Philadelphia Mayor proposes $12M education budget

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has put forward her new education budget proposal, which outlines spending plans for the next five years. The proposal includes $12 million for teacher salaries starting in 2030, $10 million for extending the school day and year, and an additional $4 million for discretionary spending. The funds for this last item will be sourced from a planned increase in parking fees in Center City. This budget proposal comes as Philadelphia schools are dealing with a significant financial deficit. Currently, 10% of district funding from the Department of Education is uncertain due to recent staffing cuts and changes in federal administration policies. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is also in negotiations for a new contract, seeking better pay and provisions for teachers. In the budget plan, Parker aims to increase the share of city property tax revenue that goes to the school district from 56% to 56.5%. This shift could provide an additional $12 million for teacher salaries, but the changes won't take effect until 2030. Many educators, including Principal Kenneth Glover, express that while any increase is welcome, it may not be enough to address rising living costs. The proposal also allocates funds to expand extended-day and extended-year programs, aiming to increase the number of schools involved from 25 to 50. Local leaders and advocates believe these changes could help with teacher recruitment and retention, especially in underserved areas. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas emphasized that the timeline for funding is concerning, given the impending financial challenges. Advocates call for more immediate funding to support various programs, including efforts to assist homeless students and increase resources for English learners. As budget discussions will continue over the coming months, advocates plan to push for additional investments in education to ensure a brighter future for students in Philadelphia.