Inquirer Editorial: A welcome change of heart

The city teachers' union appears to be winning the game of stare-down it has been playing with state and city officials over the $103 million in contract concessions being sought to close the School District's budget deficit.

Gov. Corbett insisted all summer that he wouldn't give the schools a promised $45 million until the district and teachers signed a new labor agreement with substantial "fiscal savings and academic reforms."

But Corbett blinked Wednesday, releasing the cash even though contract talks remain stalled. Why he did so isn't clear.

"There has been a lot of movement in the area of reform that has improved the financial health and performance of the district," said state Budget Secretary Charles Zogby.

Indeed, schools Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. has been busting his tail trying to stretch dollars. But the district still needs about $175 million to close its deficit. And Corbett has now taken away an incentive to get teachers' union chief Jerry Jordan to budge.

Some speculated that the governor was moved by the recent death of sixth grader Laporshia Massey, who suffered an asthma attack at a school without a full-time nurse. But a Corbett spokeswoman said that was not the case.

Whatever the motivation for the release of the state money, it is welcome. Hite says it will allow the rehiring of 400 teachers, counselors, and other employees - but not nurses, whose ranks were cut two years ago.

Now it's the union's turn to do its part. Its members should understand that closing the deficit will ultimately save teachers' jobs.