It's17 happening now. We're actually about a18 quarter of the way, a third of the way19 through.20
The final25 91 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 year of spending?2 DEPUTY
And did we4 spend the entire 13 million the first5 year?6 DEPUTY
Fair enough.12 And so how did you spend it the first13 year?14 DEPUTY
We -- I15 can give you actually a very long list of16 all of the programs.17
Well, how18 much did you spend on advertising?19 DEPUTY
The20 federal government, which included and21 specified the requirements, it's about a22 million dollars last year.23
Spend a24 million dollars of money --25 92 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 DEPUTY
On10 programs in neighborhoods, working with11 the School District, improving recreation12 opportunities after school and child care13 opportunities both in terms of exercise14 and food, improving farm-to-school,15 improving farm-to-child care settings,16 working to establish farmers' markets,17 working with corner stores in18 Philadelphia to bring fresh food, working19 on tobacco.20
So you could21 spend the balance of the money doing22 after-school or extended-day programs as23 long as you focused on anti-obesity as24 part of it?25 93 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 DEPUTY
Putting more4 money into the schools or through the5 School District.6 DEPUTY
Only if7 we've told the federal government that's8 what we're doing. We have no discretion.9 This is a cooperative agreement.10
But it could11 pay for athletics, for example?12 DEPUTY
But it could19 pay for education, adding to the School20 District curriculum, science classes, an21 anti-obesity platform?22 DEPUTY
And you know25 94 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that because you've asked the federal2 government that question?3 DEPUTY
It's4 specific in the requirements that were5 part of the request and it's part of the6 cooperative agreement language. They7 monitor us on a monthly basis.8
But we could9 go ask for a change of the cooperative10 agreement?11 DEPUTY
Okay. At18 any rate, I was just curious about that19 program. Thank you very much.20 No further questions.21 Oh, I do have one further22 question. I'm sorry. Has the health23 centers taken -- are the health centers24 cooperating with the Children's Hospital25 95 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and their anti-obesity program?2 DEPUTY
The7 Children's Hospital has called to ask if8 we would sit down and talk, and I am9 absolutely open to any resource for10 people in the City of Philadelphia.11
Okay. Well,12 I'll look forward to an update on that.13 Thank you.14
Madam19 President, we would be remiss not to at20 least acknowledge and salute why that21 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia22 agreement happened, at the work of23 Councilman Clarke and I working very,24 very, very closely with the Honickmans,25 96 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 who were generous enough to first2 acknowledge that we have the problem and,3 B, figure out a way where they could help4 the City fix it. And so as I sat in5 those meetings, I do not ever recall6 there being early discussions about that7 agreement with Children's Hospital and8 our Philadelphia health centers. It9 makes sense to have gone that way, but10 based on the agreement, that was not the11 strategy that Children's Hospital had in12 place.13
Do you16 recall, Dr. Schwarz? I do not remember.17 DEPUTY
Ten18 million dollars was given to Children's19 Hospital of Philadelphia. I don't know20 that any of those dollars have been spent21 as yet, but I don't know that. Certainly22 none have been spent on any of the23 children in the health centers in24 Philadelphia.25 97 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Yeah. Last, but8 certainly not least, Deputy Mayor9 DiBerardinis.10 DEPUTY MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:11 Good morning, Council President Verna.12
Good13 morning.14 DEPUTY MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:15 Good morning, Council President Verna.16 My name is Mike DiBerardinis and I'm17 Deputy Mayor and Commissioner for the18 Department of Parks and Recreation.19 In this Operating Budget for20 FY12, proposed Operating Budget, the21 Mayor has requested $180,000 for the22 extension of our swimming season and a23 million dollars to the Mayor's Commission24 on Literacy and the Free Library to25 98 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 expand adult literacy programs throughout2 the City. If these funds were not3 available, we would be -- in the4 Recreation and Parks Department, we would5 have to curtail our swimming season by6 about seven to ten days if these proposed7 increases were not there. We would lose8 community swim time as well as9 instructional swimming for youth and10 would lose about 100,000 visits to our11 pool system. Last year, we had a million12 one. We think we'll be down to a13 million.14 Relative to the Commission on15 Literacy, a reduction of funds would halt16 the work on the Mayor's Commission on17 Literacy in some crucial areas. The18 Commission for the upcoming year is19 planning to launch several initiatives20 and tools designed to integrate adult21 learning and to career paths, provide22 adult learner counseling and coaching,23 create a system for all literacy learning24 opportunities, and engage the public,25 99 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 business, faith communities or non-profit2 organizations in lifelong learning3 opportunities throughout4 neighborhood-based events and volunteer5 activities.6 This is a particularly7 difficult lift for the Commission on8 Literacy due to changes in the funding9 guidelines from the state, which would10 mix the Library ineligible to apply for11 funds they had previously gotten to12 support the Commission, and that total13 was over $3 million.14 If you have any questions, I'd15 be happy to answer them. Thank you.16
Thank17 you. Thank you very much.18 DEPUTY MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:19 Thank you.20 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:21 That's it.22
Thank24 you.25 100 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Do we have anyone else that2 would like to testify? I understand some3 people had difficulty in getting up to4 the 4th Floor.5 (Witnesses approached witness6 table.)7
Good8 morning. Nice seeing you. Please9 identify yourself for the record.10
My name is11 Sandra Dungee-Glenn. May I begin, Madam12 President?13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Please proceed.15
16 Thank you, Madam President and members of17 Council, for allowing me this opportunity18 to come and speak to you today. 1 related to education here in2 Philadelphia, and now as a member of our3 State Board of Education and a member of4 the National State Boards of Education5 and a member of the United States6 Department of Education's Commission on7 Excellence and Equity, and along the way8 I've learned a few things that I think9 are important. 11 One of the things that I12 learned is that all of our conversations13 about education, what it is and what it's14 not, it's not shadow boxing, that we are15 dealing with these issues in the context16 of what's needed and what's going to be17 required for these young people to have18 any opportunity or any chance in the 21st19 century. 1 are the jobs that everything is showing2 us and telling us are being replaced3 largely by machines and technology. What4 young people are going to be required to5 do now is going to require them to be6 critical thinkers, requiring them to7 understand how to work collaboratively,8 how to be innovative, how to analyze and9 dissect information that comes before10 them, that the choice is going to be11 whether we're preparing our young people12 to be essential members of the 21st13 century or to be expendable. And as I14 said, I've been a lifelong resident of15 Philadelphia. I know what expendable16 looks like. 17 I see it every day as I travel through my18 community. we cannot sustain. And the other thing that is5 very concerning and troubling is, I6 learned as I've done this work that we7 know, we know what it takes to help8 children learn. We know what works in9 our schools. We know what works in10 education. 