Education Activists Plead For $60-Million Stopgap For Philadelphia Schools
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Dozens of Philadelphia parents and activists today called on City Council to find the $60 million in additional city money the school district says it needs.
Council hasn't decided whether or how it can give the school district $60 million more (see related stories), but dozens from the public urged Council to find a way.
One parent, Robert Petrone, drew applause from the gallery when he pointed out that the district says without extra money, individual schools could afford only a principal and teachers -- no extras:
"Imagine, if you will, City Hall with just a mayor and the 17 members of City Council. No secretaries, no support staff, no aides of any kind. No tipstaff or clerks." (Applause)
City Council president Darrell Clarke has made no promises about extra city money, saying the state needs to step up to help the district fill its $304-million budget hole.
