COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, May 25, 20117 1:30 p.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE11 COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN12 COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY13 COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL14 COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN15 COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO BILLS 110135, 110136, 110137, 110138, 11013917 and 110140 RESOLUTION 11016118 - - -20 2
May we2 have your attention. Thank you very3 much.4 MR. McPHERSON: This is a5 continuation of the hearings of Bill Nos.6 and Resolution, Resolution 110161, the7 City's Five Year Plan; Bill No. 110135,8 the Capital Program, 2012 through 2017;9 Bill No. 110136, the Capital Budget for10 2012; Bill No. 110137, the Operating11 Budget for 2012; Bill No. 110138, the12 wage tax bill; and Bill No. 110139,13 School District U&O; Bill No. 110140,14 School District real estate tax15 reauthorization; and today we'll be16 taking testimonies on Bill No. 110139 and17 110140.18 Thank you.19
Thank20 you very much.21 We will begin our hearing or22 resume our hearing by calling forward23 Bishop Audrey Bronson, Reverend Bonnie24 Camarda, Pastor Kevin Johnson, Rabbi Eli25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Freedman. Would you come first. Thank2 you.3 (Witnesses approached witness4 table.)5
Thank6 you very much. Good afternoon.7 (Good afternoon.)8
Thank9 you. Please identify yourself for the10 record and begin your testimony.11 We are generally asking12 everyone -- we don't want to offend our13 preachers, of course -- to adhere to the14 three-minute rule for the day since we15 have 100-and-some -- I don't remember the16 exact number -- people on our list to17 testify.18 Thank you, Bishop.19
I'm Bishop20 Audrey Bronson, President of Black Clergy21 of Philadelphia and Vicinity, and thank22 you for this opportunity to come and23 express our deep concern of the24 400-member plus Church of Black Clergy.25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I would like my Black Clergy to2 stand, please.3 (Audience members standing.)4
While the8 totality of cuts proposed by Governor9 Corbett is upsetting to us, we are10 particularly outraged at the proposed11 cuts to the School District of12 Philadelphia. These cuts have forced the13 School District to entertain elimination14 of programs for early learning15 initiatives and for struggling students.16 Based upon the proposed cuts, the School17 District plans to reduce kindergarten to18 half day.19 The age from birth to five or20 six years is critical for learning, and21 if this time is not spent in productive22 education, it will render the child23 unready to move successfully forward to24 the next level. Furthermore, the half25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 day will have a ripple effect on parents.2 With already strained budgets, who would3 have the financial means to have someone4 care for their children during the time5 they're not in school?6 In addition, the proposed7 elimination of transportation will work a8 terrible hardship on children who use the9 bus for distant learning. TransPasses10 would likely be eliminated, and11 alternative education will be hard hit.12 Since 2002, the Philadelphia13 public schools have improved tremendously14 and they have received awards, and the15 average yearly progress of Philadelphia16 public school is greater than the next17 ten largest Pennsylvania school18 districts, and the budget cuts will cause19 our children to lose the progress they20 have made.21 As Ms. Elamin said, to pick on22 children is not a fair fight, and pick on23 somebody your size.24 (Applause.)25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
And Black2 Clergy is very disturbed about the3 proposed cuts, and we as clergy ask the4 City of Philadelphia and Harrisburg to do5 all they can possibly do to prevent a6 backward spiral in the education of our7 children. This is beyond politics. This8 is survival.9 Thank you.10 (Applause.)11
I am15 Reverend Bonnie Camarda, President of the16 Hispanic Clergy, and I come to you on17 behalf of the Hispanic Clergy and the18 church that we represent. We have some19 of them here today.20 (Applause.)21
We have some22 behind me. And we are here to come and23 enlist the help of City Council.24 In the wake of the budget cuts25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 from Harrisburg to the School District of2 Philadelphia, we want to show our support3 to educators and all the education4 programs in all its forms through the5 City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly6 Affection. We all know education does7 not yet happen in traditional classrooms.8 Education and educators sit everywhere.9 Today, I'm a testament of what10 faith based can do, and we are here to11 say we need education to continue at the12 same level for our city.13 Since the beginning, we have14 championed education. Faith based has15 championed education. They have opened16 their doors to children. We go and17 volunteer in the school, and we have18 served more than hundred thousands of19 kids throughout Philadelphia.20 But it's not clear for us, it's21 not right for us to cut to have reduction22 in the School District. Reducing the23 early childhood education, reducing24 kindergarten to half days is not an25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 option. It's not an option in our city.2 And I just want to supposed to tell you3 that I know someone in this city who did4 not go to school on the first grade and5 they're struggling, have a struggle, and6 they will struggle, and they are7 finishing high school struggling, because8 they didn't have that basic education9 that they need, and we as clergy cannot10 let that happen.11 We need to resolve the issues12 of the funding. We know we are living13 extreme times. We know we're living14 challenging times, but we owe it to our15 kids in our city to provide full-day16 kindergarten and transportation. With no17 transportation, kids won't be going to18 school. Let me tell you, with no tokens,19 when parents are paying $5 for milk, are20 they going to pay for that token to go to21 school? No.22 (Applause.)23
Then by24 cutting such costs, students are denied25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 academic access that would otherwise be2 fully available to them, simply because3 they do not have transportation, they4 cannot get where they need to be. This5 hardly seem fair. It will be as if we6 are dangling the fruits of education in7 front of the faces of starving students8 in our city.9 When these children do not have10 a home, no desk on which to do their11 homework, where will they go? Who will12 they turn to support and encouragement13 when we are closing half of14 kindergartens?15 It's a saying out there that16 say that we can do more with less, and17 all of us know that is not true. We18 cannot do more with less. We cannot19 pretend that we're going to have half-day20 kindergarten and we're not going to have21 transportation and that these kids are22 going to be able to learn the same way23 that they learned before. That is not24 true, and I just challenge you in that25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 truth. Then please I ask City Council to2 do everything that is possible to help3 meet the budget gaps that are in the City4 for the School District.5 (Applause.)6
Good10 afternoon, Councilwoman Blackwell and all11 the Councilpersons here today. My name12 is Reverend Kevin Johnson. I come to you13 today not solely as the Senior Pastor of14 Bright Hope Baptist Church, but also I15 come to you as a proud parent and father16 of three children, two who are students17 within the School District of18 Philadelphia and one who anxiously awaits19 joining her big brother and sister as a20 first grader -- excuse me; a21 kindergartner in September 2013.22 Frederick Nietzsche, a 19th23 century German philosopher once said, In24 large states, public education will25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 always be mediocre, for the same reason2 that in large kitchens the cooking is3 usually bad.4 While I have been drawn to and5 occasionally have agreed with Nietzsche's6 critical analysis of society, in this7 instance I would have to disagree with8 him, because public education does not9 always have to be mediocre.10 (Applause.)11
The late12 Benjamin Elijah Mays said, The13 circumference of life cannot be rightly14 drawn until the center is set. One of15 the reasons our children do not succeed16 and become leaders in society is because17 the circumference of their lives has not18 been set or in this case adequately19 funded to ensure that success.20 (Applause.)21
As we engage22 in -- don't mess up my time here. I'm on23 a short timeframe.24 As we engage in an adult debate25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 over Governor Corbett's proposal to slash2 over 1 billion from pre-K to 12th grade3 education while increasing prisons by 114 percent, our children are caught in the5 middle of this debate. Their dreams are6 stifled, their expectations are subdued,7 their hopes are smothered and their8 imaginings of becoming doctors, lawyers,9 dentists, teachers, engineers, scientists10 and even political leaders are put on11 hold.12 Langston Hughes, that proud13 graduate of Pennsylvania's Lincoln14 University, once asked the question, What15 happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry16 up like a raisin in the sun or fester17 like a sore and then run? Does it stink18 like rotten meat or crust and sugar over19 like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags20 like a heavy load or does it explode?21 Yes, beloved, this is the question before22 us today.23 Horace Mann, one of the great24 advocates of public education,25 13 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 passionately appealed to the American2 society when he said, Let us not be3 content to wait and see what will happen,4 but rather give us the determination to5 make the right things happen.6 With this, I'm going to ask for7 the kindergarten students of Dr. McQueen8 Elementary School to please come at this9 time.10 These kindergarten students11 behind me are here today because they are12 here to implore City Council to make the13 right things happen. When only 6 percent14 of our children are graduated from high15 school, it's time to make the right16 things happen. When funding for17 kindergarten is being cut and more18 prisons are being built, it's time to19 make the right things happen.20 (Applause.)21
And when the22 richest country on earth ranks 18th in23 math, 15th in reading literacy and 96th24 in geographical aptitude, which means25 14 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 they don't even know where they live,2 it's time to make the right things3 happen.4 Today, we have a choice. We5 can either subscribe to the words of6 Nietzsche that in large states, public7 education is always mediocre, or we can8 subscribe to the words of Horace Mann,9 not to be content to wait and see what10 will happen, but rather support public11 education in Philadelphia and approve12 $115 million in funding, not just for13 2011 but beyond.14 It's time to make the right15 things happen.16 (Applause.)17 (Kindergarten kids speaking.)18
Thank19 you, Pastor Johnson.20 Rabbi Eli Freedman.21
Thank you very22 much, President Verna. My name is Rabbi23 Eli Freedman from Congregation Rodeph24 Shalom here in Center City Philadelphia,25 15 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and I'm here because I support the2 Philadelphia public schools.3 In our congregation, we've been4 doing a listening campaign, talking to5 people about their pains and their hopes6 and dreams for Philadelphia. I recently7 met with a family that was having a lot8 of economic hardships. The parents are9 divorced and the father is actually10 looking at selling his home because he11 can't make his mortgage payments. Why12 can't he make his mortgage payments?13 Because he's spending all his money to14 send his daughter to private school. And15 why is he sending his daughter to private16 school? Because people in Philadelphia17 are losing faith in our public school18 system.19 As a rabbi, I think I know a20 thing or two about faith, and I think21 that's the biggest issue we're facing22 today, that by cutting funding, refusing23 to put public schools as really the24 number one priority in our city, which25 16 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 they should be --2 (Applause.)3
-- we're4 sending a message to the people of5 Philadelphia that we have no faith in the6 system and that they shouldn't either.7 Before, we had a press8 conference outside, and I told the story9 that I'd like to tell again about two10 famous rabbis. A very wealthy Rabbi11 Tarfon goes to his friend Rabbi Akiva12 with a large lump sum of money and he13 asks him to invest it for him. Rabbi14 Akiva then takes the money and brings it15 to the schools to pay for students to16 study and learn.17 Rabbi Tarfon a few days later18 asks Rabbi Akiva, Can I see my19 investments and how they're doing? And20 Rabbi Akiva brings him to the school and21 he says to him, The greatest investment22 we can possibly make is in our children.23 Thank you.24 (Applause.)25 17 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Are2 there any questions from members of3 Council?4 (No response.)5
Seeing6 none, the next group -- and, Rabbi, I'm7 Jannie Blackwell -- Elder John Thomas,8 Reverend Fred Estrada, Venerable Muni9 Ratana, Leader Joyce Baum Lee.10 (Witnesses approached witness11 table.)12
Thank13 you very much. Elder Thomas, please14 identify yourself for the record and15 begin your testimony.16 ELDER THOMAS: Yes, ma'am.17 Thank you very much, Councilwoman18 Blackwell. Good to see you again.19
Thank20 you.21 ELDER THOMAS: My name is Elder22 John Thomas. I'm representing the Church23 of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic24 Faith, and we're located at 22nd and25 18 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Bainbridge Street right in the heart of2 South Philadelphia. The Pastor is Bishop3 Omega Shelton, who I'm standing in for4 today, but the concern is of particular5 import for our congregation.6 When I learned information7 regarding the budget deficit and saw the8 possible consequences that would be9 impacting the families affected by the10 loss of funds, it radiated loudly within11 our congregation, and we have a rather12 sizable congregation.13 I, along with my eight brothers14 and sisters, are a product of the15 Philadelphia school system. And that was16 some time ago, but I do know the value of17 having public education available to you,18 parentage obviously and concerned19 individuals that are going to help steer20 you in the right direction.21 In today's environment -- it22 was important back then, but it's even23 more important today, because the unit,24 that support system around children, is25 19 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 not nearly what it was 30 or 40 years2 ago. So it's a particular concern when I3 think about some of the support systems,4 whether it be transportation, whether it5 be the kindergarten care for the entire6 school day, those types of structured,7 those types of support mechanisms are8 necessary to help encourage the youth,9 which is obviously our future.10 I ask in a non-adversarial way,11 although I know it's probably very12 difficult to be anything else other than13 when you're trying to decide what pots of14 monies to fill, but I believe that for15 the benefit of the children of the City16 of Philadelphia -- and you can see it's a17 cross section of individuals -- we need18 to find an alternative way of supporting19 their cause while dealing with the other,20 I'm sure, very challenging issues that21 you all have before you.22 So I stand in support with the23 other clergy members here today asking24 for your support.25 20 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2
Thank3 you very much, Elder Thomas.4 Reverend Estrada.5
Yes. Good6 afternoon, Councilwoman. My name is Fred7 Estrada. I am the Pastor of Bethel8 Temple Community Bible Church on9 Allegheny Avenue. I am also10 Vice-President of Hispanic Clergy of11 Philadelphia, and I want to -- my12 perspective is, I'm excited. I'm excited13 of what I have been seeing over the last14 couple of years.15 The last couple -- when I first16 got here to Philadelphia some 20-some-odd17 years ago and walked into some of the18 public schools, I found a lot of darkness19 and a lot of frustration and people not20 being able to move, in a sense, and see21 the achievement of our kids.22 The last couple of years, no23 matter what has been occurring, what I've24 seen in our community, in the Latino25 21 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 community, has been a surge of great2 opportunities for education, whether it's3 been through ASPIRA, whether it's been4 through Esperanza, whether it's been5 through charter schools, whether it's6 been in public schools. There's7 excitement at Kensington CAPA at kids8 being engaged in education, not just9 going to school but being engaged in10 education. That's a good thing.11 When we see kids from -- the12 other day I had a conversation with a13 young lady, one of the students from14 Esperanza Academy. She didn't know who I15 was. Got in a conversation with her and16 her mother, and six times she said, I17 love my school, I love my school, I love18 my school. That's a good thing. I've19 seen great things happen in our20 community, great things.21 (Applause.)22