13 That's why this issue of childhood14 education is so important. We know that15 they need more time. So when we talk16 about extended day or summer school, it's17 not -- these aren't pet projects. 1 have in our school districts, many of2 them are young. They don't have the3 experience. 6 We know that it takes extra7 supports. Our children and our families8 are fragile. The impact of this9 recession has been widespread, it has10 been deep. It is disintegrating families11 across this City. So when they come to12 our schools, they do need the counseling13 support. 21 When I started on the School22 Reform Commission, we were talking about23 just 18 percent of our young people being24 at grade level. 1 and that needle had moved to over 502 percent, around 52 percent. In3 children's terms, that translates to4 70,000 children who are now able to5 operate at grade level versus eight years6 ago. Seventy thousand. 8 The Pittsburgh School District9 only has 50,000 children. Seventy10 thousand children is significant. That's11 the impact of these programs and12 strategies. 14 And I want to say that over15 time, we have already invested as a16 District, as a City, as a State millions17 of dollars in reducing class size,18 extending day, summer programs, bringing19 on extra counselors and teachers,20 alternative schools for the accelerated21 learning and the disciplinary schools,22 adding the charters, which has given us a23 very robust charter system here in24 Philadelphia. 5 And, again, I believe and I6 think that the data shows that it is7 giving results. So whether you call this8 the restructured schools or you call them9 empowerment schools or you call them10 promise academies, give them whatever11 name you choose, the important thing is,12 do we continue to sustain the programs13 and the initiatives that are impacting14 our children and giving them a real --15
Thank16 you. May I ask that you conclude your17 remarks. You're well over your three18 minutes.19
I appreciate20 that.21 And I do want to support your22 call for accountability. I think that's23 perfectly reasonable to have the District24 come and bring forth the data.25 107 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 And I just wanted to close by2 saying two things. I know these choices3 aren't easy. I'm a property owner. I4 pay property taxes. I've paid my fair5 share of fines and parking fees in the6 City, but there are two things that7 happened very recently that I think8 showed that this is important.9 Last week, the Boys' Latin10 Charter School had their first11 graduation. Eighty young men who we were12 told should not have this school as a13 choice graduated. Ninety-six percent of14 them are going on to higher education.15 And just yet the School of the Future16 concluded their graduation.17 I think and I would support --18
I19 think your time has been up some time20 ago. I'm going to ask you again to21 please conclude your remarks.22
I will. I23 will just ask you and implore you, if you24 would, I will do anything to support,25 108 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 prepare and protect these young people,2 and I would just ask you very3 respectfully, Madam President and4 Councilmembers, if you would do the same.5 Thank you for your time and6 attention.7
Just11 a moment, please.12 The Chair recognizes Councilman13 Jones.14
Thank you,15 Ms. Glenn, for that testimony. You were16 drowned out a little bit by the young17 people that the media sometimes doesn't18 believe cares about issues like this, but19 they're proof positive that they are.20 Just real quick, those21 auxiliary programs, those supplementary22 programs, if the School District is a23 large ship, it takes a long time for it24 to turn around, but it's very easy to25 109 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 sink. Which of those programs that2 you're talking about do you believe with3 your experience are critical, critical to4 keep us moving in the right direction?5
Very6 respectfully, Councilman, I think part of7 my message is that there is not a silver8 bullet. It is a comprehensive approach9 that has to be delivered and layered10 consistently that really has given the11 impact. I think it's very difficult to12 pull out one thing or two things that do13 it, because we have such a diverse14 district with very diverse children and15 very diverse needs. You need this16 strategy. You need this portfolio of17 things that are being delivered18 consistently over time that, again, is19 showing that we are turning and turning20 children around.21 So that's really, I think, the22 important part of this message. It's23 very hard to pull and tear it apart.24
Thank2 you.3 The Chair recognizes Councilman4 Green.5
Thank you.6 Thank you for your service on7 the School Board and for your very8 impassioned speech and comments today. I9 assume that you are agnostic as to how we10 provide resources to the School District11 as long as we provide sufficient12 resources.13
I am14 agnostic. I do think it is very15 important to try to hold on to, again,16 this package of approaches and17 initiatives that, Councilman, I think18 that have been given you the return on19 your investment, quite honestly. I think20 that's really the critical thing that I21 think is important that I would like to22 just share --23
But yes or24 no, how we provide the resources --25 111 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank you,8 Madam President.9 Sandra, we've known each other10 a long time, and I know your advocacy for11 the schools, and I don't disagree with12 anything you're saying. I think that13 these programs, given the resources that14 are necessary, are critically important,15 but I think -- and calmly now -- the16 thing that bothers me, I guess, is that17 the most critical things, however, in my18 mind were all-day kindergarten, which19 seems to be resolved, alternative20 schools, because these kids are troubled21 and they've been in an environment now22 where they're getting help and we can't23 put them back in the normal school24 environment. I think that transportation25 112 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 obviously is critical. I mean, the2 tokens and TransPasses are critical to3 get these kids to school and so are the4 yellow buses.5 In a year where we're being6 destroyed by the Commonwealth and if you7 look at the Commonwealth cuts across the8 State, they're disgraceful. It's Chester9 Upland, it's Philadelphia, it's York,10 which includes Harrisburg, and it's two11 poor counties out in Allegheny County,12 Duquesne and Clairton. And I don't13 discount the fact that this is just kind14 of a critical mass, a critical storm, and15 I would love to do all of this. I really16 would. But when push comes to shove, if17 I got to make a decision on getting a kid18 to the classroom or not having that K to19 3 classroom increased by three children,20 I almost have to make that decision,21 despite the good work of summer SLAM or22 any of these other programs, at least for23 one year, because I'm hoping that when we24 go to Actual Value Initiative -- and25 113 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that's why, so people understand, real2 estate taxes are so difficult, because3 we've done it twice in two -- we're going4 to do it twice in two years. We've been5 asked to do it again, and then we're6 going to hit Actual Value Initiative.7 These folks are going -- they're going to8 go crazy.9 So I'm looking at one year of a10 little bit of cutback or little bit of11 doing the most important things first,12 and then when we get into the year where13 we started to get a little more money in14 here, to go do those programs again.15 I don't want anyone or you to16 think that I just am discounting these17 programs like -- it's just very difficult18 to continually balance the needs of all19 the things we need to deal with with the20 important issues relative to the schools.21 So I just want you to22 understand. And you know me. You know23 I'm not a person who discounts public24 education. I care. I just know that25 114 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 when those four issues get on the radar2 screen of cuts, what people are going to3 say is that, Well, how could you do this4 to our kids? And I would -- if I were on5 the School Reform Commission, I would not6 be voting to cut public transportation7 for kids, nor increase class sizes, nor8 get rid of full-day kindergarten.9 So I just want you to10 understand that, and as we wrestle with11 this stuff, please understand our side12 of -- our needs, too. Okay?13
