School district is 'pleased' as lawmakers approve funding
Representatives returned to Harrisburg yesterday to pass the bill, which includes $60 million for the district.
STATE HOUSE representatives were back in Harrisburg yesterday to pass a bill that finalizes a state budget including $60 million in funding for the beleaguered school district.
The funds include a $15.5 million basic-education state subsidy and a onetime $45 million grant.
The figure is half of what district Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. requested from the state. District officials also asked for $60 million from the city and are requesting $133 million in concessions from labor unions, primarily the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.
"I'm happy that we have it, but the work is not complete," state Sen. Vincent Hughes said. "It's an unfinished product and [it will] have to be completed in September."
Hughes cited pending legislation in the Senate that would enhance Philadelphia's ability to collect delinquent taxes. Senate and House representatives won't be back in Harrisburg until the start of the next session, Sept. 23.
The city will be able to collect an estimated $28 million in unpaid taxes without the legislation, said Mark McDonald, spokesman for Mayor Nutter.
A proposal to extend the 1 percent increase in the city sales tax and borrow $50 million against the expected revenue to help fund the district is "under review" by City Council and Nutter, said Jane Roh, spokeswoman for Council President Darrell Clarke.
Susan Gobreski, executive director of Education Voters of Pennsylvania, an advocacy group, said the state failed "to provide an adequate level of funding.
"When you look at the sum total of what the Legislature did, it was little and late," Gobreski said.
The district's only comment was released in a statement on behalf of Hite and School Reform Commission chair Pedro Ramos.
"We are pleased that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives finalized a critical component of the budget process today. As we have stated throughout this process, much more work remains in order to ensure sufficient recurring funds and affordable spending levels that will allow us to provide all students with a safe, high-quality education," the statement read.