Now, with23 all that said, with the charter schools,24 with great implementation of new25 22 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 principals and new settings and new2 opportunities for our schools, I'm just3 saying that we're on step one. We cannot4 back -- there's no room to go in reverse.5 We cannot reverse this process.6 So we do ask upon the Governor7 to change -- to have a change of mind, a8 change of mood, but to collaborate better9 with the City and the School District and10 the City Council together to make these11 things continue. We have to continue the12 progress that has already been made.13 Across the street from us is a14 school called Stetson Middle School.15 Stetson Middle School had been a16 school -- I'm not going to say in17 decline. It had been a hurting, hurting,18 hurting school for many years. Many19 people went in, tried to fix the problem,20 and nothing -- and we got nowhere.21 Last year, ASPIRA was asked to22 come in. They've taken -- they took over23 the educational operations, and it's been24 what I call the miracle on Allegheny25 23 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Avenue. Good things are happening. Good2 things are happening.3 My name is Pastor Fred Estrada4 and I support public education.5 (Applause.)6
Thank7 you. Thank you, Pastor.8 The next is Venerable Muni9 Ratana. Welcome. Pass him the10 microphone -- all right. If you would11 like to have Leader Joyce Baum Lee first,12 that will be fine. It's your choice.13 LEADER BAUM LEE: Thank you.14 Good afternoon, everyone. My name is15 Joyce Baum Lee and I am a member of the16 Soka Gakkai International lay Buddhist17 organization throughout the world. We18 have members in 193 countries and19 territories around the world, and though20 I sit here today, in a sense,21 representing myself, it is a core belief22 of 12 million Buddhists around the world23 that education of young children is24 paramount and most important -- the most25 24 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 important treasure that we can leave for2 them in our time.3 I am also a retiree of the4 School District of Philadelphia, having5 given 32 years of service in the area of6 early childhood education, as a teacher,7 field coordinator and nutritionist. So8 naturally I am concerned about the9 Philadelphia school proposed cuts in the10 budget, especially the drastic cuts that11 are proposed for early childhood12 education.13 How we nurture and educate in14 early childhood will determine the15 individual's behavior and education for16 the rest of their lives. I can't even17 imagine 65,000 kindergarten students who18 just, some few years ago, were able to19 attend kindergarten full day to be cut20 back to half day.21 If these budget cuts in early22 childhood education are made, they will23 be critical to the development of these24 young citizens and will have a negative25 25 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 impact on society for years to come.2 I believe that we can find3 meaning and value in difficulties that4 confront us and that there are growth5 opportunities in adversity. Growth has6 happened in our School District of7 Philadelphia. We are now facing an8 adversity, and I believe that if we look9 at some of the research that's going on10 even in our city at the University of11 Pennsylvania, we will see that in the12 graduate school there, early childhood13 education under the leadership of14 Dr. John Fantuzzo, they're demonstrating15 in research that children do not gain the16 skills and habits necessary to succeed in17 school by age eight if they do not have18 early childhood education. This will19 cause them to struggle to perform well20 and to be less motivated for future21 learning in middle school and high22 school.23 They will also face24 difficulties in developing the25 26 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 higher-order thinking, communication,2 analytic and social skills that are3 essential to success in life. This4 speaks to the need to place priority in5 finding the funds necessary to maintain6 early childhood education in the7 Philadelphia school system.8 That is why I'm here, to open9 my heart and share my sincere concern,10 knowing that you will respond in whatever11 way that you can so that children will be12 able to get on the right track from the13 very beginning and so that we will not14 need more prisons in the future.15 (Applause.)16 LEADER BAUM LEE: This is one17 way to ensure that children are the18 future.19 Thank you.20
Thank21 you.22 (Applause.)23 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:24 Venerable Muni Ratana.25 27 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 VENERABLE RATANA: My name Muni2 Ratana. I am the Chief Monk and3 President and CEO of the Khmer Buddhist4 Humanitarian Association, and on behalf5 of Cambodian community, I am here today6 to support our clergy concern as well as7 our community.8 I believe that we all believe9 our children are our future, and when our10 children and our future have -- our11 future going to be when our children have12 not enough support in education. So I13 believe that when our children have good14 education, especially early childhood15 education, our future going to be bright.16 And, you know, as our community, when we17 heard the budget cut, it come to deeply18 concern among our members.19 So I am coming here today on20 behalf of our community to ask the City21 Council as well as the Mayor, the22 Governor to restore the budget cut. And23 we believe that the Governor, the Mayor24 and all of the City Council want your own25 28 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 children to have a good future. So as we2 ask everyone here and our community want3 our children to have a good education as4 your children. So please help our5 children, help our future.6 Thank you.7 (Applause.)8
Thank9 you very much.10 Are there any questions?11 (No response.)12
Thank13 you very much.14 Pastor Wayne Weathers, Reverend15 Laurence Tom, Bilal Salaam, Imam16 Suladeen.17 (Witnesses approached witness18 table.)19
Thank20 you very much. Welcome. Please identify21 yourself for the record and begin your22 testimony. Thank you.23
Good24 afternoon. My name is Reverend Dr. Wayne25 29 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 M. Weathers. I am the Pastor of Miller2 Memorial Baptist Church.3 In December 1993, our former4 pastor, Pastor Wilkins Jones, developed a5 partnership with Reynolds School. Miller6 Memorial Baptist Church has been active7 participating in Reynolds School with8 volunteerism, motivating the students, so9 on, et cetera. As I was blessed to10 become Pastor of Miller Memorial Baptist11 Church in 2004, that relationship12 continued. I've been able to not only13 volunteer but also help teach kids how to14 play the drums, develop a drum line, et15 cetera.16 One of the beautiful things17 I've been able to witness is each year18 since I've been pastoring, I've been able19 to watch the kids shed tears from their20 eyes when they graduate from school. Not21 only have I been able to see the kids22 shed tears in their eyes, but I've been23 able to see educators and principals shed24 tears from their eyes as well.25 30 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 But I come to you today in the2 biblical narrative of an Old Testament3 prophet to say I am here to tell you that4 I am shedding tears right now. I'm5 shedding tears.6 (Applause.)7
I'm8 shedding tears right now because I'm9 witnessing the Pennsylvania State10 Governor that's cutting funding in11 education but increasing funding in12 prisons. I'm shedding tears right now --13 (Applause.)14
I'm15 shedding tears right now because I see16 programs like fine arts and other things17 that are being cut, which doesn't make18 any sense.19 I'm shedding tears right now20 when I'm witnessing a school21 superintendent that's trying to do all22 she can to bring the best resources to23 the City of Philadelphia, and now she has24 to scrape up crumbs to continue this25 31 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 educational process.2 It does not make any sense what3 is going on, but I am still hopeful. We4 need the help of the City government,5 City officials to help offset some of the6 budget cuts that are taking place.7 For the time that I do have, in8 closing let me share with you this: I9 know that there are pundits out there,10 and the pundits, what I mean by that, not11 here in this Chamber, but the pundits12 will hear our concerns and they will13 spread a poison that will say that we're14 coming here as faith leaders asking for15 handouts. Let me set the record16 straight. We are not coming here asking17 for handouts. We're asking the City18 government for a helping hand. That's19 what's needed here today.20 (Applause.)21
If the22 kids are shedding tears when they23 graduate, think of the tears that they're24 going to shed when their transportation25 32 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 is cut, their kindergarten is cut, their2 programs is cut and everything else is3 cut. They're going to be shedding4 greater tears here in the City of5 Philadelphia.6 I support our school kids, but7 most of all, I support public education.8 (Applause.)9
Thank you,13 President Verna. My name is Laurence14 Tom. I'm a pastor --15
I'm16 Jannie Blackwell, just incidentally.17 Thank you.18
My apologies.19 I'll keep it short then.20 I'm pastor at Chinese Christian21 Church and Center in Chinatown and just a22 few blocks away. I come here in support23 of, along with the clergy here, sharing24 our concern about the budget cuts. I25 33 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 also come here as a parent of a child who2 is entering kindergarten this coming3 fall, who is part of the Bright Futures4 program, which will no longer be5 available in the fall in his school.6 I am concerned. I am deeply7 concerned. I come to Philadelphia -- I8 came to Philadelphia about five years9 ago, seeing the incredible potential that10 the City has, the incredible potential11 that the people and the citizens I12 interact with every day have. And there13 is incredible potential in our children14 as well, and I fear that that potential15 may be stunted, that potential may be cut16 short and the future of Philadelphia will17 not be able to experience the fullness of18 what these individuals and our children19 have to offer because of these cuts.20 What I want to share, as many21 have already spoken about, is that these22 budget cuts will have a devastating23 effect not only on our children but in24 our communities and to the future of this25 34 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 city. But I think we need to address2 more than just budget cuts, but that is3 the issue at hand and we need to address4 that right away.5 There's much that is needed to6 take care and nurture a child. As a7 parent, it requires every ounce of my8 being, every thought of my day to raise9 my kids. I think likewise it requires10 deep collaboration from the state, from11 the City and many other factors to12 nurture the children of our city. And so13 cutting out the budget and the systems14 that are needed to support the education15 of our children will have a devastating16 effect on their individual lives.17 As the saying goes, it takes a18 village, and so we need the state, we19 need the Governor to pay attention and20 show that they really care about not just21 the future of the City but the children22 of our city, care about the children.23 And we need the City to pay attention as24 well. This is what is needed to not just25 35 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 build a workforce for our future but to2 build citizens that will care about3 anything that affects the future of the4 City.5 My name is Laurence Tom.6
Thank10 you very much.11 Please identify yourself for12 the record.13
My name is James14 H. Buck, Jr. Actually, I'm a new pastor15 here in the City. I'm pastor at Berean16 Baptist Church, 2425 West Indiana Avenue.17
Representative24 Blackwell, I am, once again, new to the25 36 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 City, but as I proceed in these2 particular hearings, I want to quote from3 Anselm, who is the Benedictine monk, the4 scholar and who was the past Archbishop5 of Canterbury, and he writes these words:6 "One endangering another's safety ought7 to restore the safety, but also to8 compensate for the anguish. Violating9 somebody's honor requires not only10 honoring the person again but also making11 recompense in some other way. Unjust12 gains should be recompensed not only by13 returning that unjust gain but by14 something that could not have been15 demanded."16 We have assembled here today17 with this proposition of slashing state18 aid to schools. I remember reading in19 the Philadelphia Inquirer an article20 written by Marc Levy, which was entitled,21 "Deep Cuts Possible for Schools," and it22 said this: "Governor Tom Corbett's plan23 to slash state aid to school districts by24 more than $1 billion or more than 1025 37 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 percent, with the state's poorest2 district expected to be hit the hardest."3 Now, I understand the4 possibility, but I am concerned with the5 concept of this term "plan." Plan is a6 very strong word, with desired effects.7 A definition for "plan" means that it is8 a scheme, a program, a method worked out9 beforehand for the accomplishment of some10 degree of objective.11 If this is the definition that12 Tom Corbett's plan is centered around, my13 question is, what methodological schemes14 have been devised before or underhand to15 meet an expected objective?16 (Applause.)17
Some may say,18 Well, you have to forgive me, but we're19 doing what is necessary. I believe that20 necessity is overrated. The philosophy21 of necessity is based only on compulsion22 or restraint.23 So the question is whether it24 is right for one to be simply forgiven25 38 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 for the violation of modern immorality, a2 social sin, the cutting away of3 appropriations for the poor out of some4 degree of contextualized mercy. The5 answer I would say to you today is that6 it would be unbefitting, precisely7 because it would contravene justice.8 Howard Thurman, a theologian,9 humanitarian, a scholar and a prophet,10 wrote a book entitled, "Jesus and The11 Disinherited." It essentially conveys a12 message that there are environmental and13 electoral factors that are calculated14 into the equation of life for those whose15 backs are against the wall.16 Thurman says this: "Youth is a17 time for soaring hopes, when dreams are18 given their first wings and, as19 reconnoitering birds, explore unknown20 landscapes."21 This is the normal nature of a22 childlike expression. This is their23 individualism, their character. It is24 the enthusiasm that is performed and25 39 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 demonstrated on the stage of their own2 existence.3 However, Thurman goes on to4 declare that when a child is clothed in5 the overwhelming community of the6 disinherited, that child is likely to7 have a heavy life. A ceiling is placed8 on his dreaming by the Council of Despair9 coming from elders of whom experience has10 taught to expect little or to hope less11 for the poor.12 My question to this13 Administration today is, are you the14 Council that perpetuates and personifies15 the absolute assurance of despair? Are16 you the elders whose experience have17 taught you to expect little or to hope18 for less when it comes to the poor? What19 play of perpetual impression are you20 willing to voluntarily arrange in order21 to quarantine a certain kind of people?22 I believe that deeply rooted in23 the philosophy of necessity is the24 penalty of deception. The penalty of25 40 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 deception is to become that deception2 with all sense of moral discrimination3 vitiated. It is the nature of this4 current Administration.5 History, we find, that certain6 politics have been unkind to the poor.7 In fact, history has been unkind to the8 people of color, sexuality and even it9 has been unkind to those of whom we10 consider the least of these. To suggest11 or even to have the unmitigated gall, the12 arrogance to suppose that one has the13 answer to a critical issue of domestic or14 democratic pressure by cutting out,15 severing the life of those who struggle16 for some dignity in the face of17 potentates and political representatives18 I believe is a preposterous solution to a19 deeper problem.20 I will close with this: If we21 are going to solve the problematic22 consistencies that plague the common, it23 should not be done by cutting the common24 out of the equation of freedom, but it25 41 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 will become solvable when we can come to2 a common place where common people can3 solve their common problem.4 I'll close with this as well.5 Martin King said it this way: "Truth6 crushed to earth shall rise again."7 (Applause.)8