For one, I17 do respect you, and I thank you for all18 that you have done and will continue to19 do around education. And I'm not at all20 suggesting that we take our attention21 away from Harrisburg and what's being22 done there to cut back all the supports23 that have gone into that. Again, I think24 it's incumbent whether it's in Harrisburg25 115 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 or in here that we look at the cost, and2 I think that's what I really wanted to3 bring home, that what I have learned and4 what I've seen firsthand, that moving5 back from these programs for a year6 pushes you back for two to three years,7 because it's not easy to stop and start8 up again, and that lag time increases the9 cost of the very things you're talking10 about, sending more children to11 accelerated schools and so forth.12 And so what I'm hoping is that13 between what's done here in this Chamber14 and still the push that's being put in15 Harrisburg, that we can cobble together16 the resources to sustain this floor,17 because that's all we're talking about.18
I don't23 think the City has the capacity in its24 tax base to replace what Harrisburg is25 116 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 ripping out of us and what the federal2 government no longer provides. That's my3 only point, and that's kind of the forum4 I want to have the discussion in.5
And if I8 lost my temper on that one issue, I do9 apologize. It's a very emotional thing10 for all of us, and I just want you to11 understand where I am.12
I13 understand. I'm just asking for us to14 get as close as we can --15
Thank you.22 Just one quick question for23 Ms. Dungee-Glens, and, that is, you24 served on the SRC.25 117 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Is this a3 year that you would create new programs4 that didn't exist in prior years if it5 could save reduced class sizes, for6 example? If you had to choose between 217 million in programs that haven't been8 spent, no child or parent would lose9 anything, and you could put the money10 into reduced class sizes instead, what11 would your choice be this year? I12 understand --13
Which may17 not be a nice, clean, crisp one for you,18 but very honestly, it really depends on19 who those programs are going to impact.20 We have children that are falling off the21 edge, literally every day, and so if I22 had a new program that was going to keep23 a child in school who was about to leave24 or --25 118 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
-- or keep a4 school safer, I'm not -- but my point is5 to you that I understand your question6 very clearly. I don't think it's as cut7 and dried about new versus old. I think8 it's about impact. I think that's really9 it. What is the reach and what are the10 number of children that we can support11 with this. I really think that's the way12 we have to look at it.13
I completely14 agree, but reduced class sizes has proven15 to be efficacious in every academic16 study. New programs, we don't know if17 they're going to work or not.18
If I may,19 sir. Even with the issue of new class20 size, that's a strategic tool. Yes, K to21 3, very effective. Grade 6, grade 8,22 very effective. Grade 4, grade 10, not23 so much.24 So I don't -- this is not a --25 119 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 what's the word? You have to be like2 very surgical, if you would, in looking3 at a lot of this, and I think that's the4 point.5 I don't pretend to be an6 expert. I am not an educational expert.7 I have learned a lot, but there are a lot8 of people who really truly have studied9 this stuff and really can show what10 works, and I really think we need to be11 respectful of a lot of the opinions that12 they're bringing forth, because I think13 that's what's bearing out and being14 helpful to our children.15
Well, you16 know, you have to -- the problem with17 that answer -- and I respect it -- is18 that there's only so many dollars19 available, and so you have to make a20 choice.21
And, again,22 sir, I think you are completely within23 your rights to bring the School District24 to the table and have them substantiate25 120 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to you why they're making the choices2 that they are saying they need to make3 and using your best judgment to determine4 if that's valid or not. But I do think5 that they've taken a careful look at what6 these choices are and where they believe7 the dollars would be best spent, even8 with these limited resources, and I think9 it's appropriate for you to vet that and10 really push them to substantiate that.11
And12 fundamentally I've been trying to do that13 for two weeks. I received late Tuesday14 night some responses to my questions.15 What was missing, what was missing was16 specific information about some of the17 new programs that have only been in place18 for a year that are potentially being19 expanded as compared to early childhood20 education between K through 3, which21 costs $16 million to maintain, for22 example, and now I'm being asked to vote23 on that.24
I25 121 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 understand.2
So, as I3 said earlier, Madam President, as I said4 earlier, I would like to hear from the5 School District before we adjourn this6 hearing as to whether or not they would7 make the difficult choices that many of8 us have suggested that they make with9 respect to expansion of promise academies10 and reducing summer SLAM. I think we11 need to know that before we vote on12 taxes.13
I would just14 suggest for your research and the15 District's as well, many of the things16 that are being packaged under new names17 and programs are things that the District18 has done for a while, and the data, I do19 think if you go back and look at the data20 from what they used to call restructured21 schools is much of what they're talking22 about with the promise academies. Summer23 SLAM and summer programs or summer24 school, that if you really looked at that25 122 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 trend data, you could see the impact of2 those individual programs and, again, as3 I said, when you've delivered them4 effectively. I do think there's data5 that can be brought to you that could6 help to answer your question.7
Yes.17 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:18 You're welcome.19 Any other questions for this20 witness?21 (No response.)22
Good morning,7 Council President.8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 Please identify yourself for the record.10
