COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Friday, June 10, 20117 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR.11 COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE12 COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY13 COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER14 COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ15 COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR.16 COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO BILLS 110135, 110136, 110137, 110138, 110139,18 110140, 110477, 110478, 110479 RESOLUTION 11016119 - - -21 2
May2 we have order, please. I know we're3 running late. Thank you very much.4 This is a hearing of the5 Committee of the Whole, and I would ask6 Mr. McPherson to please read the number7 and titles of the bills that we will be8 considering.9 MR. McPHERSON: Bill No.10 110135, an ordinance to adopt a Capital11 Program for the six Fiscal Years 201212 through 2017 inclusive.13 Bill No. 110136, an ordinance14 to adopt a Fiscal 2012 Capital Budget.15 Bill No. 110137, an ordinance16 adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal17 Year 2012.18 Bill No. 110138, an ordinance19 amending Chapter 19-1500 of The20 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net21 Profits Tax," by revising certain taxes22 and making technical changes, all under23 certain terms and conditions.24 Bill No. 110139, an ordinance25 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 amending Chapter 19-1800 of The2 Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax3 Authorization," by amending Section4 19-1806.5 Bill No. 110140, an ordinance6 amending Section 19-1801 of The7 Philadelphia Code, entitled8 "Authorization of Tax," to further9 authorize the Board of Education of the10 School District of Philadelphia to impose11 a tax on real estate within the City of12 Philadelphia.13 Bill No. 110477, an ordinance14 amending Section 19-1801 of The15 Philadelphia Code, entitled16 "Authorization of Tax," further17 authorizing the Board of Education of the18 School District of Philadelphia to impose19 a tax on real estate within the City of20 Philadelphia, and providing for a tax21 rate; all under certain terms and22 conditions.23 Bill No. 110478, an ordinance24 amending Chapter 19-1800 of The25 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax2 Authorization," by adding a new Section3 19-1807, entitled "Authorization of4 Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax," under5 certain terms and conditions.6 Bill No. 110479, an ordinance7 amending Section 19-1301 of The8 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate9 Taxes," by revising the real estate tax,10 under certain terms and conditions.11 Resolution No. 110161,12 providing for the approval of the Council13 of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised14 Five Year Financial Plan for the City of15 Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 201216 through 2016. And today we will be17 concentrating testimony on Bill Nos.18 110477, 110478 and 110479, and our first19 witness is the School District of20 Philadelphia.21
I22 understand the Superintendent has to --23 she has another commitment, so we'd like24 to take her first.25 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1
Good morning,11 City Council President Anna Verna and12 City Council members. 20 To begin, I want to thank you21 for giving me and my staff the22 opportunity today to provide you with an23 update on how we're working to address24 our $629 million budget gap. 9 In addition, I want to thank10 Mayor Nutter's call for an Education11 Accountability Agreement and to say that12 we are grateful for the City's expressed13 concern and request for greater14 involvement. 1 requested by the Mayor. 7 Upon receipt of approval from8 the Pennsylvania State Department of Ed9 regarding the use of Title I funds, we10 are now planning to restore full-day11 kindergarten by redistributing Title I12 funding. 6 The ability to restore full-day7 kindergarten by redistributing Title I8 funds is good news. We've also, though,9 been working with SEPTA to arrive at a10 deal on student TransPasses. We are11 optimistic that we will be able to12 continue to provide our students with13 access to public transportation to and14 from school each day. 2 I want to reiterate that this3 School District has made consistent gains4 in the past eight years. 