Thank9 you very much. Thank you very much.10 Are there any questions?11 (No response.)12
I will13 assume that Bilal Salaam and Imam14 Suladeen are not here. Next we will call15 Pastor Robert Collier, Reverend Nick16 Taliaferro, Imam Suetwedien Muhammad17 forward. And as they are coming, we18 certainly want to recognize Pastor19 Jarrell. Thank you for being here.20 (Witnesses approached witness21 table.)22
We23 will invite Rabbi Isaacson to come24 forward with this panel.25 42 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Thank you very much. Welcome.2 Please identify yourself for the record3 and begin your testimony.4
My name5 is Reverend Nick Taliaferro. I am here6 representing the Seventh Day Adventist7 Church of the City of Philadelphia and8 also representative of the Fathers Day9 Rally Committee. I appreciate this10 privilege, Councilwoman Blackwell, and to11 the other Councilpersons here assembled.12 Thank you for the opportunity to lend my13 voice and to lift my voice in support of14 the citizens here gathered and in support15 of the children of the City of16 Philadelphia.17 Although I'm a minister, I'd18 like to address this wearing another hat,19 which is the hat of parenting educator,20 and to look at the problems that are21 confronting our children now based upon22 budgetary concerns from two perspectives.23 One, the perspective of the measures of24 the Governor and the state being simply25 43 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 counterintuitive.2 According to Dr. Sandra Bloom3 of Drexel University, the developing4 brain of a child makes over 7005 connections per second as it begins to6 map itself for learning, for interaction,7 for connection. After a while, those8 connections begin to end as the brain is9 hardwiring itself.10 According to Dr. Bruce Perry,11 the author of the book, "The Boy Who Was12 Raised as a Dog," he speaks of the fact13 that the developing brain is plastic or14 the plasticity of the brain, which means15 that the earlier you catch a child, the16 more moldable that child's brain is. It17 would be intuitive, therefore, to spend18 more money at the earlier part of a19 child's educational process when the20 brain is more adaptable to the21 educational process. To wait until later22 to spend the money is simply23 counterintuitive. Secondarily, it is24 counterproductive.25 44 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Back in the 1980s, the2 Department of Justice released a report3 that showed that for every dollar that is4 spent proactively on helping a child to5 avoid problems, you save $10 on remedial6 interaction to that person when they7 become an adult for criminal justice8 activities. In other words, every dollar9 spent proactively in kindergarten per se,10 in daycare will save you $10 in11 incarceration, in police activities, in12 court costs. It is counterproductive,13 therefore, to say that we will spend more14 money on the prosecution of adults rather15 than the protection of children.16 For every $1 you spend early,17 you save 10 later.18 (Applause.)19
For the20 Governor or for everyone else to conclude21 that the equation "you can pay now or you22 can pay later" will be summarized in23 "well, let's pay later," it is24 counterintuitive and counterproductive.25 45 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I rise with these citizens here2 gathered to say -- and we know that we're3 preaching to the choir here,4 Councilwoman. We know that your heart is5 with the children and the citizens, and6 the Councilpersons here gathered have7 already demonstrated their care and8 concern for the children of Philadelphia.9 We recognize that the problem is not born10 here, nor can it be completely solved11 here, but we're simply asking for a12 greater level of, shall we say,13 activation on the part of our elected14 officials to lobby those in Harrisburg15 and beyond so that money will be16 appropriated where it will do the best17 good and would be most productive when it18 comes to molding, melding and forming our19 children, and that is in their youth.20 I appreciate the time, and21 thank you so much for your dedicated22 service.23
Thank24 you, Pastor Taliaferro, and for your25 46 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 leadership.2 (Applause.)3
Councilwoman4 Blackwell, I am Pastor Robert Collier,5 Sr., Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church in6 Roxborough. I am honored to say a word7 on behalf of the greatest natural8 resource that we have in our city, our9 children.10 Our children are the future of11 Philadelphia, and we cannot afford to12 shortchange them today so that their13 choices will be limited tomorrow.14 Going back to half-day15 kindergarten, increasing class size,16 cutting out classes in their arts will17 mean that our children will be deprived18 of a comprehensive education that19 produced Guion Bluford, Judy Jamison,20 Will Smith, Jill Scott, Bill Cosby, Boyz21 II Men, Lola Falana, Tammi Terrell,22 Dr. Constance Clayton and Dr. W. Wilson23 Goode.24 We in Philadelphia cannot25 47 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 afford to crawl backwards, while2 surrounding schools continue to find ways3 to march forward. Thus, I appeal to the4 elected representatives in City Council5 to find a way to provide some money6 needed to preserve debts which we have in7 our school. You, the elected officials,8 owe it to the taxpayers to find a way to9 help fund our schools and not more10 prisons. And we all owe it to our11 children to make their future as bright12 as possible.13 Once again, I appeal to the men14 and women of City Council to do the right15 thing and help save our schools and, by16 doing so, help save the boys and girls of17 this great City of Philadelphia.18 Thank you.19 (Applause.)20
Thank21 you, Pastor. Thank you.22 Rabbi Isaacson.23
Councilwoman24 Blackwell, Blondell Reynolds, Councilman25 48 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Goode, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman2 Green, we're witnessing a miracle here3 today. You have ministers of all faiths4 that are showing you that if they need5 to, they can only hold their speeches6 down to three minutes.7 However, what I'm trying to8 point out is that we're not asking for a9 miracle. When you think about the fact10 that you have religious leaders speaking11 about public school rather than religious12 school, it shows that we realize what13 occurs in the public schools and how the14 children are raised and what is fed to15 them from their early childhood in16 kindergarten and even pre-kindergarten.17 As you've heard so eloquently put by18 other speakers, the mind of a child is19 easily formed in those early years, and20 from there, we have the leaders of21 tomorrow. And we have to look at the22 future of Philadelphia, but the future of23 Philadelphia is today. We have to see24 what we can do today to help mold that25 49 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 future, and if we don't, there will be no2 future in Philadelphia, for the future of3 Philadelphia is our children.4 As we were many years ago when5 we were children, many, many years ago,6 we are the leaders today. We hope that7 they will follow in our steps and be8 better than us, but we have to be the9 example to find that miracle, to find the10 wherewithal to be able to find the11 funding for these children. And it's12 very important.13 I'm sure that you realize that14 we're addressing you because we realize15 that you are the ones that are concerned16 and that you as representatives of City17 Council are speaking on behalf and are18 acting on behalf of our community. What19 we're trying to show you is that you have20 our full support.21 May God bless you and give you22 all the strength to continue to do the23 work and champion this cause for our24 little children today so that they can25 50 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 grow up to be good citizens tomorrow.2 Thank you.3 (Applause.)4
Thank5 you, Rabbi.6 Any questions?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you.10 We are going to ask the next11 three individuals and then we'll call12 Councilman Green for his remarks.13 Michael Vogel, Turning Points14 for Children; Tahnisha Thomas, Patterson15 School; Patricia Dukes, McDaniel School,16 will you come forward. And while you are17 coming, we're going to call on Councilman18 Bill Green.19
Thank you,20 Madam Chair. I appreciate that. I want21 to thank the faith-based community for22 coming in and sharing their concerns with23 us, and I want to make clear to them24 while they're here that there's no one on25 51 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 City Council, I don't believe, who shares2 the concerns and who wants to see early3 childhood education, who wants to see4 full-day kindergarten, et cetera. I5 would say that you put on a very6 impressive showing, especially the7 children from, I think it was, Promise8 Academy, who came here. And I think the9 last three years and five months we in10 City Council and the Mayor and others11 have been dealing with shrinking12 resources, almost $400 million compared13 to the plan over the last three years,14 and we've managed those resources, and I15 view budgeting as choosing between16 competing ideas for good with limited17 resources. And we have a situation that18 has been thrust upon us. It is not19 Dr. Ackerman. It is not the Mayor. It20 is not City Council that has cut $60021 million from the School District budget.22 We now have to deal with that.23 We now have to choose between competing24 ideas for good with these resources. If25 52 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we provide additional funds for the2 School District, something is going to3 get cut on the other side in City4 government. It's not going to be all5 through tax increases, I don't think.6 And so what we have to look at7 is not just what you said to us here, but8 I think the School District also needs to9 hear how important early childhood10 education is, how important full-day11 kindergarten is, because there are things12 still in the School District budget that13 are less efficacious than early childhood14 education that are remaining there.15 (Applause.)16
During17 yesterday's budget hearings, we18 identified, I think, over $75 million of19 such expenditures, which could go towards20 early childhood education, full-day21 kindergarten and transportation. I'm22 committed to providing some additional23 resources, but I want to see the School24 District commit to early childhood25 53 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 education 12 million, which is the last2 year's budget, not the 7 million they3 plan to put back in, and full-day4 kindergarten. We know that works. The5 improvements in the School District over6 the last ten years have been tremendous7 and mostly in the elementary schools,8 because we've gotten the children early.9 We can cut some summer school.10 We can cut some of the other Imagine 201411 programs and provide early childhood12 education.13 I personally spoke to SEPTA14 Board members last night. They are going15 to work with the School District and with16 the City to make sure we can maintain the17 TransPass program, and that will not cost18 us $25 million, because that's 80 percent19 reimbursed by the state. There's a20 lot -- we're all working on this.21 (Applause.)22
And we have23 to do it in a collaborative effort of24 moving forward together.25 54 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 We have asked the School2 District to provide us the kind of3 oversight that we have over City4 departments if we're going to provide5 additional resources. We're still6 waiting to hear back from them on that.7 We're still waiting to hear back from8 them on a number of questions about the9 efficacy of programs that they're10 maintaining instead of full-day11 kindergarten, for example, and they're12 about to provide us that data. And after13 we look at that, I can assure you that we14 all here are going to fight for the15 children of the City of Philadelphia, but16 we need the School District to prioritize17 the things we know work, which are18 full-day kindergarten and early childhood19 education. And I would take this program20 on the road and go to their budget21 hearing next week, because they need to22 hear from you that that's more important23 than some of the other programs they're24 keeping.25 55 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Thank you.2 (Applause.)3
Thank4 you very much.5 I'd certainly like to thank my6 bishop and all ministers who have been7 here. We do certainly want to thank the8 faith-based community for their interest9 and commitment.10 And now we have Ann Romine, who11 will speak instead of Michael J. Vogel.12 Then Tahnisha Thomas and Patricia Dukes.13 Please identify yourself when you speak14 and your school or organization. Thank15 you.16
Please18 pull the mike closer. We can't hear you.19
Good afternoon.20 Thanks for taking the time to hear from21 us. My name is Ann Romine. I work with22 Turning Points for Children, which is a23 non-profit child welfare agency that's24 been serving the City for over 175 years.25 56 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 We have many programs, but today we2 brought a couple parents with us that3 participate in one of our school-based4 programs.5 As one of our programs, which6 is FAST, Families and Schools Together,7 in the last year, Turning Points provided8 FAST to over 600 families and 1,5009 children in the 30 elementary schools10 that we serve, and we're here on behalf11 of the concerns of our parents regarding12 their child's education and the programs13 in place to support them.14 If you haven't heard about15 FAST, which I'm sure some Councilmembers16 have received letters from many of our17 graduate parents, which is why we're here18 today, in response to those letters, but19 FAST is a research-based program, one of20 the few evidence-based models that's21 provided in the City, and we work to22 promote children's academic success,23 strengthen families, reduce substance24 abuse and also reduce stress and promote25 57 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 parent empowerment in their child's2 school and parent involvement. And3 that's why we're here, and I want you to4 be able to hear from Tahnisha and5 Patricia regarding FAST and their6 experience and also their hopes for the7 future of their kids.8
Good afternoon.11 My name is Tahnisha Thomas. I have three12 children. We moved to Southwest13 Philadelphia in 2005, and I didn't know14 anyone in the neighborhood. I just had a15 baby, so I was a stay-at-home mom. I16 heard about the FAST program from a17 friend in South Philly and I was curious18 to find out when FAST was going to be put19 in Patterson, which is my neighborhood20 school.21 A couple years later, FAST came22 to Patterson and I quickly signed up with23 my daughter, Kayla, when she was in first24 grade. My family and I participated and25 58 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we had a great time in the FAST program.2 I learned more about my daughter's3 everyday school life.4 FAST helped me make friends in5 the neighborhood. I began to share more,6 bringing ideas to the school and was7 encouraged to run for the Home and School8 Office, which I became Vice-President. I9 was also offered further opportunities to10 work in the school with Eat.Right.Now and11 also a noontime aide for the School12 District.13 I provide -- I continue to stay14 involved with other FAST graduates from15 my school through FAST Works, where I16 coordinated several monthly activities.17 I'm passionate about spending time with18 my kids and exploring our overlooked19 treasures right here in Philadelphia,20 many of which are free or low cost. FAST21 was a platform for me to share these22 activities with people in my neighborhood23 and other parents at the school. I guess24 I stood out to the FAST program because I25 59 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 was offered a recreation position on the2 FAST team, and when a position became3 available, they made me an agency partner4 for Patterson this past year.5 And that's it. I'm done.6
