors.

Apparently, the district's sending pink slips to nearly 3,800 employees didn't bother Jordan at all. Otherwise, he would be making some type of offer to prevent them from being laid off. He would be showing the leadership needed to persuade the rank and file to accept compromise.

Council may not agree to anything but the cigarette-tax hike, and the PFT isn't making any concessions. Is this the unified front that is supposed to bail out the schools?