PHILADELPHIA (May 28, 2026) – Following is a statement from a coalition of educators and public school supporters working to secure funding for the School District of Philadelphia that will save 340 school-level jobs:
“The Board of Education is poised to adopt an amended operating budget today for the next school year that cuts 149 teachers, 120 climate staff, 48 support staff and aides, and 23 counselors in 206 schools across the system. That the School District of Philadelphia’s structural deficit – the direct result of historic, unconstitutional underfunding by the Commonwealth – will be felt deepest by children in the most disinvested neighborhoods is intolerable.
“The academic, attendance, and enrollment progress made in our schools is real, and fragile. Philadelphia public schools have long been under-resourced and understaffed. Forcing schools to cut math teachers, reading tutors, special education assistants, and safety personnel because of a budget shortfall will absolutely worsen learning conditions for 198,000 students. Short-staffing leaves educators spread too thinly across classes and activities, leaving them no time to prepare lessons. The stress and burnout that results too often drives educators out of the system.
“But, there is a solution that reverses these painful cuts before students enter the 2026-2027 school year. Mayor Cherelle Parker has proposed a legislative package that provides the District with a recurring revenue stream of at least $50.4 million annually, so that our schools can continue to build on the progress Philly educators have made. This is the only solution that has been proposed that provides both new and recurring dedicated funding.
“Philadelphia public school students deserve the world. They deserve a District and City government that shows them that their futures are precious and important.
“We call on Philadelphia City Council to meet this moment. Step up for students, educators, and communities: Pass Mayor Parker’s $1 rideshare tax to save 340 school-level positions as soon as possible, so that next year’s classes of students never have to know there was any debate about their value to our city.”
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers
Children First
The Center for Black Educator Development
Education Law Center-PA
Public Interest Law Center
Unite Here! Local 634