Good afternoon.9 Hello. My name is Patricia Dukes. I10 have a daughter named Michaela, and we11 have been an active participant of the12 FAST program for quite some time. We13 first joined the program at G.W. Childs14 School and successfully completed many15 cycles, and later we re-signed up again16 prior to transferring from Childs to17 Delaplaine McDaniel School. As you can18 see, my family has enjoyed the program so19 much, it gives us a good feeling every20 time we return. The program has allowed21 me to spend some extra quality time with22 my daughter, which is important, as well23 as having the opportunity to meet other24 families within the community.25 60 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Throughout the years of being2 in the program, we have met so many FAST3 families, and also whenever we have our4 parent group discussions, which is part5 of our group, I have become more social6 and been able to be more open in sharing7 my thoughts with the other families.8 My daughter, Michaela, she has9 grown and matured and has become more10 social along with her peers, and11 academically she has improved12 tremendously.13 I feel as though the FAST14 program should continue in the schools15 because it's a great program and I feel16 that a lot of families can benefit from17 it, and they provide us with helpful and18 informative information, plus it is free19 to all that join, and basically it's a20 good social outlet for our families and21 our children within the community.22 As a parent, I ask that you23 reconsider dropping the program from our24 schools. Yes, this is an eight-week25 61 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 program. Maybe to those in the2 government system who are considering3 dropping this program, it may be a waste4 of time and money spent, but to me it's5 money well worth spent.6 I also want to reiterate7 earlier when I talked about my daughter,8 Michaela, and how she has grown. We have9 been a part of the program. My daughter10 was five when we started. She is now11 ten. I also mentioned about how she has12 improved academically.13 As a mother, I'm very proud of14 my daughter's achievements. I'm holding15 here her report card. She has received16 A's and B's. So, yes, this program does17 promote academic success, which is one of18 its goals.19 I also have a respect for the20 agency partners, Samantha Adams, who21 fronts up our program, the school22 partners, as well as we have a group of23 youth that also volunteer. And I have24 also respect for them, because they could25 62 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 be doing something that's destructive,2 but they're doing something positive in3 volunteering.4 So that's the reason why I feel5 as though this program should continue.6
Thank7 you very much.8 Are there any questions?9 (No response.)10 (Applause.)11
Thank you,19 Madam Chair. I rise to first thank the20 Philadelphia School District for the21 marathon session we had yesterday wherein22 they provided for us a comprehensive23 analytical reality check for where we are24 with our schools. The record knows that25 63 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 there are a number of us who spoke on our2 commitment to ensure that full-day3 kindergarten has continued and that we4 walk through and work through the complex5 issue around -- the complex thinking6 required for those additional priorities.7 I will say to those in8 attendance here, Madam Chair, that it is9 important that we speak on an issue. It10 matters when we are for an issue, but11 ultimately we're measured by how we vote12 on an issue. So people need to listen to13 what we say, but then watch what we do.14 And it is in what we do for the School15 District that ultimately matters.16 Thank you, Madam Chair.17 (Applause.)18
Thank19 you, Councilwoman.20 Next we'll have Ann Guise,21 De'ivion Wescott and Kiera Marsh-Hall as22 part of Bright Light Initiative.23 (Witnesses approached witness24 table.)25 64 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 MISS MARSH-HALL: Good2 afternoon. My name is Kiera Marsh-Hall.3 I am a member of the Bright Lights4 Initiative. I attend T.M. Pierce5 Elementary School. I am in the sixth6 grade. I am here today because I am very7 concerned about the Governor's choice to8 decrease the amount of funds schools will9 receive and increase the amount prisons10 will receive.11 I was born and being raised in12 North Philadelphia. With that being13 said, my friends and I depend on our14 education to become successful,15 intelligent citizens. We know for sure16 that would not happen if we do not get17 the proper education. Instead of cutting18 the school budget, the government should19 be building schools, libraries, et20 cetera, anything that will increase our21 level of education.22 My school tries hard, but we23 already do not have art, music, a24 library, a proper gym, a lunchroom and an25 65 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 auditorium, and our building is already2 101 years old. Now we are going to lose3 four teachers and full-day kindergarten,4 and yet there is increased funding for5 prisons.6 We all feel that the Governor7 gave up on us by obviously predicting we8 will end up in prison. Therefore, please9 take us seriously. Please take this10 seriously. And I personally have dreams11 and hopes for my future, so do my12 parents, because we believe that13 education is the key to success. Do the14 right thing and find some way to make15 education a top priority for16 Philadelphia's children.17 (Applause.)18
Thank19 you.20 MISS WESCOTT: Good afternoon.21 My name is De'ivion Wescott. I am a22 Bright Light sixth grader at the T.M.23 Pierce School in North Philadelphia.24 I am concerned about the cuts25 66 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 in education. My school is a school that2 works, but we do not have art or music.3 We do not have a library, auditorium or a4 working gym. When the teachers are5 absent, we often don't get a substitute.6 Then the class is split up and go to7 different classes, sometimes first and8 second grade. Several times a week we9 have extra students because their teacher10 is absent. Now we are losing four11 teachers and are going to have 3212 students in every class. We will be13 expected to compete with students from14 schools that do not have these15 conditions.16 We are good, strong students,17 but we need a level playing field. We18 expect our government to make an19 education a top priority in Philadelphia.20 Remember, we are the future.21 (Applause.)22
I am Ann Guise, and4 for almost 40 years, I have been a strong5 advocate for the best in public education6 for Philadelphia's children. I am the7 Director of the Bright Lights Initiative.8 We operate in two very struggling schools9 in North Philadelphia, the T.M. Pierce10 School and the John G. Whittier School.11 Over the years we have seen the12 decline in public support for public13 schools in Philadelphia. Now these14 latest huge cuts in class size,15 kindergarten, transportation will destroy16 the capability of schools to compete with17 their counterparts.18 Because students and their19 parents think charter schools are a20 better option, they are enrolling their21 children at a record pace. We must do22 better for our children. Why there are23 not parents protesting and shutting this24 city down until the schools --25 68 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2
I don't know. But3 there should not have to be protests for4 basic services to be provided.5 I urge you, the members of City6 Council, to do the right thing and make7 education a city priority. Make certain8 that all schools are served equally and9 that all children have the opportunity to10 make a difference.11 Fannie Lou Hamer said some12 years ago, "I am sick and tired of being13 sick and tired." Well, so am I.14 (Applause.)15
This underfunding16 is an unnecessary and constant17 distraction from the real issue of18 providing quality education and19 comprehensive services for our children.20 And it is the responsibility of our21 elected officers to ensure that22 Philadelphia is second to none when23 providing educational realities for our24 children.25 69 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Thank you. I know your heart.2 You're in the right place.3 (Applause.)4
Thank5 you.6 Are there any questions?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you very much.10 Cecelia Thompson, Shelly11 Yanoff, Danita Bates, please come12 forward.13 (Witnesses approached witness14 table.)15
Good16 afternoon. Welcome. Please identify17 yourself for the record and proceed with18 your testimony.19
Good afternoon.20 My name is Cecelia Thompson and I21 appreciate this opportunity to speak this22 afternoon.23 First, I would like to commend24 your support to the education of our25 70 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 children. As the Mayor stated on2 television yesterday, he has committed3 the City to providing 70 to 100 million4 in additional funding for our children.5 While I agree with everyone6 that we should restore all services, our7 priorities should include full-day8 kindergarten, transportation,9 after-school programs, alternative10 education and dropout prevention11 programs.12 In addition, I would ask that13 you include the restoration of the14 noontime aides, supportive service15 assistants and building custodians. The16 NTAs and SSAs are invaluable, as they17 provide support and climate control to18 the building. As to the custodians,19 cutting them, who is going to clean our20 schools? The students, the teachers, or21 the principals? Some of our schools are22 three stories, having many rooms and many23 bathrooms. If this is the case, when24 will instruction occur? I don't want my25 71 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 child or any child missing much-needed2 instructional time because they're3 sweeping and mopping floors because of4 lack of somebody to clean our buildings.5 Our children are entitled to6 clean buildings and to not come into7 anything that's not clean because we're8 trying to save a few pennies.9 Additionally, the program10 Councilwoman Blackwell mentioned11 concerning the nurses is extremely12 needed. There are children with special13 healthcare and medical concerns that need14 a five-day nurse on hand. These children15 should not be subjected to relocate the16 schools with half five-day nurses, but17 they should be entitled to stay with18 their classmates in the schools which19 they're currently attending.20 Furthermore, I would ask City21 Council to consider permanently funding22 the above programs, but especially23 full-day kindergarten and not having to24 rely on the state for any type of25 72 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 funding. If you feel you need to attach2 provisions which show that the money3 received from City Council would be first4 used to fund any priority that you're5 requesting, but especially full-day6 kindergarten, I really don't see that as7 an issue, especially since it was8 mentioned yesterday that Pittsburgh has9 been doing it and not relying on state10 aid, because they realize that full-day11 kindergarten is important for our12 children.13 Lastly, as I conclude, I don't14 want any cuts when it comes to special15 education. There was a statement made16 yesterday during the proceedings that17 there were going to be efficiencies. To18 me, the term -- I'll wrap it up.19 To me the term "efficiency"20 means a cute way of cutting the service21 that my child needs to participate in the22 educational program and for him to have23 academic success in his school.24 According to IDEIA, school districts are25 73 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 required by federal law to pay for a2 large portion of special education3 programs and services. These programs4 and services cannot be altered or cut in5 any way because it is federally mandated,6 unlike all other programs for the rest of7 the children.8 So, again, I thank you in9 advance for your commitment to the10 children of our city, and if what the11 Mayor says is true and you are going to12 commit to the 75 to 100 million that we13 really, really need for our children, I14 would ask that you make it a priority15 that, if anything, full-day kindergarten16 is always funded for our children.17 Thank you.18 (Applause.)19
Thank20 you very much.21 Good afternoon. Welcome.22
Good afternoon. 15 We must begin, however, by16 acknowledging the support that this17 Council has provided before. Thank you,18 Councilman Goode, for your leadership and19 for all of the leadership that has gotten20 to us that has given the City's children21 a chance in the last ten years. 6 There are children in this city7 who have been learning and growing and8 being prepared for school while their9 parents are at work. They are at serious10 risk in the proposed budget. There is a11 high school in Philadelphia, one of many,12 it's an example, with a dynamic13 principal, a diverse student body, a14 determined staff. That school is making15 progress going beyond AYP and SPI or all16 the other metrics. Still, that small17 school is being forced to eliminate many18 positions. 1 adults will cause a ripple effect for2 hundreds and hundreds of students. 5 Their classes will be bigger. Their6 favorite teacher may well be gone. The7 art teacher who retired will not be8 replaced. The noontime aide who had a9 knack for building relationships with10 students and a helpful ear to the street11 will have vanished. 19 It is clear the people of20 Philadelphia want early childhood21 education, they want full-day22 kindergarten and small class size. They23 need early education, full-day24 kindergarten and small class size. 10 As we have worked to improve11 the graduation rate over the last several12 years and decrease the dropout rate,13 we've learned a lot about what works and14 what doesn't. 19 Philadelphia is at the20 forefront of a national movement to21 address the dropout crisis. )8
Don't have them9 wake up in September and realize that10 there are no doors to walk through for11 their future.12 The people of Philadelphia want13 transportation to be provided for our14 students, just as it is in most schools15 across the country. Transportation is16 critical to ensuring that Philadelphia17 families don't have to choose between18 putting food on the table or sending19 their kids to school. Transportation is20 critical to ensure that we stay on the21 right path of lowering truancy and22 dropout rates. These services - early23 childhood education, full-day24 kindergarten, small class size,25 79 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 accelerated schools and transportation -2 can only be achieved through more shared3 sacrifice.4 We commend the Mayor for making5 education a priority and encourage him to6 continue efforts to ensure these7 essentials come fall. We call on City8 Council and SEPTA to cover the cost of9 transportation. We call on City Council10 to increase the District's share of the11 real estate tax. We call on the Chamber12 of Commerce to cover the cost of summer13 school and summer jobs. They will --14 (Applause.)15
They will build a16 more business-friendly city when they do.17 And as we ask for shared18 sacrifice, we call on citizens to support19 Council and the Mayor as they raise the20 funds, and we call on the District to21 look again, look closely at cuts, and22 eliminate those things that affect our23 children least. We also call on the24 District executive staff to look again at25 80 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 how they as individuals might lower their2 budgets and share in the sacrifice.3 It does take a village to raise4 a child, and when raising children,5 adults must sacrifice. Through shared6 sacrifices, we can ensure that our7 children have the very best that we can8 give them come September.9 Thank you.10 (Applause.)11
Hello. My name is12 Danita Bates. I'm a parent and community13 activist and youth leader.14 Hello. My name is Danita15 Bates. I am a parent at Duckrey School16 Elementary. I'm the Director of17 Education at Fountain of Youth Health and18 Preventative Services. I am a community19 activist, youth leader and member of20 Action United.21 Ever since Governor Corbett has22 announced his budget proposal at $55023 million from basic education budget, I24 have been doing what I can to relay the25 81 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 message to Governor Corbett and our state2 legislators that this budget is3 inadequate. I have been to Harrisburg4 three to four times. I have even taken5 this message to Washington, DC, where the6 government was there -- when Governor7 Corbett was there. No one wants the8 current school budgets to be cut, so I am9 doing what I can to try to prevent it.10 But in the meantime, I need the11 City Council, SRC Commission, School12 District officials to make better13 decisions with the budget they have. The14 School District needs to be more15 transparent with their budget decisions.16 The School District needs to have more17 parent and student and teachers18 involvement in this current budget19 decision.20 I want to know why are there so21 many --22