1 Please understand that the2 staff and I have agonized over these3 proposed cuts for months. We know that4 our children deserve the best educational5 opportunities possible if they are going6 to compete in tomorrow's world. It is7 with these thoughts in mind that we urge8 all of us - the District, City government9 officials and elected state10 representatives - to work together in11 true partnership. The truth is, members12 of City Council, the children of13 Philadelphia need you. They need you14 more than ever. 18 We realize that the decisions19 about how you grant us additional funding20 will require making tough choices, but21 Dr. 3 We are indeed in times of4 economic challenge, and we realize that5 any decision you make to grant this6 District additional funding will7 certainly involve controversy, but I want8 you to know that over 200,000 children9 and their families are counting on you to10 stand up for them while remembering the11 poignant words of Dr. 12 I could go on, but I won't. We13 all know the seriousness of these times14 for our District. As I said in my last15 address to you, a friend once told me16 that when children fail, it's a systems17 failure, a failure both inside and18 outside of the School District. 22 The budget cuts we face -- are23 faced with will do irreparable harm to24 many of our children. 1 plead with you to do no more harm by2 granting this District additional funds3 so that we can restore some of the most4 dire cuts. To this end, we, the School5 District of Philadelphia, respectfully6 request again from the City Council and7 the Mayor additional funding of 75 to 1008 million so that we can maintain some of9 the District's most important programs10 and initiatives. )18
Thank19 you.20 Mr. Archie, are you going to21 also testify?22
Very4 well.5 And, Mr. Masch, are you ready6 to testify?7
Madam President,8 the SRC Chair and the Superintendent have9 asked me to put on the record what the10 highest restoration priorities of the11 School District are and what our12 estimates of their costs are so it will13 be clear to this body and to the citizens14 of Philadelphia what cuts to the budget15 we could restore with additional funding.16 The Superintendent has already17 testified as to how we've managed since18 we were here last on May 24th to find a19 way to restore full-day kindergarten by20 making other cuts in Title I and through21 the loan arrangements we are negotiating22 with SEPTA. This still leaves us with23 deep and serious cuts to instructional24 programs and student services elsewhere25 14 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 in the budget. We believe that we have2 reached the limit of the adjustments that3 we can make to the Title I budget and4 that we have cut as deeply as we5 prudently can in other areas of our6 operating budget without violating state7 and federal laws, without jeopardizing8 our ability to function as an entity or9 putting our most critical educational10 priorities at risk.11 When we appeared before you in12 May, we provided you with a priority list13 of the cuts in the current School14 District budget that we believe do the15 greatest harm to our instructional16 programs. These cuts still need to be17 addressed. Without additional funding,18 they will have to be implemented, and19 they include, first, bus transportation20 for regular education students --21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 Excuse me. Mr. Masch, do you have a copy23 of your testimony?24
Yes. I'm sorry. I25 15 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 didn't realize that it hadn't been -- can2 I ask that the...3 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:4 Sergeant-At-Arms will distribute them.5
I apologize, Madam6 President. Please tell me when you want7 me to proceed.8
Thank you,16 Madam Chair. Just maybe Mr. Masch could17 tell us. Is this reflective of the18 charts that you gave us yesterday and19 that were handed out in connection with20 Mr. Archie's letter to the Mayor21 yesterday or is this a different set of22 priorities?23
This is the same as24 the priority list that we reviewed25 16 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 yesterday, that's correct.2
It's the6 same that you came into our meeting with7 yesterday?8
Yes. And we've9 tried in these comments to reflect some10 of the discussion that we've had, for11 instance, on alternative education.12
3 The second priority item is4 reduced class sizes. Without 21 million5 in additional funding, the School6 District will be required to increase the7 maximum class size by three students on8 average in every K to 3 classroom in the9 School District and in every 6th, 8th and10 9th grade classroom in our lowest11 performing schools. 618 million. 6 million in additional20 funding -- the School District will be21 unable to preserve contractor-provided22 accelerated programs as we -- in the23 alternative alternative education plan24 that we've presented to you. 1 funding would provide for over 1,2002 students in contractor-provided programs,3 assuming that we are unable to negotiate4 a reduction in the cost of operating5 those programs. 6 million14 would provide for 1,200 students. Futures program that the School District2 operates. City services supported5 currently by the School District budget:6 Without at least $11 million in7 additional funding, the School District8 will be unable to continue to support9 City-related activities currently10 included in the School District's budget,11 including school-based social services,12 property tax assessment, City use of13 District facilities for City recreational14 programs and other services. 