My name is11 Emmanuel Bussie. I'm the Director of12 Operations for the Coalition of African13 American Organizations. I come here14 today -- this is not my first time15 testifying before you, but I come here16 today to say we need all the programs.17 When you talk about promise academies,18 that's just another name for what we19 already have. That promise academy, it's20 already working. It's called Central.21 It's called Masterman. It's called Girls22 High. It's called the schools in Center23 City. We already have promise academies.24 They just somewhere else.25 124 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 We need every single one of2 these programs. Our budget, our City3 budget, is just a reflection of our4 priority, just like our state budget.5 What we saying, me and Sharif, we met all6 day yesterday. We've been meeting for7 almost a week. We have 20 professionals8 meeting and talking about how we can save9 money. This is just a reflection of our10 priority. We need every single dime.11 You cannot talk about -- if the12 state says that we are underfunded, the13 State of Pennsylvania in 2007 said that14 Philadelphia is underfunded by $1.215 billion, or $4,000 per child, how dare16 any elected, paid elected official by me,17 by us say we don't need more money? That18 is -- as the Mayor is going up to19 Harrisburg to lobby for more money, we20 got officials here in Philadelphia saying21 we don't need more money, it's a spending22 issue. How dare you say that, when23 Harrisburg did a comprehensive study24 saying that we do need more money?25 125 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I used to say stop playing2 games, but I see that there are many3 people in Council that are passionate as4 I am. Like Sandra told me one day, she5 said that -- and I have to say this, I'm6 not a minister, but this education piece7 is a ministry for me. So if I'm8 passionate about this, you have to excuse9 me, but we cannot allow people to10 disregard and manipulate the facts.11 The facts are that these12 programs that we have in our Philadelphia13 school system are working. The fact is14 that Pennsylvania is No. 47th -- please15 hear me when I say this -- Pennsylvania,16 out of all of the states in the nation,17 is No. 47th in terms of what it's been18 doing in education. Philadelphia is19 almost dead last in terms of what it's20 spending when reflected to us around the21 counties. We only fund our schools at22 somewhere around 25 percent. That is23 absolutely ridiculous.24 All we're saying is, find25 126 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 something else to cut. We're not saying2 that any program is more important than3 education. But we spend $19 million on4 flags. Flags. We spend 21 million on5 decorative lighting. I'm not saying that6 we don't need decorative lighting, but a7 budget is just a reflection of your8 priorities. We're saying cut something9 else, find something else, tax something10 else. We don't care how you do it; just11 do it.12 Being members of City Council,13 you have to understand something. These14 are our schools. Even if Harrisburg is15 the governing body of our schools, they16 still our schools. That does not17 eliminate our responsibility, City18 Council's responsibility to fund our19 schools. I'm talking about just at rates20 that would be adequate.21 Harrisburg said we need $1.222 billion, 4,000 per student, to be23 adequate. What happened to the word24 "exceptional"? Does that even enter the25 127 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 minds of anybody here? And I'm not2 saying that you guys don't care about our3 kids, but if we start looking at the term4 "exceptional," right, we got to get 1.25 billion just to be adequate. How can we6 dare not talk about funding our schools?7 We don't care about the soda.8 I don't care how you do it. We need to9 fund our schools. We need every single10 one of these programs and some.11 (Applause.)12
Hello. Good15 afternoon. My name is Danita Bates. I'm16 a community activist and advocate and17 youth leader. I'm coming in regards of18 Action United, a concerned parent and a19 community leader and a youth leader.20 I didn't have my speech, but21 I'm just going to speak off the top of my22 head. We need everything that we need23 for our education system for each and24 every school. The things that has been25 128 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 implemented has been working. It is2 working.3 We would like to see tax cuts4 on the Prison system, Comcast, Verizon,5 other big million-dollar oil companies,6 instead of taking away from our7 education. Our education system is an8 asset not only to our city, state and9 communities, but is an asset and is not a10 money thing. It's not a business.11 Education should not be put as a12 business. Education should not be put13 second or last. Education is very14 important. Twenty years from now, the15 youth that are being affected by these16 budget cuts right now, 20 years from now17 they're going to be adults, they're going18 to be parents, and what are they going to19 have to look forward to?20 It's unacceptable. We are21 asking that everyone, everyone, parents,22 community, everyone stand up, continue to23 fight for our education for our students24 and our communities and our future. We25 129 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 have to remember, this is our future,2 period.3 Thank you for allowing me to4 speak. Thank you very much.5 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:6 You're welcome.7 (Applause.)8 (Witnesses approached witness9 table.)10
Good morning.13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Please identify yourself for the record.15
Good morning,16 Council President and honorable members17 of Council. My name is T. Milton Street,18 and I'm here to testify on the funding of19 the schools and the taxes and where you20 get the money from.21 First of all, let me say that I22 served in Harrisburg. I was the majority23 chairperson of the Committee on Housing24 and Urban Affairs, and every piece of25 130 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 legislation that came to Harrisburg2 during that time came into my committee.3 When Dr. Constance Clayton used to come4 up to Harrisburg for money for the5 schools, she would be directed to my6 office, and I would sit there and talk to7 her.8 I say that because I have the9 experience, one of the few who have the10 experience, of having sat with the11 Republican Caucus and had interacted with12 the republicans in Harrisburg and across13 this state, and I have a close-up view of14 their mindset in terms of the schools and15 the school system in the City of16 Philadelphia, and I will tell you here17 today, without fear of any successful18 contradiction, until we put on the table19 some comprehensive plan to stem the20 violence in these schools, you're going21 to have a difficult time in getting22 sufficient or adequate money out of23 Harrisburg with the republicans24 controlling the House, the Senate and the25 131 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Governor's Office.2 The attitude is that you have a3 group of people in Philadelphia who can't4 control their children, and the attitude5 beyond that is that the District is 76 or6 77 percent minority, which is very, very7 important. A lot of us want to step away8 from that issue.9 So you have a situation where10 people in the middle of the state and11 people in other parts of the state are12 saying, Why should we invest in perceived13 failure. Because all of the good that14 the schools these people sat up here and15 testified is going, it's submerged. It's16 not seen. I've been there. I can tell17 you that. The discussion is the18 violence. The discussion is how many19 people are absent from school. The20 discussion is what's going on in that21 School District in the City of22 Philadelphia. And if you don't have a23 comprehensive plan to put forward when24 you go to Harrisburg and say, This is25 132 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 what we're going to do, we're going to2 stop the violence, we're creating an3 atmosphere where every child that attends4 this school will have an opportunity to5 maximize its God-given talent, then6 you're going to have trouble getting the7 amount of money that you need to come8 down here for these schools.9 I listened to the Mayor last10 night, and it was very disheartening. I11 read the paper this morning where the12 Administration said they cut last year13 and, as a result, they had to cut not14 higher, because my recommendation here is15 that the only alternative that you have16 before you today is to use some of that17 projected $51 million surplus that's18 going to be available, because this City19 can't afford any more taxes. You can't20 afford a two cents an ounce. I mean, you21 got to pay 40 cents tax on a 20-ounce22 bottle of soda? That's brutal.23 (Applause.)24