Excuse23 me, Ms. Bates. Media can't see. Would24 you put your sign down while you're25 82 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 speaking.2
I want to know why6 are there being so -- why are there so7 many changes being made currently when8 the budget cuts haven't even happened9 yet? Teachers are already being released10 at my son's school, at Duckrey,11 Dr. Tanner Duckrey. The class sizes are12 already beginning to get larger, and now13 there are plans for them to increase next14 year.15 You plan to make 50 percent cut16 for gifted and talented education, yet17 you say the number of students will18 receive their mandated services. How can19 that be? Learning support and emotional20 support for special education is being21 cut out. Special education liaisons22 positions will be cut 77 percent.23 After-school programs will be cut, sports24 programs, music, arts and even25 83 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 extended-day programs that are all being2 cut. I am starting to see these cuts3 now. Why?4 Who can I hold accountable for5 this? Not Governor Corbett. He just got6 into office. His budget hasn't even been7 approved.8 I'm always there when I'm9 needed in my School District or at my10 son's school when there's trips being11 planned to Harrisburg for rallies and so12 forth and parent and community meetings.13 The changes that are being proposed, loss14 of 3,800 job eliminations, of full-day15 pre-K, transportation will be cut and16 many parents like me will have a17 difficult time handling this additional18 expense.19 This Administration promised to20 make things better for us. How can I21 "Imagine 2014" when I fear 2011 so much?22 Having the current arrangements23 and the effects of the education budget24 cuts and requested money should be taken25 84 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to the highest courts of the law, with2 the argument that the cuts represented by3 Governor Corbett, knowing the horrific4 effects of the budget cuts, are not being5 mindful that this is a deprivation of the6 constitutional right of all of our7 students in the Philadelphia School8 District, and we are demanding thorough9 and efficient education for all of our10 at-risk students throughout the City. We11 must hold accountable the City, federal12 government, state and our Philadelphia13 School District for the rest of 2011,14 2012, '13, '14 and the future even, when15 Dr. Ackerman is long gone, our16 Superintendent, who has done a17 magnificent job.18 In making the calculations for19 the rest of 2011, '12, '13 and '14, the20 future, the formula must be adjusted to21 correct the state's failure providing the22 statutory level of formulas funding to23 the districts during 2010, '11, '12, '13,24 '14 and even the future of our25 85 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Philadelphia School District.2 These are the demands community3 involvers, parents, families and4 communities are demanding: An5 appropriate revision of statistical6 measures comparing the differences in7 achievements among charter and public8 academically and what is really working9 in favor academically for our students10 who are still failing state tests;11 demanding that criminal justice removed12 from our schools.13 And to add on, this is only the14 beginning, and I'd like all the support15 that is out there that we have, and we16 have to let these parents know, parents17 is power. We have to be more aggressive18 in these schools with all the cuts being19 taken away. Parents, it's time to step20 up. Communities and everyone, it's time21 to step up.22
Thank23 you.24 (Applause.)25 86 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank5 you very much.6 Next, Susan Gobreski, Education7 for Voters; Kevin Peter; and Emmanuel8 Bussie.9 (Witnesses approached witness10 table.)11
Thank12 you very much. Ms. Gobreski, please13 identify yourself for the record and14 begin your testimony.15
16 My name is Susan Gobreski. Thank you for17 having me. 1 billion cut. 5 They're going to take some of that from6 social services. 11 There's $506 million in revenue12 on the table in surplus over13 expectations. 18 I just want to remind everyone that Ben19 Franklin said the only thing more20 expensive than education is ignorance,21 and we see that every day in22 Philadelphia. 7 One of the things I'll be8 submitting is a report on student9 achievement. 13 I just wanted to take a couple14 minutes or a minute to just point out a15 couple of facts. One of them is that16 from -- this is from the Alliance for17 Excellent Education. Moving even one18 student from dropout status to graduate19 status contributes to a state's economic20 growth. 1 $10 million in additional earnings in an2 average year. 12 So I realize that there's been13 a lot of testimony today talking about14 some of the programs that are affected15 that are important. We know early16 education works. We know the support17 works. It's incredibly important that we18 keep full-day kindergarten. 22 We have people who are not supporting23 education. 6 The City needs to increase7 financial support. We need to get back8 to the share where the City is putting9 more of the property taxes back into10 schools. 12 We want to specifically talk13 about the transportation issue. I was14 very happy to hear Councilman Green talk15 about SEPTA today. We need to go to16 SEPTA. They're already supported with17 our tax dollars. to school. So, finally, the other thing4 that we'd like to ask City Council to do,5 out of every crisis creates an6 opportunity. This is an opportunity to7 talk about the role that City Council8 plays. 9 What do we do with our public and civic10 dialogue? How can we increase the amount11 of authority that we have over our12 schools so that we can get the results,13 get the accountability? 15 It's not just about what you talk about,16 although it is what you talk about. It's17 also what we fund and how you vote. And18 as a member of a public advocacy group, I19 think that the public is paying20 attention. 22 So thank you very much. )2
Thank3 you.4 Mr. Peter, please identify5 yourself for the record and begin your6 testimony.7
Good afternoon. My8 name is Kevin Peter. I live in9 Philadelphia. I have a son who attended10 C.W. Henry School in Mount Airy and now11 is at Masterman. I appreciate the12 opportunity to speak today.13 I'm here as a proud public14 school parent and a dedicated member of15 my community. I'm not an expert on16 education. I'm not an expert on17 budgeting or public finances. I'll leave18 those topics to the experts. I'm not19 here to talk about which choices in the20 School District budget might cause the21 most pain. The most optimistic22 projections show that the District will23 have to make cuts, and I doubt any cuts24 will make my son's classrooms less25 93 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 crowded, his teachers freer to deal with2 individual students or the quality of3 instruction any higher. As a Masterman4 student, his quality of education is5 pretty high already, but I am a little6 worried about what the future holds.7 So let's just be real about the8 budget. We need the City and the state9 to find adequate funding for our schools,10 and we need our School District to make11 good choices with our money. Budgets say12 a lot about priorities. The fact that13 the Governor and the House are proposing14 historic cuts to basic education funding15 while sitting on a surplus that will16 reach a billion dollars next year says17 education is not a priority in18 Harrisburg.19 The fact that the City made an20 11th-hour pledge to find more money for21 our schools seems to say that keeping our22 schools strong was not a priority until23 yesterday.24 Speaking of priorities, where25 94 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 is the Chamber of Commerce?2 (Applause.)3
Where's the4 Philadelphia Business Journal? They have5 great talking points about the importance6 of education and preparing employees of7 the future, but they don't seem to have8 made it to the walking points yet.9 Our business community is happy10 to roll up their sleeves to paint a11 classroom or clean up a playground, but12 when it comes to real investment in our13 schools, their priority is on their14 revenue, not revenue for our schools.15 (Applause.)16
So what is our17 priority when it comes to our schools?18 Who is writing the strategic plan for our19 schools and our community? I don't mean20 Imagine 2014. It's a good plan, but it's21 not a community vision. It's a work plan22 for the District.23 So who is going to write our24 strategic plan for how our schools fit25 95 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 into our community and articulate our2 vision? Will City Council do it? Will3 the Mayor do it? PCCY?4 So here's my -- silence,5 crickets.6 So here's my biggest fear. If7 as a community we don't lay out our8 vision for our schools, if we don't9 articulate exactly where and how our10 schools fit into our priorities -- and11 every time you hear an S in this, think12 dollar sign -- we're going to be sitting13 here next year with the same questions,14 the same frustration, the same outrage15 and the same failure to provide what our16 city and our businesses and our17 neighborhoods and our families and our18 children so desperately need, excellent19 learning environments so each of our20 children can become the adults we hope21 they will.22 Thank you.23 (Applause.)24
Thank25 96 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you very much.2 Emmanuel Bussie.3 ELSHADYE: Hi. My name is4 Elshadye, which means all things are5 possible through God.6 I am a first grader in Thomas7 Mifflin Elementary School. I spent more8 years than I want to admit trying to9 decide if you care. I have concluded10 that you do. But can you care enough to11 fight as hard as you can to give me the12 opportunity to be all that I can be?13 (Applause.)14 ELSHADYE: I have hope. Would15 you like to hear one of them?16 My grandparents studied war,17 liberation and justice so that my father18 may study politics, government and19 policies, so that I may study math,20 science and technology, so one day I hope21 my little one may study poetry,22 symphonies and astrology. This is my23 hope.24 (Applause.)25 97 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Good afternoon,2 Councilwoman Blackwell and members of3 Council. I know I'm speaking to the4 choir when I address these points to you,5 so I'm not going to state the obvious.6 It's extremely frustrating to come before7 Council and state the obvious. I don't8 know how other people do it. But I'm not9 going to waste my time or your time10 talking about the importance of education11 and funding education. What I will talk12 about is the obvious assault on urban13 America and education as a whole. We all14 know that this is an assault --15 (Applause.)16
We all know that17 this is an assault on urban America and18 education by not just Pennsylvania but19 state governments all around the country.20 So the question is, how are we going to21 fight back?22 I'm going to pose a question to23 you and, in particular, Councilman Green.24 I believe that we're going to be asked,25 98 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Here's what I gave you, and what did you2 do with it? I'm going to say it for a3 minute. You're going to be asked at the4 end of the day, at the end of time,5 Here's what I gave you, and what did you6 do with it? I'm going to come back to7 that for a second, but I think that we8 can't allow Harrisburg or anybody else to9 play games with us. We can't allow for10 them to have us compete welfare benefits,11 healthcare benefits against our schools.12 We need all the programs. We should have13 absolutely no cuts.14 (Applause.)15
Absolutely no cuts16 at all. And if you say, Okay, well,17 where's the money going to come from?18 That's what leadership is for. We need19 to be innovative in terms of how we20 generate revenue. We can't just take a21 tax, tax, tax approach.22 We all know if -- anyone here23 that says we don't have to raise taxes is24 playing games. We have to raise taxes.25 99 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 The thing is, what do we spend our tax2 money on?3 For Philadelphia, you got to4 pay the cost to be the boss. For5 Philadelphia to only give 25 percent6 towards our educational funding, it's7 ridiculous.8 I'm going to -- in closing, I'm9 just going to say this: We need to use10 the judiciary process just like New11 Jersey did. In 2006, the state's own12 study said that Philadelphia is13 underfunded by $1 billion every year. If14 New Jersey can sue and get $500 million15 put back into their school system, why16 can't we use the judicial process to get17 money that they already --18 (Applause.)19
We're actually in20 a better position than New Jersey,21 because the State of Pennsylvania already22 concluded that they owe us $1 billion23 since 2006. So why can't we use the24 judiciary process?25 100 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Councilman Green, we are not2 going to play games with the School3 District or with our young people. We4 don't need any programs cut. We don't5 need full-time kindergarten competing6 with after-school programs or full-time7 kindergarten competing with music. We8 need all the programs.9 You can find innovative ways to10 fund our school system. You can --11 (Applause.)12
We can't allow the13 government in Pennsylvania to have us14 fighting over scraps. What we're talking15 about -- when you're talking Dr. Ackerman16 or School District to find ways you can17 cut and find how much money you spend on18 pencils, that's scraps. We can't allow19 those people to play games. We want to20 cut, cut, cut, cut our kids legs off and21 blame Dr. Ackerman for us limping. We22 can't allow them to keep playing games23 with us. There's money out there. We24 have to go get it. We have to be25 101 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 vigilant. We have to be aggressive. We2 need to stop making requests and start3 make demands.4 (Applause.)5
I'm going to close8 by saying, Councilwoman Blackwell, that9 whoever you consider to be your creator,10 whoever you consider to be your creator,11 he's going to ask you at the end of the12 day -- he's not going to hear, Oh, I13 didn't have any mom or dad. He's going14 to say, Councilman Green, here's what I15 gave you, what did you do with it?16 (Applause.)17
Thank19 you. And we want to thank her. She was20 just a lovely witness.21 (Applause.)22
Thank23 you all for your testimony.24 Councilman Green.25 102 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank you,2 Madam Chair.3 That is exactly the question4 that City Council wants to make sure we5 can hold the School District accountable6 with. Here is what we're going to give7 you. What are you going to do with it?8 And we haven't gotten the answer from the9 School District with respect to those10 questions again.11 Just for the record, in my12 first month in office, I talked to the13 Education Law Center about bringing a14 lawsuit based on the costing-out study,15 because Governor Rendell was seeking to16 fully implement the costing-out study17 over a period of years. There was no18 appetite in the legal community around19 issues like that, in the Education Law20 Center or elsewhere, to sue the state for21 the purpose of implementing the22 costing-out study under the state23 constitution, and all I can say is, I24 predict you'll hear more about that in25 103 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the near future. I certainly haven't2 been afraid to sue to keep libraries open3 or other things like that.4 With respect to the money the5 School District told us they need, up to6 $100 million, we actually are moving7 towards the path of getting there. We8 found 35 million in transportation just9 through a colloquy we had with the School10 District yesterday during the meeting in11 terms of providing some creative12 financing mechanisms for them to be able13 to pay for -- they were cutting something14 that they get 70 percent state15 reimbursement under, which is16 transportation. That kind of choice17 makes no sense. If we put up 16 million,18 they get the 50 million.19 So there's a lot of confusion20 out there about who is making the choice21 to cut full-day kindergarten, to cut22 early childhood education. It is the23 School District of Philadelphia24 ultimately who now has the choice, with25 104 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the resources available to them, to make2 the decision about what they're going to3 fund.4 So I appreciate the energy and5 the enthusiasm and the spirit that is6 here in this room. It needs to be in the7 School District next week when they adopt8 their interim budget, because they need9 to hear about what's important.10 (Applause.)11
