PHILADELPHIA (March 12, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposed municipal budget for FY2027:
“Proposed revenue increases from rideshare services and cell phone towers that could raise $12 million annually for public schools are modest, broad, and should not be controversial. Philadelphia cannot continue to grow in population and prosperity without deeper, sustained investment in public education. We are pleased that the Parker Administration acknowledges that fact in its FY2027 budget proposal.
“We are also enthusiastic about plans to grow the number of District community schools and increase support for high school students who are also enrolled at the Community College of Philadelphia. The teacher staffing shortage in Pennsylvania is a crisis; we are glad to see Mayor Parker propose investing in educator recruitment and training. As members of the Philadelphia Cost of Living Task Force – convened by Minority Whip Nicolas O’Rourke – we are thrilled to see two transit fare programs that benefit school families preserved, SEPTA Zero Fare and Key Advantage, along with new help for student loan borrowers.
“The PFT continues to urge the City to more immediately address system failures and repair needs in school facilities, and to direct the Board of Education to reinstate the moratorium on new charter school authorizations. The Facilities Master Plan as currently constituted will drive students and educators out of the District, and must be paused for further member and community input.
“As the City is poised to rename a street for a giant of education equity – the late Superintendent Dr. Constance E. Clayton – we are called to remember that ‘every school’s a good school.’ That is, every school tasked with educating Philadelphia’s young people is a good school that is deserving of public investment and institutional support.
“We urge the City to be more transparent about the price tag for the facilities plan. Where are the funds necessary for repairing and modernizing dozens of school buildings across the city? What is the strategy for reversing student enrollment drop-offs due to District changes in admissions processes and the alarmingly un-regulated growth of cyber charter schools – by one estimate, responsible for the exodus of 14,000 students from District schools?
“Our educators, students, and families across the city will continue to fight for the dignity of our school communities and students, who are already enrolled in good schools and simply lack the institutional and public support that every child deserves.”
