Massive education cuts coming in Philadelphia
This is what it looks like when you balance a state budget on the backs of working families:
The Philadelphia school district may have to cut 3,800 positions in order to close a $600 million deficit. Another proposal to make up for the loss of almost $300 million in state funds this year includes eliminating free transportation to and from school.
That means no busing or free SEPTA transpasses for any students except those in special education students and those attending charter schools.
That’s because state law requires the district to provide transportation to and from charter schools. But students who attend public and parochial schools next year could have to pay their own way.
Note two things there. One is just the sheer volume of cuts that will have to be made, one way or another. The other is that charter schools—which don’t have to serve all the city’s students, don’t have to keep the most disadvantaged and troubled—are exempt from some key cuts. The agenda is privatization using public funding.
(Via Atrios)
Tags: Education, state budgets
Mayor Michael Nutter has made increasing the graduation rate a key goal. But his chief education officer says progress over the last several years in reducing the dropout rate will not be sustainable under the current budget proposal.
Business Loans
You must sign in or register to post a comment. Registration is free.