Thank14 you very much.15 Helen Gym, public school16 parent; Terry Seward, Mitchell School;17 Carlos Jones, Blankenburg School.18 (Witness approached witness19 table.)20
Is21 Terry Seward here or Carlos Jones here?22 (No response.)23
Thank24 you.25 105 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Good morning.2
Good morning. My3 name is Helen Gym. I'm a Philadelphia4 public school parent and a co-founder of5 a group called Parents United for Public6 Education, which is focused on making7 sure that kids in classrooms are first in8 all District budgets.9 So I want to thank those10 members of Council who recognize the deep11 commitment of our city to our public12 schools and who have asked a lot of13 pointed questions to ensure the financial14 and managerial stability of billions of15 public dollars.16 Parents United for Public17 Education, along with other groups, have18 been at the forefront in asking for local19 funding accountability from the City. We20 absolutely oppose Governor Corbett's21 budget, which cuts more than a billion22 dollars out of the Education Department.23 But let's be honest, the state action24 only impacts the District by a little25 106 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 more than a $100 million out of a $6292 million deficit. We need to talk a3 little bit about our own house.4 It's our request that the City5 of Philadelphia does project a millage6 shift towards targeted areas, and in7 particular, we've delivered, as many8 people have testified to, to City Council9 members a petition around restoring free10 transportation to all Philadelphia11 public, private and parochial school12 students. More than a thousand people13 have signed this, from every single zip14 code in the City, have signed this15 petition, and we'll be going to SEPTA16 tomorrow at their board meeting at 3:0017 p.m., 1234 Market Street, to also bring18 that message.19 Every budget crisis is20 terrible, but in any budget crisis21 priorities have to be established, made22 transparent, clear and committed, and23 ours are clear. Ensure full-day24 kindergarten, restore free transportation25 107 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 for all school-age students, restore the2 29 percent cut in each school's3 discretionary funds. That is the subject4 that hasn't been talked about a lot, but5 we're asking that the City think about6 that the individual schools should be7 allowed to figure out how to weather the8 budget crisis rather than handing over9 money to the District.10 As strong --11 (Applause.)12
As strong as we've13 been about financial -- about the14 financial responsibility of City leaders,15 I want to make one thing very clear. No16 one, no one wants to see a blank check17 bailout for an administration that has18 failed to commit to establish priorities19 and has refused to change problematic20 spending practices or change its21 financial oversight. There should be no22 blank check bailout for the District. We23 want strings attached.24 (Applause.)25 108 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
I've been routinely2 frustrated at attending months and months3 of Districts hearings that I've been to,4 pages and pages of PowerPoints that I've5 seen, but as a parent, I've also gone6 through the District's 500-page document7 as well as made a formal request for 228 pages of a billion dollars worth of9 contracts that have been approved so far10 in Fiscal Year 2011 alone, and there are11 plenty of questions that Council needs to12 ask that just isn't showing up on the13 PowerPoints that you've been seeing, like14 why did the SRC last week approve $4.715 million in disposable textbooks for an16 18-day summer school program?17 (Applause.)18
If full-day19 kindergarten is on the chopping block,20 why are there nine people at District21 headquarters who make comparable salaries22 to or higher salaries than the Mayor of23 our city?24 (Applause.)25 109 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Why did the School2 District choose to create new offices3 like an Office of Non-Instructional4 Support and dramatically expand other5 offices this year, particularly in6 communications in the Superintendent's7 Office?8 Consider this: The Associate9 Superintendent's Office went from 5010 positions in FY10 to 90 positions in11 FY11. So then they cut 45 percent in the12 number of positions this year from last13 year, but it actually masks the fact that14 the office has increased its costs by15 $300,000 from FY10.16 The CFO's Office went from 8417 positions in FY10 to 108 positions in18 FY11. A 40 percent proposed cut to that19 office actually translates to a 2020 percent cut in FY10.21 It matters because I know that22 some people in Council feel like they are23 not educators. They don't want to get24 into the nitty-gritty, and I am sensitive25 110 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to that, but this is far beyond that2 claim, increasingly. It's felt like the3 District has unfairly put up essential4 services in order to evade necessary5 questions about what their priorities6 are, their particular spending practices7 and a lack of financial oversight.8 We want money to go to our9 schools, of course. We want the City to10 maintain its commitment because we need11 to go to Harrisburg and because it's the12 right thing to do at this time. But we13 cannot have money going wholesale over to14 the Administration, which has shown time15 and time again that it is willing to put16 up full-day kindergarten, our teachers,17 music, valuable programs like accelerated18 schools and manipulate them --19 (Applause.)20
-- and manipulate21 them like political footballs in the name22 of children. And I'm tired of it.23 Because this is a system with $3 billion24 and we can't say that we have full-day25 111 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 kindergarten. Because this is the second2 time in five years that we've come up3 before this city and seen a complete4 financial meltdown within the School5 District.6 So if we're going to give any7 money to the schools, there must be8 strings attached, and I'll start with my9 list. One, place the District under the10 auspices of the Pennsylvania11 Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority.12 The year-to-year debate over -- this13 School District sat here a year ago and14 gave you a balanced budget. We need to15 know five years out what are their16 projections.17 Two, please demand a moratorium18 on all non-essential contracts that are19 going out. The District has passed --20 (Applause.)21
-- a billion dollars22 worth of contracts in Fiscal Year '11,23 and plenty of them I would question24 are -- we should be asking the question,25 112 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 are they more important than full-day2 kindergarten?3 Please enact competitive4 bidding on the more than $200 million in5 professional services contracts that walk6 out the door.7 Four, please ask the District8 to go back to the drawing board and9 consider asking them to redo their budget10 and put in the essential services. Bring11 down executive salaries, restore more12 money back to the local schools.13 (Applause.)14
And the last request15 is, please use your leverage and consider16 demanding a change in the leadership of17 the School Reform Commission. This is a18 body, again, that sat here a year ago and19 promised you a balanced budget that20 didn't announce a financial crisis in the21 School District until January of this22 year and, in the past four months, has23 signed over millions of dollars into24 contracts, despite facing a massive25 113 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 budget crisis. In fact, forget that.2 Please support Representative Bishop's3 call to abolish the SRC and demand an4 elected School Board for this city.5 (Applause.)6
I was up Furness High7 School yesterday for their national8 Honors Society induction. It was a9 beautiful ceremony for a very small10 school. That school is losing $1.411 million from its budget of 600 students,12 17 personnel, including the school's13 music teacher and choir director, who has14 organized a beautiful ceremony for those15 students.16 Furness High School is why17 these questions need to be asked and why18 we need better answers than the ones that19 we've been given. If the public is being20 asked to turn over more money to our21 schools, then we have a responsibility to22 know whether we're simply providing cover23 for poor spending practices and24 priorities or whether this additional25 114 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 money is really going to be for the2 children.3 (Applause.)4
Thank5 you very much.6 Any questions?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you.10 Carol Fixman, Executive11 Director of the Philadelphia -- I'm12 sorry. Let me get the next panel seated13 and then we'll have time to talk.14 Ms. Gym, please come back.15 There's a question for you. Councilman16 Green first and then Councilwoman Tasco17 second.18 Councilman.19
I caught20 the press release from State21 Representative Bishop and I spoke to her,22 because I have concerns for her call for23 an independent elected School Board. Do24 you wish to have another taxing authority25 115 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 in the City of Philadelphia, independent2 taxing authority?3
It could be that -- I4 mean, I think that the state law will5 have to be taken a look at as to whether6 the School District is able to maintain7 its own taxing authority abilities or8 not, but I think the issue to me at this9 point has less to do with taxes than it10 has to do with the financial and11 managerial oversight of the District.12
Well, if13 you have an independent School Board, who14 provides the financing for the School15 Board? Those are just questions that we16 have to answer. Be careful what you ask17 for, because you might get it.18
Thank you.25 116 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Ms. Gym, I want to thank you2 for your really impassioned and3 thoughtful testimony. Since I've been on4 City Council in 2008, you have been a5 consistent and hard-working parent and6 citizen advocating for schools,7 advocating for leadership, advocating for8 money and things for schools even though9 you didn't believe in the leadership for10 most of that time, and I want to commend11 you and thank you for all the work you've12 been doing in that regard.13 I also want to ask you a simple14 question, because the question that you15 said we should ask in your testimony, we16 did ask yesterday, and, that is, is there17 nothing less important in the proposed18 expenditure by the School District than19 full-day kindergarten and early childhood20 education, 12 million, not the 7 million21 they plan to restore if they get some22 extra money, and you gave a number of23 examples. I just wanted -- the School24 District couldn't really answer that25 117 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 question. I just wanted to put the2 question to you.3 Do you find, do the people you4 represent, the groups you represent, find5 things in the School District budget that6 are less important than full-day7 kindergarten and early childhood8 education?9
Well, obviously it10 depends on whether you would say who11 they're less important to. So if you12 believe in that Achieve 3000, which is a13 multi-million-dollar testing company, you14 know, they probably feel like they're15 entitled to their $3 million contract16 that they didn't have -- or $2.2 million17 contract that they didn't have two years18 ago, but from a parent perspective, if19 I'm asking about whether it's a music20 teacher or a teacher in a school or some21 testing company from Duluth, then I'm22 always going to go with the teacher. You23 know, and that's been our problem.24 (Applause.)25 118 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
No one is willing to2 be open about what their priorities are3 and what the essential needs of the4 School District are. Somehow we've5 gotten into a situation where it's become6 essential to have Achieve 3000 in our7 classrooms. It's become essential to8 have professional services contracts9 distributed willy-nilly without any kind10 of oversight, review or competitive11 bidding. It's become a rule of thumb,12 and I think that that's been very13 difficult. We had to wait three weeks to14 get a formal request from the District15 for the list of contracts, and I would16 really think that City Council should17 take a look at those and I'm happy to18 share them publicly and ask that same19 question yourself.20
Thank25 119 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you very much.2 Carol Fixman, Executive3 Director of the Philadelphia Educational4 Fund. Thank you and welcome.5 (Witness approached witness6 table.)7
Thank you very8 much. I'd like to add my voice to the9 many you've heard. Today I ask you to10 recognize the extraordinary importance of11 education for our city and for children12 and ask you to fund our children's13 education at the highest level possible.14 So just a few facts that we all know, but15 just to reiterate them.16 We know that as Philadelphians17 reach higher education levels, their18 employment rates and their annual income19 increases. That means our city's tax20 base grows. At the same time, educated21 Philadelphians require fewer social22 services. The rate of incarceration23 decreases. Education provides our24 workforce of the future and on and on.25 120 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 So in the past eight years,2 we've seen a 27 point increase in student3 reading scores. We've seen a 37 point4 jump in math scores. We need to continue5 this positive trend. And contrary to6 what many think, money does matter.7 People I meet with from the suburbs, from8 the wealthier --9 (Applause.)10
-- from the11 wealthier suburbs will say, Oh, money12 doesn't matter, it's a matter of -- it's13 simply a matter of how you spend it. My14 response to that usually is, If it15 doesn't matter, why don't you give us16 some of yours, then it won't matter to17 you, will it? That doesn't happen. That18 doesn't happen, because we know that it19 takes money to invest in teachers and20 science labs and libraries and the arts21 and technology and alternative education22 and in everything else that makes our23 children's education excellent or will24 make our children's education excellent.25 121 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 So I would go so far as to say2 our city has no future without education.3 And so to our City Council men4 and Council women, I urge you to5 consider, as a minimum, the following:6 Please, as many have said before me,7 cover transportation costs to and from8 school for our children. If children9 can't get to school, you can have the10 best schools in the world, it won't11 matter.12 Second, please return the13 millage share of City funding for the14 School District to at least 60 percent so15 that the District can afford to reinstate16 many of the cuts that it's projected.17 So everyone asks, what would18 you reinstate? And there are many, many19 things to reinstate. We know that.20 You've heard from so many people before21 me. Sure, full-day kindergarten would be22 the very first thing I would reinstate.23 The research is clear that impacts24 tremendously children's later academic25 122 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 achievements.2 Teachers, the research is3 clear, teachers have the greatest impact4 on students' education. It's the most5 important variable.6 The arts, research is clear,7 children enjoy coming to school. It8 engages them. It's a good dropout9 prevention tool.10 So that's just a start. We11 need so much more. And so my thumbnail12 rule, my rubric as they say in education,13 my thumbnail rule would be, in short, I14 would get kids to school; I would pay for15 high quality, engaging instruction for as16 many students as possible grades K to 1217 using research-proven tools.18 So that's all I have to say.19 If we don't -- if we don't take care of20 our education system, Harrisburg is not21 going to do it for us. We're all trying22 and we're all raising our voice in23 Harrisburg, but we also have to look at24 ourselves and make sure that we're25 123 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 setting our priorities straight.2 So thank you so much for3 listening.4 (Applause.)5
Thank6 you.7 Are there any questions?8 (No response.)9
Thank10 you very much.11 Next we have Haviva Goldman,12 Laverne Bess, Bob Previdi, Vanessa13 Yingling, John Story Jenks School.14 (Witnesses approached witness15 table.)16
