Philadelphia’s schools will open on time, but at what cost?
This week brought with it more news on how dire the financial crisis for Philadelphia’s public schools really are. Faced with a $304 million budget shortfall for the district, the city managed to receive a $50 million grant that will allow it to continue functioning. The first day of school will not be delayed, but at what cost?
Parents protest that while the $50 million grant may allow schools to open, it is not nearly enough to allow schools to continue holding classes and extracurricular programs that students need. “Nobody is talking about what it takes to get a child educated. It’s just about what the lowest number is needed to get the bare minimum,” says Helen Gym, who has 3 children in the city’s public schools. “That’s what we’re talking about here: the deliberate starvation of one of the nation’s biggest school districts.”
Many agree with Grey’s assessment of the situation, including Philly’s public school students, who have begun to unionize and protest the district. The students argue that the city is looking for how it can spend as little as possible on public school students, regardless of whether the amount will suffice to provide the students with a good education.
To follow this story further, please visit our website, where you can also read the story ‘Why America Should Care About Philadelphia’s Children.’