That's brutal. 2 And I will tell you, because I just came3 off a campaign, that people are going to4 run across the border and buy, across the5 other counties and buy. 7 But what's important to note is8 the way the Administration is not9 straightforward. What they said last10 year was that we had to cut back on11 hiring police and they also had to cut12 back -- had to implement these13 brown-outs. Not true. I have a copy of14 a letter here. I wrote letters to the15 Administration under the Freedom of16 Information Act asking them to send me17 the application that they sent to the18 Homeland Security for the $15 million for19 SAFER grants, and here's the application20 right here. I sent some of it to some of21 the members of Council. They've put in22 an application that was 80 percent23 complete. Eighty percent complete. 1 government with an application that's 802 percent complete. But they're making3 people believe that if you use that4 projected surplus, that what's going to5 happen is they're going to have to cut6 something somewhere else. Well, that's7 not true. There's money available out8 there, especially -- and I'm using this9 as an example -- with the brown-outs to10 this day -- and these are follow-up11 letters. Council President, I believe I12 sent one to your office and I sent one to13 some of the other Councilpeople's14 office -- that $15 million, we still15 haven't secured it, and the16 Administration is still lying, talking17 about they have to have the brown-outs18 basically because there's no money and19 you had to cut back on the money. 1 soda tax. 6 Don't misunderstand me. You have to fund7 the schools, but I don't -- and I've8 asked for this information -- know what9 happened to -- how did we get $60010 million in debt? 11 What happened? 14 I don't know who saw it coming,15 but I do know this -- and I know my time16 is almost up -- last year during the17 Council session, Councilman Green asked a18 question. He asked the question of the19 Administration. We know that there's not20 going to be the $167 million from the21 stimulus funds next year and we also know22 that there may not be the $595 million23 from the state coming down. 3 Okay? 8 When I was pursuing that, what9 we finally concluded was that the back-up10 plan last year was to lay off these11 teachers. The back-up plan last year12 during your hearings last year was the13 Administration had information on this14 deficit that we're now facing. 16 But I think transparency is17 going to be key here, and I think that18 the only way that the public is going to19 ever know what the real deal is, the only20 people they have is you. transparency. You have to get answers to2 these questions. One other question that I4 have -- I'm finished.
I've10 given you some latitude, so I'm just11 going to ask if you can conclude your12 remarks, please.13
Yeah. I'm14 concluded.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 You're finished?17
Yeah. I'll18 respect the Chair.19 The Chair recognizes Councilman20 Jones.21
Just one22 question. When you were spending all of23 that time in Harrisburg, my recollection24 fails me, were you a democrat or a25 138 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 republican?2 Thank you, Madam Chair.3
I was an elected4 official who sat in the caucus that I5 fought. And you probably don't6 understand Harrisburg. In Harrisburg,7 the minority will have its say, but the8 majority will have its way. I positioned9 myself in the caucus where I could have10 my way, and as a result, I was able to11 get money for the schools and I was able12 to get that.13 I'm not hung up on democrat,14 republican, agnostic or independent. I'm15 hung up on results.16 (Applause.)17
Thank18 you, Mr. Street. We appreciate your19 attendance. Thank you.20
Who22 is going to testify next? Please23 identify yourself for the record.24
Good morning,25 139 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Council President. My name is William2 Wade and I'm the principal of the promise3 academy at Robert Vaux High School.4
Good morning. My5 name is Tim Stults and I am the principal6 at promise academy at University City7 High School.8
We want to start9 this morning by simply telling the10 Council that now is definitely not the11 time to stop funding our schools because12 of the progress that has been made within13 our schools. The six promise academies14 this year, we have definitely stopped the15 spiral, the downward spiral of our16 schools. We have turned our schools17 around, and we are moving upward.18 Our early data shows that we19 have stopped the timing out of our20 communities and our young people. The21 relationships that we have built have22 caused our young people to have a renewed23 interest in school, our educators to be24 reinvigorated, and we are doing a25 140 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 fantastic job at educating our young2 people. So I'm glad that we are here3 today, because we are the front line.4 We're the principals. We are the two5 people that lead the high schools, the6 only high schools in the City.7 We know that this model works.8 We're glad to hear that we're going to9 open up more high school promise10 academies, because this is a very11 important time in the lives of our young12 people to get them reconnected with our13 high school students. So now if we stop14 our funding for the promise academies and15 any new initiatives surrounding them,16 we're going to be in a peril once again.17 We have to continue moving forward with18 the progress that has been made in our19 schools.20 Attendance at Robert Vaux High21 School last year was -- the average22 attendance was about 71 percent. This23 year the attendance improved to 8624 percent, one of the largest increases in25 141 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the City, simply because we forged those2 relationships. We created those3 relationships. We brought in the model4 which includes the enrichment activities5 on weekends, during the week, during our6 school day. Our young people are excited7 about school. Our young people are8 excited again about being in school, and9 that's the truth. It happens every day,10 and I welcome anyone to come and visit us11 and see what happens at the promise12 academies in the City.13 I'm glad that I am here to14 entertain any questions that you have15 directly for us.16
Thank you,19 Madam President. I just want to say for20 the record -- and Councilman Kenney has21 already said it -- this Council has only22 increased funding for schools since I've23 been here. We are not cutting funding24 for schools. We've only increased25 142 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 funding for schools, and we will increase2 funding for schools today. It's the3 state and the republican idealogy that's4 making cuts to schools.5 Thank you, Madam President.6
Thank7 you.8 Sir, would you proceed with9 your testimony.10
Good morning. I11 would like to just reiterate what my12 colleague William Wade has talked about.13 We have seen absolutely incredible14 results at the promise academy at15 University City High School, but16 additionally, across the promise17 academies, after one year of18 implementation, the promise academies19 have increased their proficiency rates by20 10.1 percentage points in math and 5.921 percentage points in reading. They22 outpaced the District and they outpaced23 all of the empowerment schools.24 I think those preliminary PSSA25 143 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 data points just reiterate all of the2 other indicators that we've seen3 happening throughout our schools.4 We've seen decreases in the5 amounts of violence in our schools.6 We've seen increases in our attendance7 rates. We've seen increases in our8 graduation rates. Yesterday morning we9 held our commencement exercises. And10 Councilwoman Blackwell has been in our11 building. Yesterday we graduated 13012 students, and approximately 85 percent of13 those young people stood up, indicated14 that they were on their way to college,15 career internships, some with --16 (Applause.)17