Hi. We're the19 parents from -- we're all parents from20 the John Story Jenks -- hi. My name is21 Laverne Bess. I'm a parent from the John22 Story Jenks Elementary School in Chestnut23 Hill, and Bob Previdi had a statement in24 general from all of us that he needs to25 124 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 read today.2
Thank you,3 Councilwoman. I'm Bob Previdi. Thank4 you for this opportunity to speak.5 We are the parents of the6 children attending John Story Jenks, K to7 8 school, in Chestnut Hill in Northwest8 Philadelphia. We have come here today to9 tell you what the proposed budget cuts10 mean for our children and our school.11 Jenks is a diverse school, with12 families coming from many backgrounds and13 from many neighborhoods throughout the14 Northwest section of the City. Whether15 we walk to school or travel from farther16 afield, we choose Jenks because it is a17 neighborhood school, a school with a18 sense of community, an established19 history and stability of success. All of20 us choose Jenks because we share a desire21 to get a quality public education for our22 children.23 Over the last three years, we24 have seen the school thrive under the25 125 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 leadership of Principal Mary Lynskey.2 She created the Jenks Art and Music3 program, or JAM program, which students4 receive extra instruction in one or other5 tracks. The program provides a creative6 outlet for students, helping them better7 achieve academically, while preparing8 them for many high school options. She9 has also created a clinic period at the10 end of the day for middle-school11 students, allowing them to choose from12 electives from sports to robotics or as13 basic as help in additional reading and14 math work.15 These programs have yielded16 documented success at our school. We17 have made AYP each year, and the school18 is one of the top eight schools -- top K19 to 8 schools in the Northwest.20 Recently we had our spring21 concert and art show, where our students22 proudly demonstrated their work for the23 past year. You can come see them perform24 tomorrow night. Our school play is Annie25 126 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 this year.2 With our budget cuts looming,3 our success of the JAM program is in4 jeopardy. Our arts teacher will be5 reduced to two days a week, and we will6 lose some of our instrumental music time,7 and we face potential loss of two8 enthusiastically young music teachers,9 and this is really a shame, because Jenks10 is really getting a program in arts and11 music that's really worth it.12 Our school's operating budget13 is being decimated as a result and14 additional loss of personnel and15 infrastructure support. Maintaining the16 arts and music program for our17 middle-school students will become very18 difficult. Our clinic program also faces19 similar demise.20 It is easy to point out the21 devastating effects many of the22 District's proposed cuts would have at23 our School District. Judging from24 yesterday's hearing, I think the Council25 127 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 understands that full-day kindergarten2 and transportation are very important.3 But it's shocking that either of these4 cuts were ever put on the table.5 Transport is too basic, and we can't6 take -- and we really can't take7 kindergarten backwards. I was shocked to8 know that in Philadelphia, it's only been9 less than 20 years since we've had10 full-day kindergarten, and more and more11 research shows that once a student is in12 third grade, if they're not reading and13 writing properly by third grade, we're in14 trouble. So how can we take the15 kindergarten, right at a critical period,16 and even have that on the table at all is17 just mind-boggling to me. And I hope18 you'll work with the state to fix the19 problem.20 Thanks very much.21
Hi. My name is25 128 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 William Bess. I play violin for -- since2 I was in kindergarten, and I'm in sixth3 grade and I go to J.S. Jenks. Please4 don't cut our music program.5 (Applause.)6
Thank7 you. Very nice young man, very nice.8 Well done.9 Thank you all very much.10 Any questions?11 (No response.)12
Thank13 you.14 Gerald Wright, Rebecca Poyourow15 and Anne Pomerantz.16 (Witnesses approached witness17 table.)18
Thank19 you very much. Welcome. Identify20 yourself for the record and begin. Thank21 you.22
2 Good afternoon. I am Gerald3 Wright, a member of Parents United for4 Public Education and a parent of two5 daughters who attend School District of6 Philadelphia public schools. My fourth7 grade daughter attends John Story Jenks8 Elementary School, which you just heard9 about, and my ninth grade daughter10 attends Constitution High. 13 Jenks, through the strategic use of14 allotted of teachers and operation15 dollars, often referred to as16 discretionary money, has focused on music17 and art, because there's a connection18 between music, art and students19 performing better academically. 21 Constitution High is focused on22 history and government. 1 of them do, if not all of them. To do2 these projects, students must learn how3 to do research. They must learn the4 difference between primary and secondary5 sources. They learn what a thesis is,6 how to develop a thesis and how to7 support their thesis. 10 When I talk with the principals11 of Jenks and Constitution, Ms. Lynskey12 and Dr. Davidson, they talk about wanting13 their students to succeed in life and14 about providing an environment of high15 expectation. 1 focused as these local schools? Can the2 School District prioritize like these3 schools do with their meager budgets? 5 John Story Jenks and6 Constitution High principals and staff7 set priorities that help them help their8 students. Supporting the programs that9 work at the school level is the only10 School District of Philadelphia budget11 priority, or at least that's what it12 should be. 16 Why has the District cut17 full-day kindergarten but not vendor18 contracts or an expensive 18-day summer19 program that costs nearly as much? Why20 cut free yellow bus and SEPTA TransPasses21 for students? 1 the world in which they must compete,2 teachers and educational supports are the3 only things that matter. 7 If we fail to hold the School8 District accountable to stop doing9 business as usual, it is our children who10 will pay the price. 20 Further, I urge you to require21 the District to review all contracts and22 stop all new unproven initiatives. )7
My name is11 Rebecca Poyourow and I am a parent of a12 first grader in a Philadelphia public13 school and another in preschool. 17 In 2009, my husband lost his18 job. At the time, I had been staying19 home with our young children, and despite20 several terrifying months with no21 paychecks coming in, we were very22 fortunate in two respects. 11 Knowing that our son would be12 well educated and cared for and safe in13 his school environment was a lifeline for14 us at that time. 18 Along with many other parents19 at our school, my husband and I have20 tried to give back, volunteering when we21 can, but it's tough with our economic22 situation. However, good schools cannot23 succeed on volunteer efforts alone. 1 lose roughly one teacher per grade,2 generating huge class sizes of 30 or3 more. Our children will lose full-day4 kindergarten, their music teacher, their5 Spanish teacher, their assistant6 principal, programming for gifted and7 special needs students, funding for books8 and supplies, and transportation. 12 Across the City, neighborhood13 schools like Cook Wissahickon need your14 help in order to maintain what we've15 struggled so hard to achieve in the past16 few years. Our school was poorly17 attended by neighborhood children, but18 through hard work of the committed19 teachers and staff and families,20 enrollment has doubled. 3 In addition to the schools which are4 struggling which need our help, the ones5 that have kind of put it together need6 our help, too. Our school and schools7 like it across the City serve low-income8 families and working families and9 middle-class families, all of whom have10 interests in strong public schools, and11 we all need your help. 13 You have an interest in making this city14 a place where working families like mine15 can live and work and send their children16 to school, and that is why we call on you17 to increase the City's contribution to18 public education, to restore the19 percentage of property tax allocated to20 education, to employ careful oversight of21 the SRC and the School District and to22 make sure our kids have reasonable class23 sizes and full-day kindergarten. 1 unravel, then you will not only do a2 disservice to all of our kids, you will3 destabilize our neighborhoods and you4 will do harm to Philadelphia's tax base5 and its economic vitality. 7 So City Council members, we8 parents are paying attention, and our9 eyes are on you now to see what you will10 do. Even the people who are not in this11 room right now, our eyes are on you now,12 and we want to see what you will do for13 our children and for our city. )17
Good afternoon.21 My name is Anne Pomerantz. I'm a mother22 of school-age children, the President of23 the Powell Elementary School Home and24 School Association and a taxpayer.25 138 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I don't need to convince anyone2 in this room of the importance of3 investing in education, but what I do4 want to say is this: Deep cuts to5 education funding will not make the6 School District of Philadelphia more7 fiscally responsible. Only strong,8 ethically minded leadership at all levels9 and from all parties will accomplish10 this.11 At the same time, we know that12 even the most astute financial analyst13 cannot close a $629 million gap by14 shifting pots of money around. We need a15 more collaborative response. Right now,16 the $629 million question is, what will17 the City of Philadelphia do?18 The man who owns the property19 next door to me is a real estate20 developer. He owns a string of21 dilapidated properties across the City,22 including the one in West Philadelphia23 next to my house. He owes the City at24 least $250,000 in real estate taxes,25 139 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 along with countless fines for L&I2 infractions. This might seem like3 nothing when we're staring at the face of4 a $629 million deficit, but this money5 alone, this $250,000, would pay for two6 teachers and all the teaching assistants7 that are being cut from Powell Elementary8 School next year.9 Do you know what this real10 estate developer has to say about his tax11 bill? "So what. The City doesn't care.12 They're never going to make me pay."13 I voted for you as City Council14 members because you promised to rid15 Philadelphia of tax cheats and slumlords.16 You promised to make public education a17 priority. Please make good on these18 promises. Go after tax delinquents, find19 the money and use it to help us fund20 public education. Our children's future21 depends on your leadership and22 collaboration.23 Thank you.24 (Applause.)25 140 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank2 you very much.3 Any questions?4 (No response.)5
Thank6 you very much.7 Andrea Kitchens, Joel Zickler,8 Ilana Zion and Christine Brisson.9 (Witnesses approached witness10 table.)11 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:12 Mr. Levant and crew, you'll be next.13 Welcome. Ms. Kitchens?14
Please16 identify yourself for the record and then17 begin.18
Good afternoon,23 City Council and everyone that's present.24 My name is Andrea Kitchens. I am a25 141 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 parent of two who attend Samuel Powell2 Elementary School, a fourth grader and a3 second grader, as well as the Treasurer4 of the Home and School at Powell.5 My reason for standing before6 you today is on behalf of all the7 students of Philadelphia School District.8 I am a product of the Philadelphia School9 District and am proud to say that, but10 right now in my heart I don't feel the11 same for my two children. If the12 District doesn't stick by our children, I13 don't feel the same that's going to14 happen for them.15 As a Philadelphian, we don't16 like to hear anything negative about our17 city, but I'm for certain if kindergarten18 turns half day, transportation19 discontinued and losing teachers will be20 followed through, Philadelphia will be in21 a ton of turmoil.22 There is constant talk about23 how Philadelphia doesn't make AYP in24 certain schools. Unfortunately with all25 142 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the changes presented to us, our children2 are definitely set up to fail.3 I'm asking on behalf of my4 children, the students of Philadelphia5 and myself to help us to be very6 supportive in keeping our children the7 future in the best way possible.8 Thank you for your support.9
I take13 it Joel Zickler is not here; am I14 correct?15 (No response.)16
Thank you very much.19 My name is Ilana Zion and this is my20 daughter.21 Tell her your name.22 TARA: Tara.23
She is currently a24 student at Bright Futures program in25 143 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Houston Elementary and is going to be2 kindergartner this fall.3 I am very concerned that if you4 cut the full-day kindergarten program5 what her school program --6
I'm very concerned9 with what her program is going to look10 like if you cut the full-day program.11 She needs that program to be successful12 later in life with all the demands that13 are placed on our children in the higher14 grades.15 Please, I implore you to fund16 our schools, not our prisons.17 Thank you.18 (Applause.)19
Good afternoon,22 Councilwoman Blackwell and other23 Councilmembers who are here. My name is24 Christine Brisson. I am here because I'm25 144 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 a parent of a Philadelphia public school2 student. My son goes to Greenfield3 Elementary School. And I'm also4 representing the Home and School5 Association, as with the Powell School,6 because as a community, we are working7 together to see what we can do to improve8 the school situation.9 Like everyone else in this10 room, we are obviously appalled by the11 cuts to education that Governor Corbett12 has proposed, and we are working hard to13 sway opinion in Harrisburg to restore at14 least some of the funding. I myself have15 done phone banking, I've made phone16 calls, I've sent e-mails, and I'm not the17 only person from the Greenfield community18 who has done so. We are all trying to do19 that to try to sway Harrisburg.20 But at the same time, the City21 Council can't stand idly by while22 Harrisburg does that to our city schools.23 We need to not let republicans in24 Harrisburg get away with just stripping25 145 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 resources from the school and then saying2 that we can't replace them.3 The City -- so I'm here to say4 that we want to see City Council be part5 of the solution.6 I'm happy to hear people talk7 at this hearing and also to read in the8 newspapers that some Councilmembers and9 Mayor Nutter are in favor of restoring10 some of the money that has been cut. I11 share with a lot of the people here the12 priorities, full-day kindergarten, class13 size. Small class size is so important.14 My son's class last year in first grade15 started with 36 children, and you can16 only imagine how unmanageable that was,17 but when they cut it back to down to 22,18 they had a happy and productive year. So19 if we don't have enough funding to put20 enough teachers in the classrooms, we're21 looking at large class sizes all across22 the City.23 Art education, music education,24 gifted education, alternative education,25 146 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 these things are all important. I agree2 with the speaker before who said we3 shouldn't be pitting one priority against4 another. These things are all important,5 because we have a lot of kids to educate6 and a lot of ways we have to reach them7 where they're at. And, of course,8 transportation obviously is important,9 because if a kid can't get to school,10 then whatever you're doing there is not11 going to help them.12 So while Mayor Nutter has said13 he supports the funding, we know that14 actually it's City Council that has to15 actually make a budget and appropriate16 the funds. So we're here to say that now17 our eyes are on City Council. Greenfield18 parents vote. We're very politically19 active. We're watching.20 I want to let Bill Green know21 that we will be at the SRC meeting next22 week as well. We're watching them, too.23 We have no problem with holding them24 accountable for the money, but funding25 147 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 matters. So that's why we're here today.2 Thank you very much.3 (Applause.)4
