School closings. “Doomsday budgets.” Constant tension between the School District and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers over pay, seniority and work rules, and between the city and state over school funding. An appalling 10 percent of students graduate from college. Philly’s perennially beleaguered public schools are the city's biggest challenge, because nothing accounts for persistent unemployment and poverty as much as a lack of education does. If the schools aren’t fixed, the city can’t truly thrive. It’s that critical, and the crisis can only be solved by real leadership. Philly families and their children deserve better.
Important Resources:
- The School District of Philadelphia website includes a variety information for students, parents and educators. Budget reports and individual school profiles are also available.