16 School nurses: Without 317 million in additional funding, the School18 District will have to eliminate 41 school19 nurse positions and raise the ratio of20 nurses to students from where it is now,21 655 to 1, to 750 to 1. 1 School District will be required to2 eliminate its current after-school3 tutoring programs for 11,500 students4 that keep those students from falling5 behind in critical subjects. 68 million in additional funding,9 counselor-student ratios will have to go10 to 400 to 1. million in additional14 funding, the School District will be15 unable to provide K to schools with16 sufficient funds to support art and music17 program offerings in all grades in all18 schools. 1 There are also cuts to gifted programs,2 school police, instrumental music,3 English language learner programs,4 special education, athletics and more,5 all of which will deny critical services6 to our students and our schools. But you7 have asked us to set forth our highest8 priorities for restoration. 15 We want to note that despite16 inaccurate claims from some of our17 critics, School District spending has not18 been growing at inappropriate levels in19 recent years. 1 growth in the balance of the budget was2 actually lower than the 4 percent. The3 School District has had a balanced budget4 for three years and we have had modest5 surpluses for the past two. We were6 fortunate to receive additional stimulus7 funding over the past two years. These8 funds, which we knew were temporary and9 which could not be banked or saved,10 enabled us to invest in some very11 worthwhile programs that helped our12 students and contributed to our academic13 gains over the past two years. 16 Our budget crisis today has not17 been caused by the loss of stimulus funds18 and it has not been caused by excessive19 spending. Our crisis is a funding20 crisis. At present, unless this Council21 and the Pennsylvania General Assembly22 take some corrective action, our School23 District's revenues will decline next24 year by 15 percent, $400 million. 1 loss of funding from one year to the next2 is unprecedented. 4 The key point we want to make5 is that the School District was not6 caught unawares. We anticipated this7 budget gap. 2 But the School District, as you3 know, is legally obligated to maintain a4 balanced budget. If our funding is cut,5 our spending must be cut as well. 16 We have closed a significant17 portion of our budget gap in ways that18 did not adversely affect students and19 instructional programs, but given the20 size of our gap, we could not get all the21 way there without having to propose cuts22 that are deeper than they should be in23 many areas. 5
Thank6 you.7 The Chair recognizes Councilman8 Goode.9
Thank you,10 Madam President.11 Let me start off where I12 finished before. So how much money do13 you really want? You presented us with14 options, several options here. So what15 are you really asking for?16
But the 7519 to 110 million was for four items. You20 now have, I believe, nine items. So the21 list has changed.22
Councilman, this23 was exactly the same list we provided to24 you on May 24th. With what we have been25 26 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 able to do with full-day kindergarten and2 student TransPasses --3
That's not4 true. I'm just going to stop you and I'm5 actually not going to direct my questions6 towards you today. Okay?7 To Chairman Archie and to Dr.8 Ackerman, let's talk about the Education9 Accountability Agreement. That agreement10 was between the Education Secretary, the11 Mayor and the School Reform Commission,12 none of which can approve funding at this13 point. That requires lawmakers, the14 state and local level. I am not clear on15 whether this list is a different list or16 not. I believe it to be a different17 list, because we discussed 75 to 11018 million for four items, one being19 full-day kindergarten, another being20 smaller class size, accelerated schools21 and transportation. There are a lot more22 things on this list, a couple taken off23 and then a number of things added. Is24 that correct?25 27 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1
Actually, when2 we were here before, we had a list of, I3 believe, $180 million.4
But I asked5 you to narrow it down, and you narrowed6 it down to four items that cost $75 to7 $110 million. We then took a couple of8 those items off the list. There have9 been other items added to the list. The10 list has expanded. I'm asking, is that11 correct?12
I'm going to17 ask his Administration that question when18 they come up, because the Mayor made a19 different request from us, both publicly20 through a letter and privately through21 conversations he's had with us. But in22 terms of the School Reform Commission23 itself and where we stand in terms of24 educational accountability and where we25 28 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 move forward, if this is a new vision, if2 this is a new partnership, I'm wondering3 how far it's going to go. So I have four4 questions, and the way you answer these5 four questions will determine how I will6 vote in terms of how much money you will7 get.8 The first is, do you support9 the concept of an elected School Board?10