Thank5 you very much.6 Any questions?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you.10 Next is Margie Salvante, Jill11 Wilson and Harry Levant, my friend Harry12 Levant, Home and School Association of13 Shawmont School.14 (Witnesses approached witness15 table.)16 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:17 Welcome.18 (Thank you.)19
My name is Jill23 Wilson. I'm a resident of Roxborough. I24 am a Vice-President of the Shawmont Home25 148 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and School Association, co-facilitator of2 the Shawmont School Council and I am the3 proud parent of Chase Wilson, a mentally4 gifted student at Shawmont Elementary5 School in Roxborough.6 Pennsylvania is one of only a7 few states that require schools to8 identify gifted students and provide them9 with an appropriate education. We, the10 citizens of this city and Commonwealth,11 are proud of that distinction, and we12 wish it to continue.13 Pennsylvania law defines14 mentally gifted as outstanding,15 intellectual and creative ability, the16 development of which requires specially17 designed programs or support services, or18 both, not ordinarily provided in the19 regular education program.20 Furthermore, gifted children21 are classified as children with22 exceptionalities who need specially23 designed instruction. And like all24 exceptional children, the gifted student25 149 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 possesses special characteristics that2 significantly affect that student's3 ability to learn.4 Gifted guidelines published by5 the Department of Education establish an6 overview of both acceptable and best7 practices, procedures and policies8 designed to meet the learning needs of9 gifted students which reflect, and I10 quote, "Pennsylvania's continuing11 commitment to provide educational12 services appropriate for mentally gifted13 students that are consistent with their14 individual needs, outstanding abilities15 and potential for performing at high16 levels of accomplishment." These are not17 my own words. These are words taken18 directly from the laws of this19 Commonwealth. If you erase these words20 from law, you will negatively impact the21 lives which you have been entrusted to22 protect.23 Our children are our future24 leaders. It is our duty to preserve this25 150 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 legacy.2 It is not the fault of our3 children that legislators when drafting4 the No Child Left Behind Act did not make5 provisions for the education of the6 academically gifted students. No Child7 Left Behind does not require any programs8 for gifted, talented and other9 high-performing students. It puts10 pressure on schools to guarantee that11 students only meet minimum skill levels,12 but children like mine who achieve at13 higher levels and benefit from mentally14 gifted programs are left with cuts to15 education that they need and deserve16 because lawmakers are only interested in17 rewarding the mandated minimum standards.18 The charge of Pennsylvania's19 Department of Education is to provide20 gifted students with quality, innovative,21 gifted education services and programs to22 meet the needs of gifted students. What23 happens to these promises?24 Shawmont's mentally gifted25 151 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 program is essential for exceptional2 children to achieve. Its gifted program3 provides the education that our children4 require and deserve, which enables them5 to reach their potential.6 I must mention my four-year-old7 son who is in jeopardy of not being able8 to reap the benefits of full-day9 kindergarten next year. My husband and I10 and all parents who are proponents of and11 have faith in quality public education12 need our tax dollars to work for us,13 supporting our children's right to public14 quality education. Quality education is15 invaluable. We do not want our children16 to languish for the sake of balancing the17 budget. You should not balance the18 budget on the backs of our children.19 Thank you.20 (Applause.)21
Good afternoon,24 Madam Chair, distinguished members of25 152 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Council. My name is Harry Levant. I am2 a parent of three at Shawmont Elementary3 School and a member of the Shawmont Home4 and School Executive Board. I am also a5 proud graduate of Philadelphia public6 school system.7 This is not my first budget8 rodeo. I have been watching this same9 song and dance for 40 years. To10 paraphrase and twist William Shakespeare,11 however, I am not here to bury City12 Council or the School District. Rather,13 I'm here to praise City Council and the14 School District for the courage both15 bodies are showing under these very, very16 unique times.17 A cold wind blew in from the18 right in November of 2010 in Harrisburg.19 Governor Corbett took over, the20 republicans took over the House and the21 Senate, and the cuts that have been22 proposed to public education across this23 Commonwealth, but most particularly in24 Philadelphia, should be described as25 153 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 nothing short of draconian. This body2 and the School District of Philadelphia3 have had the courage to stand up and tell4 the public what will happen if these5 budget cuts are implemented.6 No one wants half-day7 kindergarten. However, it's gotten the8 public's attention, and I applaud this9 body, I applaud Dr. Ackerman, Mr. Masch10 and their entire team for telling us the11 hard truth. And I am now here to12 publicly thank this body, which has a13 long history of being supportive of14 public education. And I'm urging the15 citizens of Philadelphia to understand16 that this body is stepping up at the last17 minute to do what needs to be done.18 I watched yesterday's hearings19 on television, every moment of them, and20 I heard Councilman Kenney and Councilman21 Jones talk about the disparity in the22 cuts to the five largest school districts23 from those to the five smallest and the24 five small most affluent.25 154 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I urge our Governor to go back2 and read the 1954 decision of Brown3 versus Board of Education, because4 separate but equal is not the law, and we5 are being absolutely unfairly punished6 because of the nature of our District,7 and I and other parents will stand with8 any member of this body --9 (Applause.)10
-- that seeks to11 file a lawsuit against the Commonwealth12 to adequately fund this District and13 every other urban district across the14 state.15 To give you an idea of the16 difference you're going to make, members17 of City Council, at Shawmont you will18 restore our full-day kindergarten. You19 will restore our bussing, where we have20 400 children from across the City who21 choose to come to Shawmont. They will22 not be able to come to our beautiful23 school if transportation cuts remain.24 Class size, over the last ten25 155 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 years class size has been reduced. Dr.2 Ackerman's programs are making a3 difference. Your money is making a4 difference. I respectfully disagree with5 Councilman Green. This is not the hour6 to begin parsing the budget. This is the7 hour to save our school system, and then8 once that is done, let's begin a dialogue9 about the differences, the changes that10 can be made over an extended period of11 time so we don't come back here. But12 right now, the citizens of Philadelphia13 should be applauding this body and14 thanking you for stepping up to save us15 from the draconian cuts that Harrisburg16 has attempted to shove down our throats.17 Thank you.18 (Applause.)19
For24 sure.25 156 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
5 I'd like to speak on behalf of6 the parents from the school from the7 perspective of one school. 16 Like my fellow parent, I am17 concerned about the gifted program at18 Shawmont. I am also extremely concerned19 about the music program at Shawmont. 4 The Shawmont School of5 Roxborough to all outside appearances may6 appear as a typical public City grade7 school, but in fact, in spite of the 6008 students, its old building, the typical9 inner City economic demographic of its10 community, Shawmont School stands as a11 model for excellence. Test scores12 consistently meet or exceed District13 goals. The rate of serious incidence14 among students is one of the lowest in15 the City. 9 Now, these are all great10 statistics, but they do not begin to11 measure the true value of the Shawmont12 School. 15 It is the kind of learning environment16 that all public schools aspire to, but17 few manage to attain, the kind of18 learning environment made possible by a19 visionary principal, strong teaching20 staff and a careful formula of academic21 and enrichment programming. 1 Shawmont School includes a strong2 full-day kindergarten program to start3 its students off right, a reduced class4 size initiative for the upper grades to5 ensure that they finish successfully, and6 adequate transportation allocation to7 assure diversity amongst them. 4 The budget cuts that threaten5 our kindergarten, transportation, reduced6 class sizes, gifted and music programs7 each threaten the core of our learning8 community. )17
Thank18 you very much. We know that you come19 every year to talk about Shawmont. Thank20 you.21 Thank you, Mr. Levant.22 David P. Hardy, Boys of Latin23 Charter School.24 (Witness approached witness25 161 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 table.)2 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:3 Welcome.4
Thank you,5 Councilwoman Blackwell. Thank you for6 having me. I'm here today to talk about7 Boys' Latin.8
11 Hardy. 18 When the SRC approved Boys'19 Latin of Philadelphia Charter in 2006, it20 did so with the understanding that we21 were embarking on a mission to serve a22 population with which the District had23 been largely unsuccessful. 4 We were pleased when the SRC5 Commissioners Archie and Irizarry and6 Mayor Michael Nutter chose to raise the7 issue of the alarming high school dropout8 rate for African American and Latino9 boys. They spoke for the need to10 decrease the staggering dropout rate as11 essential to the achievement of the12 District's long-term goals. The work of13 the Dropout Task Force was to be aligned14 with the District's strategic plan. One15 of the goals of that plan is quality16 choices. Another goal of the Task Force17 is to identify best practices. 3 What we ask for, in the most4 simple terms, is the ability to complete5 our model. We need a middle/high school6 model in order to allow us to reach a7 portion of our students earlier. If8 one-third or one-half of our incoming9 freshmen would come from our middle10 school, we would see students benefiting11 from greater gains in academic12 performance. 17 Boys' Latin, like similar18 schools that have opened in New York and19 Chicago, is focused solely on the needs20 of boys. Like those schools, it has21 employed a model that has worked for a22 quite a while. We are part of a larger23 community of boys schools. 1 for Boys observed, noting the opening of2 our school, that it would be stating the3 obvious to say that they believe in the4 benefits of single-sex college prep5 school with a dress code. 20 Plus one other indispensable21 feature, a feature with two sides. 1 support to make it work. The2 West/Southwest Philadelphia community3 needs and wants a bigger, better Boys'4 Latin. The action necessary by this5 District is simple: Make Boys' Latin a6 part of the initiatives of the Task Force7 for boys. 10
Thank11 you very much, Mr. Hardy.12 Let me say that we have been13 asking -- I met with Dr. Ackerman last14 week. I asked her again yesterday. We15 hope there's someone from the School16 District. We did ask that they remain17 here for issues such as this.18 We have seen and witnessed the19 job you've done. We've also seen you20 clear that land to be ready for your21 expansion, which you thought you would22 get, as did I. And so we are again23 asking the School District. I don't know24 who is here. We ask that you be here for25 167 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 issues like this. But we are supporting2 this expansion and we are waiting for our3 answer.4 Is there anyone here who would5 like to talk to David P. Hardy? We're6 asking you to do that, to take his7 statement back to Dr. Ackerman. Is there8 anyone here from the SRC? That's what we9 asked for yesterday.10 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I can11 take it back.12 Come with me, sir.13
Thank14 you very much.15 Thank you very much, Mr. Hardy.16 We are in total support of this17 expansion. Thank you.18 (Applause.)19 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:20 Natalia Salgado, Mary Goldman and Anthony21 Ingargiola.22 (Witnesses approached witness23 table.)24
Thank25 168 5/25/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you very much for your patience, and all2 who are still waiting here to testify, we3 thank you. Welcome.4
Good afternoon.5 I will be speaking for Natalia Salgado.6 Good afternoon, Madam Chair,7 members of Council.8
So9 you're telling me your name is not10 Natalia? I'm kidding.11
12 My name is George Ricchezza. I am the13 District Leader of Local 32BJ, District14 1201. We represent 6,500 school workers15 statewide and 3,000 in Philadelphia. 22 The vast majority of our Local23 32BJ members are female. They earn less24 than $28,000 per year. 1 group of employees who will find it2 difficult to find new employment if their3 jobs are eliminated. They are your4 constituents, and the vast majority live5 in Philadelphia. 12 In the transportation, the13 School District has proposed cutting 42914 routes, which would affect tens of15 thousands of students. Routes serving16 charter schools would not be cut. 20 Let me say, our drivers and bus21 attendants are the first people the22 children see in the morning and usually23 the last in the evening. 1 In the cleaning, our members2 clean the schools. , the schools are4 clean. The challenges they face daily5 are daunting - graffiti, vandalism, where6 are children are just not paying7 attention to the rules. They get the job8 done even if it requires them to stay9 late or work extra hours to complete the10 work of absent co-workers. 12 Let's be clear, we make no13 claim that the schools are perfect, but14 within the system designed by the School15 District, the system that the School16 District demanded, our members have more17 than met the challenge. 1 feet of space, plus an additional2 individual. So, for example, if a3 building had 100,000 square feet, there4 would be four cleaners assigned to the5 building. Has the staffing level been6 met? Absolutely not. On the contrary,7 if an individual retires or resigns or is8 terminated, the District's way of dealing9 with this issue is to simply not fill the10 position. To save money, the District11 has simply not filled the cleaning12 positions. 14 Although the number of15 buildings has not drastically changed,16 the number of employees has. In school17 years 2006-7, the District employed 52618 building engineers. 20 Today, 359. 21 Today we have 968. Part of this decline22 is due to privatization and charter23 schools. 2 In 2007, the number of3 employees in cleaning and maintenance was4 2,755, and now in 2011, the total number5 of employees is 1,647, a 40 percent6 reduction in five years. 9 While the District can boast10 that they are decreasing staffing to save11 millions of dollars, the lack of12 preventative and ongoing maintenance is13 not without cost. 15 Several years ago, the City Controller,16 Alan Butkovitz, under the City Charter,17 produced a report on the conditions of18 School District buildings. I must quote19 from the summary. 1 well-being of students, teachers and2 other support staff. Conditions found3 range from something as simple as missing4 doorknobs to as complex as structural5 problems, like fallen support beams,6 broken or inoperative toilets, vermin and7 insect infestation were noticed. "11 In Philadelphia, 32BJ members12 are committed to our city's children. As13 custodians, groundskeepers, bus drivers,14 mechanics and building engineers, these15 dedicated men and women make sure our16 schools are safe and clean learning17 environments. The School District has18 proposed cuts to their support staff19 budget and transportation unit in order20 fill their $629 million budget gap. 7 Philadelphia's classrooms will not just8 be more overcrowded, but could be less9 safe. Without funding for skilled,10 hardworking maintenance employees, our11 aging school buildings could slip into12 disrepair. 18 What kind of message are we19 sending our children when fewer school20 buses are running, and those that are on21 the street are poorly maintained? It is22 not the message that we should be23 sending. 3 The negative impacts of these4 cuts don't stop at the schools. Our5 communities can't afford to lose these6 jobs. )21