We had three young18 men with $170,000 scholarships to the19 military academies. We have one young20 man who is off to Penn, another who is21 off to Temple. We're in the process of22 changing the culture of our buildings.23 That's happening through a variety of24 methods. One absolutely is the increased25 144 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 time in our academic programs, our2 academic school day, our Saturday3 programs, our July programs, our4 mentoring programs. We have all kinds of5 programs that are in place in our6 building that are being effective. They7 are having an impact.8 One of the speakers earlier9 talked about our students feeling10 expendable and our students feeling like11 they weren't worth the time of day in our12 schools. I can tell you -- and all you13 have to do is ask our students -- that is14 no longer the case. Our students are15 surrounded by a staff of energetic,16 dedicated individuals who absolutely care17 about every single one of our students18 and their plan for post secondary19 education. We know that the road doesn't20 stop with us. We know that it is our job21 to create a college-going culture, one22 where every one of our students has a23 sense of hope, a sense of connection and24 a sense of belonging to the life of our25 145 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 school.2 Thank you.3
Thank you.9 Thank you, Madam Chair.10 I want to thank you both for11 your testimony. All of the academic12 research that I've looked at over the13 last four years, et cetera, and something14 I talked about when I first ran for15 office in 2007 talked about how the16 major -- I can't remember the top three17 factors, but two of the top three factors18 in improving educational outcomes for19 children were strong quality principals,20 which you clearly both are, and the other21 was engaged parents. And I can't22 remember what the third is. Maybe you23 guys know off the top of your head. But24 you're clearly strong quality principals,25 146 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and I have no doubt that you're running2 great schools, and I want to thank you3 for all the work you've done.4 Unfortunately the state has left us in a5 position where choices have to be made6 that are very difficult and we have to --7 the District ultimately has to decide8 between a promise academy and reduced9 class sizes for K through 3. We know10 reduced class sizes for K through 3 is11 the thing that is the most -- very12 impactful, one of the things that is very13 impactful, in increasing test scores in K14 through 8, which has shown tremendous15 progress.16 And so it's difficult choices.17 We want to see you succeed. We want to18 see you expand, and if we don't start new19 ones next year but we start them the year20 after, that may allow us to have money21 for other things. And that's the only22 point we're making. It's not that you're23 not doing a good job and what you're24 doing isn't working. It's that other25 147 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 stuff may be more important in the short2 run for one year, because -- and this3 hasn't been talked about much today.4 Next year, going to full value, which is5 the Administration's plan, they have6 testified there will be an additional7 $120 million available to the School8 District. So we really do have a9 one-year problem. And I look forward to10 working with the District. I'd love to11 visit both of your schools this year --12 or next academic year and come see what13 you're doing and learn a lot more about14 it.15 So thank you very much.16
Thank19 you, sir. Thank you very much.20 Gentlemen, thank you.21
I beg24 your pardon?25 148 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
We just want to --5 what if we -- can we think about what6 will happen with the schools, the new7 schools that we are about to open, the8 new promise academies, what will happen9 if we put those schools on pause? Those10 schools really need to stop their11 downward spiral right now. I just want12 to make sure that everyone knows that.13 We don't have a minute to spare. We have14 to start now with reorganizing schools15 and making sure that those schools start16 the upward growth also.17 I don't really think because of18 our moral responsibility to educate all19 of our children in the City of20 Philadelphia, I really don't think we21 have one year. So if this Council can22 find it somewhere, we really need to get23 started, because we can't spare a year in24 the life of those young people. We just25 149 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 can't, and that's reality.2 Thank you.3
Thank7 you very much.8 (Witnesses approached witness9 table.)10
Good11 morning. Please identify yourself for12 the record.13
Good morning,14 Madam Chairman. My name is Michael15 Churchill. I'm at the Public Interest16 Law Center of Philadelphia, and I'm here17 to support the plea of Senator18 Dungee-Glenn that you move forward and19 make sure that the progress that you've20 just heard described by these two really21 fine principals keeps going.22 This is not a problem that --23 this hard choice is not one that24 Philadelphia City Council is the only one25 150 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 making. As Councilman Kenney pointed2 out, this is all brought on -- this is a3 crisis not at the School District's4 making. It's a crisis of the Governor's5 making and of the State Legislature by6 proposing to cut $1.1 billion in school7 funding for districts all around the8 state. And all around the state, school9 districts are stepping up to the plate,10 being squeezed by the state government as11 you are. They are increasing their local12 taxes, and that is the next step that we13 are urging you to take so that like every14 other school district in the state,15 Philadelphia can show that it is doing as16 well as it can locally in order to make17 sure that the progress and the education18 that these students need today, not19 tomorrow, but today will continue.20 That's the principle message.21 There is progress. It cannot continue if22 the cutbacks of the size that we are23 talking about are allowed to occur.24 I think it is important to25 151 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 realize that when you're talking about2 whether we should slow down the progress3 and introduction of new promise4 academies, that we are really talking5 about the most needy students in the6 City. We're talking about the schools7 that are performing the least well. We8 cannot afford that. It is time that we9 start saying that the places that need10 the most help will start getting extra11 funding. That's the program. You heard12 two wonderful principals describe how13 it's working, and I urge you to do your14 best to support it.15 It's not as Councilman Green16 said, a choice between whether we'll have17 reduced class sizes and whether these18 programs will continue. What you heard19 is, these programs will continue under20 the proposal, and the question is, will21 you provide the funding so that class22 size reductions can continue. I urge you23 to do so.24 Thank you.25 152 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