I'm talking13 to anyone who wants to answer the14 question.15
That's all I16 worked with before I came here, was17 elected School Boards, so...18
Do you22 support control of the School District23 returning to the City?24
Do you2 support control of the School District3 going back to the City?4
I know that5 current legislation which enacted the6 School Reform Commission, when in fact7 there is -- the School Reform Commission8 has the ability, once it determined that9 the School District is fiscally sound, to10 vote itself out of existence. So in the11 event that occurs, we would have no12 choice but to say, yes, we're in favor of13 that returning back to the nine-member14 School Board.15 We determine whether or not the16 School District has been fiscally sound.17 It was instituted in 1999 or 2001, the18 School Reform Commission, because the19 School District was determined by the20 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be a21 distressed school district, and22 consequently the School Reform Commission23 was imposed.24
It was25 30 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 distressed. Four years ago it was facing2 financial distress again.3
We made a5 millage shift, and in the time since6 then, there have been balanced budgets7 and even surpluses, so --8
So it could11 have been returned back to the City then.12 So the question is, do you support13 returning control back to the City?14 That's the second of four questions.15
Okay. I'll18 move to the third question. Who should19 have taxing authority?20
Who should23 have taxing authority to provide funds to24 the School District? Should the School25 31 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 Reform Commission have taxing authority?2
I mean, I'm not3 sure if -- in other jurisdictions, the4 school board does have -- the school5 district does have taxing authorities.6 I'd have to look at that, Councilman, to7 see whether or not that's been successful8 or unsuccessful.9
So the last10 question is, what should City Council's11 role be in public education?12
Under the current13 structure is that you grant us the14 ability to impose taxes. You in fact15 impose taxes to fund the School District.16 That's the role it has been historically17 in place.18
Well, no. Your24 role is to basically to participate in25 32 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 the governance, making suggestions to the2 School District, pointing out our success3 or failures and how to basically to4 transform the School District. You have5 an oversight.6
We're not7 part of the Accountability Agreement,8 though.9
Yes, but the10 Accountability Agreement envisions that11 you would play an active role in it.12
So I believe13 that there were four items on the table14 last time we met and there were new items15 that have been put on the table. Who16 decided new items would be put on the17 table?18
I think there were19 more than just four items on the table at20 that time, but we were --21
-- when you25 33 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 first came in. You reduced that list to2 four items.3
I think we4 prioritized that list. We didn't reduce5 that list. We said these are the four6 items that we consider of top priority.7
You've8 answered the questions to my9 satisfaction. I understand exactly what10 you're saying, that you want as much11 money as you can get.12 Thank you.13 (Applause.)14
Thank15 you.16 The Chair recognizes Councilman17 Jones.18
As we start23 to move this forward, I think one of the24 big issues is the irony I had this25 34 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 morning, I helped my granddaughter on her2 way to her first graduation from a public3 charter school. I also had the4 responsibility of taking a look at and5 being the judge for an art program at6 Lamberton School, and the irony of it is7 is that the art teacher who helped the8 students design the banners that are9 going to go on Haverford Avenue in my10 district received their notice that she11 won't be there next year.12 It is my understanding that13 we're making serious choices about14 whether or not to have art or music.15 We're making serious choices about the16 priorities. I watched my colleagues17 yesterday struggle, I mean struggle,18 literally about tough decisions that they19 have to make. Clearly, what we want to20 know is out of these choices, which ones21 are you prioritizing and which ones are22 you saying that we can live without.23 We struggled privately in some24 of those choices about compromise. I25 35 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 think it's time by way of the public to2 know these are the types of tough choices3 that we're making and here's where we4 make our stand. And so from you, I want5 some of the things that are the line in6 the sand, things we can live with, things7 we can live without. And some of those8 issues are how we administer summer9 school and how we deal with alternative10 schools.11 So I think we need to clearly12 start to begin that dialogue here so that13 at the end of the day, this body, as14 Councilman Goode alluded to, is going to15 be asked to do some of the heavy lifting,16 and some of my colleagues are going to17 have to go out and face their18 constituents about whether they choose to19 do real estate, sugar tax or combination20 of all of the above. So we really need21 to know what we are fighting about and22 for and where you stand by way of what23 those priorities are.24