My name is Susan5 Gobreski. I'm the Director of Education6 Voters. I'm also a parent of children in7 Philadelphia. I live in Philadelphia. 11 I think that we are taking a12 giant step forward even if it is a13 painful and difficult step. I actually14 brought with me several hundred e-mails15 that I know have been sent to City16 Council supporting an increased role from17 the City of Philadelphia, City Council18 and the Mayor focusing on education. 20 I know that this is a difficult21 conversation. 2 Our economic prosperity depends3 on every child having a quality4 opportunity to learn. We've been talking5 about that. We need to attract jobs,6 keep people from moving out of the City7 because they have kids. We can preserve8 our tax base and revitalize our9 communities. 13 Achievement is up. So we are14 on the right path. What we know is that15 money matters. When you spend money on16 education, you get better results. You17 get art, and that matters. You get18 tutoring, and that matters. You get19 early learning programs, and that20 matters. You get smaller class size,21 teachers that matter. So we know that22 money matters. So it's not just a23 question -- I think somebody mentioned24 the silver bullet. 8 So the difficult question is9 how to do it. I'm glad -- I want to say10 as both a parent and an advocate, I'm11 glad the new Accountability Agreement is12 in place. It's absolutely and13 fundamentally true that the way the14 District spends money must be more15 transparent, accountable and geared16 towards the classroom. But I am not here17 to ask you to save some programs. 15 So one of the things I'm going16 to say as a mother, as a taxpayer, I17 cannot think of a tax that I support more18 wholeheartedly than a soda tax or a19 sugary-sweet beverage tax. That seems to20 me like a pretty reasonable way to get21 money. 4 I am, as an advocate, I would5 say largely agnostic about where we get6 the money, but I believe that we need to7 get the money. And as a parent, I8 believe that City Council needs to do its9 part to make a priority. 11
Thank12 you. Thank you very much.13 (Applause.)14 (Witness approached witness15 table.)16
Yes.19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 Please approach the witness table.21
Yes. I have25 157 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 multiple copies.2
Okay.3 We will have someone circulate them.4 While they're being circulated,5 do you want to start, please.6
Okay. Thank you.7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 Identify yourself for the record.9
Greetings,10 Council President Anna Verna and11 Councilmembers. My name is Lola O, and I12 am here to implore the City Council13 members to cap the gap in the School14 District's operating budget by voting yes15 for students and yes for Mayor Nutter's16 soda and sugary drinks tax.17 Speaking of capping the gap, I18 am not here alone, but I speak on behalf19 of myself and the growing list of20 subscribers to my blog called21 Cap.the.Gap. Cap.the.Gap is an online22 movement to close the most frightening23 gap of our times, the academic24 achievement gap. The academic25 158 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 achievement gap is the well-documented2 disparity in performance between the3 various population groups that make up4 our nation's public school system.5 Councilmembers, the average6 12th grade black, Hispanic and poor7 student is reading and doing math at two8 to three years behind that of his white9 or upper-class counterpart. We simply10 cannot afford to withhold even more11 funding from such vulnerable populations.12 The money generated from this new tax is13 the only hope for capping the gap in our14 city's academic achievement gap.15 Everyone must sacrifice,16 including me, a taxpayer and a beverage17 consumer. If we are going to win the18 future for our city, state and ultimately19 our nation, we must dedicate ourselves to20 creating and investing in such innovative21 solutions as the sugar and soda tax.22 This new tax would serve as an example23 for the nation in terms of innovation in24 educational funding.25 159 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Our new global economy will not2 allow us to treat education as if it were3 a hobby, but a necessity. We have to4 work hard and make sacrifices. Last5 week's NBC's Education Nation tour showed6 us what happens when a nation plays patty7 cake with the business of educating our8 youth.9 Endorsing Mayor Nutter's10 proposal will signify that the City is11 serious about education and innovation,12 that we are willing to pay the cost, bear13 the burden and work together in spite of14 our differences to ensure that our15 students are well prepared to compete16 against their local and global peers.17 Finally, voting yes to Mayor18 Nutter's proposal is not only the right19 thing to do, but the most cost effective20 and sustainable given the shortsighted21 alternative of raiding the City's22 balanced fund. As for those who fear23 that raising taxes on soda would run24 customers away, well not this one. I25 160 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 would gladly drink more soda if I knew2 that every sip brought us closer to3 closing the academic achievement gap.4 Thank you.5 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:6 You're welcome.7 (Applause.)8
Good9 morning, sir. Please identify yourself10 for the record.11
Hi. My name is12 Steven Satell. I run a program called13 Bridging Worlds. Some Councilmembers14 that are present here knew when I had15 started my program over ten years ago16 within the Philadelphia district. We had17 the largest speakers program in18 Philadelphia, bringing over 400 programs19 into the school, critical-thinking20 program.21 I have a frustration as a22 citizen, but also as an expert in23 education on the front line. My first24 problem is with the federal government25 161 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and what happened with the Bush tax cuts,2 because that has impinged on what's3 happening here today.4 My next problem is the5 disparity of teachers and of unions. We6 have been successful because we have been7 supportive of teachers and we have found8 ways to support teachers and we have9 found ways to support parents. When you10 go to bake bread, you bring all the11 ingredients, but if you don't have the12 baking soda, it's a little ingredient but13 it makes the bread rise.14 We have data from Overbrook15 High School, Ben Franklin High School,16 West Philadelphia High School where we17 have reduced the failure rate from 4718 percent all the way down to 7 percent.19 The Philadelphia Inquirer has done20 articles. If you went to the21 Philadelphia School District and asked22 for data on Bridging World's program,23 they would not be able to give it to you.24 Although community groups -- and there25 162 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 have been discussions throughout the ten2 years with the School District upon3 getting that data. Dr. Thornton, when he4 was here, we brought our data right to5 the SRC to confirm with his data of our6 data. So on record, any data that I will7 bring you is confirmed within that8 testimony. There's been a tremendous9 amount of testimony between the SRC.10 The game has got to stop. It's11 not only in Harrisburg. Harrisburg has12 come in and said, Check mate. There are13 people in Philadelphia that have put us14 into check. We can't afford that now.15 I am going to send a letter16 with the data to every Councilmember. We17 are going to request a meeting with the18 Education Board Committee so that we can19 get down to what is really working and20 what isn't.21 Thank you very much, and thank22 you for everything that you've done.23
Thank24 you.25 163 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2
Is6 Councilman Green here?7 Councilman Green, we have8 concluded our witness list. Do you still9 want someone from the School Board to10 come up to testify?11
Do we13 have anyone here from the School14 Administration? Please come up to the15 witness table.16 (Witnesses approached witness17 table.)18
Good19 morning, Doctor. I didn't see you20 sitting back there.21
Did you say you25 164 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 haven't seen me in a while?2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Pardon me?4
No.7 I said I didn't see you sitting back8 there.9
Oh, in the back.10 Thank you.11 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:12 Councilman Green.13