Councilman, we25 36 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 have put together this list of2 priorities. There were other lists,3 180 -- even more than that. We had more4 than $400 million worth of cuts. What5 we've put on this list are the items that6 we have heard either from you, members of7 Council, parents, who have been really8 clear of the kinds of programs that they9 have drawn the line in the sand, and the10 kinds of things that we believe will11 continue this District's positive trend12 upwards. We do not want to go backwards.13 So what we've put with the $10214 million is the absolute what we believe15 we need, what we've heard from the16 Councilmembers, what we've heard from the17 Mayor and, more than anything, what we've18 heard from parents. We've been in the19 public now for the last three months and20 we've had 18 different hearings, and21 parents have been really clear about22 things like reduced class sizes, school23 nurses, early childhood education. So24 what you have is a composite of the25 37 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 listening sessions from you, the bigger2 public, more importantly the parents and3 what we as educators believe we4 absolutely need.5 Actually, if we were to look at6 the list of things that have been cut, I7 can name you other things that I think if8 we put back on the table are essential,9 but here we've given you our best10 thinking here.11
All right.12 So at the end of this day when we have to13 consider this, and I'll repeat my14 colleague Councilman Goode's question,15 what are you asking us for totally?16
That's what19 you say is the line in the sand? It's20 not the 125 million, it's the $10221 million and that is what --22
All right.25 38 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 Thank you, Madam President.2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 You're welcome.4 The Chair recognizes5 Councilwoman Blackwell.6
Thank7 you, Madam President.8 I would like to introduce the9 Minister of Education of Monrovia,10 Liberia who is with us today. They're on11 a weekend visit with Stan Straughter,12 Chairman of the Mayor's Commission of13 African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs,14 and our group, and they will be part of15 the Odunde celebration.16 Certainly Minister Pangbai is17 here, and we ask him to stand and be18 recognized to --19 (Applause.)20
-- to21 consider our deliberations. And we will,22 as in other hearings, Dr. Ackerman, ask23 you to introduce the other members of the24 SRC, if you would.25 39 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 Thank you.2
We have all four4 of our Commissioners - Commissioner5 Dworetzky, Commissioner Armbrister and6 Commissioner Irizarry. I'm sorry. Not7 in that order, but definitely goes this8 way.9
Can13 you tell us what the average class size14 is today?15
The average16 class size varies. In our empowerment17 schools -- those are our 110 schools that18 are our lowest performing schools. This19 year there are 110. There will be fewer20 next year. That's one of the cuts that21 we made. The average class size is22 anywhere between 23 and 20 students per23 class.24
And25 40 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 you want that -- you're hoping to reduce2 that?3
I6 heard reduced class sizes. So what class7 sizes are --8
Well, our class9 sizes vary. We have from in our10 empowerment schools, because those are11 the schools with young people with the12 most challenges, is anywhere between 2013 and 23. In our traditional schools, it's14 anywhere between 24 to 26. In grades 615 to 7 and 8 and 9, I believe -- 6, 8 and 916 in empowerment schools, it is 20 to 23.17
But next year's18 budget would raise all of those.19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 Mr. Masch, I can't hear you.21
He was just22 repeating what I said to you, that next23 year -- we're trying to maintain these24 class sizes for next year.25 41 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1
I2 know that we have heard that you were3 thinking of consolidating schools. Can4 you tell us what that process will be and5 when do you anticipate it to be6 completed?7