Thank you,14 Madam Chair.15 I want to thank you for really16 being here all day, for the energy and17 attention that the District has applied18 towards this. I want to say that we had19 a great meeting, I thought, in the20 Council President's office last week21 where we went over choices and priorities22 in a spirit of collaboration and23 cooperation, which I truly hope we're24 going to find a way to continue over the25 165 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 course of the next school year. And I2 just want to ask in that vein whether or3 not the District is open to any of the4 other choices and priorities that we5 discussed in that meeting and that have6 been discussed in the last hearing and7 that were discussed here today, and if we8 were to pass, which is on the table, any9 kind of taxes on the School District's10 side of the ledger rather than the City's11 side of the ledger, what assurances we12 have that the money is going to be spent13 in a way that reflects priorities that14 are shared by this Council and not15 necessarily by the District. For16 example, how do we make sure yellow bus17 service is done? How do we make sure18 accelerated schools are protected? What19 do we have once we vote for a tax that20 goes to the School District? Is there a21 new list that can be put together before22 we vote or -- I mean, because the23 District is not -- I mean, the City is24 not contemplating, the Mayor is not25 166 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 requesting $102 million, which was your2 request. The City is proposing $603 million. We have a list that was an4 ordered list of priorities. Some of5 those priorities we disagreed with in6 public and private. Many of us did; some7 of us didn't. And the question is, how8 do we move to the next step with a new9 level of trust where we can understand10 this is what we're going to spend it on?11 With these dollars available, this is how12 we're going to spend it? Can we get13 there today?14
You mean can we15 get there meaning you and the District?16
No; City17 Council, the District, the18 Administration.19
I would hope20 that we can agree upon some things. I21 cannot speak for the SRC, but our22 Chairman is here.23 I think we did talk about last24 week and agreed upon the accelerated25 167 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 schools and putting priority there. We2 did agree upon working with SEPTA, and3 we've gone to do that to get that money.4 We did agree upon the yellow bus5 services, that it would be there, and6 you'd know it because the kids would be7 getting on yellow buses in September. So8 that would be really clear.9 The summer school, again, we10 have 20,000 young people, not 700, 20,00011 young people who need summer school12 services. Another 6,000 of those were13 kids who were either at grade level or14 above and/or wanted to graduate early --15 not early; wanted to catch up, not just16 failed a class but they wanted to catch17 up. So we need to look at those numbers.18 We know right now that there19 are about 20,000 young people who have20 failed at least one class and will need21 the summer school to at least make up22 those failing classes. We have other23 young people who we're concerned about24 who will become part of the alternative25 168 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 school program if we don't give them a2 chance to catch up this summer in high3 school. Seven hundred kids last year4 took advantage of that. Seven hundred of5 them graduated.6 So we need to look at those7 numbers and decide who are the young8 people who absolutely need summer school9 and what's that number and then make it10 available. If that's what we have to do,11 that's what we have to do.12
I mean, I13 think you've heard most people here today14 say that -- and I'll speak for myself. I15 want to provide additional resources to16 the District. I also want to know that17 when I do, that the District is going to18 spend the money in a way that reflects a19 shared set of priorities from Council and20 the City. And so if we pass something21 this week, we'll have a week before we22 have to pass a final budget, and I would23 ask the District in that time to help us24 set up a process to make sure that what25 169 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we purport to be funding with a tax bill2 will be funded. Is that a reasonable3 request?4
Thank8 you.9 The Chair recognizes Councilman10 Jones.11
I support12 Councilman Green's assertion on13 accountability and looking at that. I14 think we've made great strides in the15 agreement to kind of address some of16 that. But you talked about 700 young17 people that are at risk of not graduating18 this year; is that correct?19
No. That's how20 many young people took advantage of an21 all-day program last year and were able22 to graduate. If we go back to the23 program we had two years ago, only 10024 children graduated as a result of that.25 170 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
We are4 anticipating that somewhere between 5005 and 700 young people if we have all-day6 programs for high school students to make7 up credits, because they can only make8 up -- if we go back to what we had two9 years ago, they can only take two courses10 that they failed, not if they failed them11 and they are now three and four credits12 behind. They were able to do it by going13 all day.14
Some of the15 concessions that my colleague talked16 about that we were struggling with17 priorities was to revisit some of the18 contracts with some of the vendors. Have19 we proceeded with that course of action?20
Councilman, that's21 a part of the Accountability Agreement22 that we signed with the City and the23 Pennsylvania Department of Education. It24 provides for those type of reviews.25 171 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Are you talking2 about -- excuse me. I'm sorry. Were you3 talking about alt ed?4
We were9 talking about -- you talked about during10 your initial budget presentation about11 revisiting some of our vendors, which you12 already are beginning to do, and then we13 started talking about some of the biggest14 providers to talk about -- have we15 started those negotiations?16
If you're17 talking about alt ed, those contracts,18 we've already started that process19 talking with people. Three of the20 providers have already agreed to cut by21 25 percent. We're still talking to the22 others. We put on the table 25 percent23 cut in those alt ed programs that are all24 day and 10 percent that are half day, and25 172 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 at this point -- well, three days ago,2 there were at least three providers that3 had already said that they would support4 that, and we're still talking to the5 others.6
And,7 finally, a lot of the conversation8 whether you're on one side of this tax or9 one side of that tax or no side of no10 tax, one of the accountability issues11 was, is there a measurement upon12 graduation within the first six months to13 a year of the number of graduates that go14 on to work? I mean, we keep stats on who15 goes to the military. We keep stats who16 goes to trade schools and colleges. Do17 we keep stats on who actually, based on18 the years of high school education,19 actually finds a job in the marketplace?20
I'm not sure,21 but I can find out from our research22 department if we can track that. I know23 we go through the clearinghouse, the24 educational clearinghouse, for those that25 173 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 go on to college.2
In these3 discussions, the one, the only good thing4 about some of these intense debates is5 issues percolate to the top that people6 have concerns about that we have an7 opportunity to address, and one of them8 was that a legitimate measurement is and9 I guess a litmus test for the quality of10 the product we're producing is, do they11 find their way to a job in the workplace.12 Everybody is not going in the military.13 Everybody is not going to schools of14 higher ed. But a job is also a valid15 measurement to the class and product that16 we produce by way of graduates. So I'd17 like that --18