I'm going to let8 Dr. Nunery talk about the process and9 what we've done with our Master10 Facilities Plan. We anticipate that it11 will be a two-year process and there are,12 I believe, about 40 to 50 schools that13 are under consideration, but I'm going to14 let him talk more explicitly about the15 Master Facilities Plan.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 Please.18
The process we've23 gone through thus far is to gather24 information about all of the schools, the25 42 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 facilities' conditions, to determine what2 kind of deferred maintenance it would be,3 how well utilized those buildings are,4 how full they are or not full, depending5 on the circumstance. We've looked at all6 of our annexes.7 Based on what we've learned and8 going out to the public and finding out9 what their priorities are in terms of10 programming and what other types of11 facilities enhancements they would like,12 we've determined a three-phased process.13 The first phase is underway. We're14 looking at those buildings that have15 already been closed and have been16 shuddered for some time. Based on the17 SRC's actions that we expect will come18 through on Monday, we'll have those19 buildings appraised, and then they'll be20 represented by brokers for sale.21 We hope to be able to use that22 momentum to go into the fall and look at23 the remaining buildings that we've24 examined that are underutilized or have25 43 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 poor facilities conditions.2 We have a number of options3 that we can pursue - consolidating some4 buildings, changing grade configurations,5 looking at neighborhood or boundary6 changes based on the catchment areas of7 the school, closure of some buildings,8 removal of annexes and trying to get out9 of expensive leases. So what we've been10 presenting all along is that range of11 options. That will start in the fall.12 The first wave of schools would likely be13 affected in the spring of next year, and14 then the second wave would start in fall15 a year from now, so that you'd have a16 two-year process beginning with this fall17 of '11.18
You19 certainly can't list them at this point20 in time?21
No. No, we can't.22 I don't have them right in front of me23 anyway, but we'd certainly be glad to24 come back to Council to give you a sense25 44 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 of what information we've collected,2 certainly.3 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:4 That's fine. Thank you.5 Now, how many schools have been6 closed for some time? Have you had an7 appraisal taken? Do you intend to sell8 them? Give us an update on that, please.9
There are six10 buildings that had already been closed.11 They've been shuddered. The process is12 to have them appraised. That's exactly13 what I was referring to. The SRC is14 going to hopefully approve a resolution15 to get those appraisers in to have them16 looked at for educational use or some17 type of other reuse. Hopefully they will18 be sold, or some other repurposing,19 depending on who shows up. In a20 difficult marketplace, it's hard to21 predict exactly what will happen. But22 that's the process for right now. That's23 what we're dealing with right now.24
When25 45 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 do you think that would be completed?2 Because I know I have a vacant school in3 my district.4
And6 there have been developers who have been7 saying why doesn't the School District8 put out an RFP on this. I don't know why9 it's taking so long to go through this10 process.11
So, Madam12 President, the problem I think in the13 past was, there was no plan, and actually14 under Dr. Ackerman, this Facilities15 Master Plan finally has taken root. So16 they will be seeing RFPs issued by our17 offices very soon for their interest in18 either private development or educational19 use or community development use. We've20 got a tiering of potential uses.21 So we're sorry that it's taken22 so long to get that done, but I think23 instead of single one-by-one actions --24
They25 46 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 would be all done at one time.2
That5 makes sense.6 Councilwoman Blackwell is7 saying you indicated this would be very8 soon. Does that mean it would be done by9 fall?10
Absolutely. In11 fact, during the summer, this is when the12 RFPs will be going out. The appraisals13 will begin very soon, within the next14 couple of weeks, if not sooner than that.15 So we'll have some good information on16 what the potential market values are.17 And then we'll go out to the public with18 RFPs so that they'll have a chance to19 indicate what their interests are in20 particular buildings. That's right.21
So at22 this point in time, you have no23 indication whatsoever as to what those24 six buildings would sell for?25 47 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1
That's correct. I2 think it would be a real speculation to3 do that, and we don't want to do that.4
Thank5 you.6 The Chair recognizes Councilman7 Green.8
Thank you,9 Madam Chair.10 I just want to make a comment11 briefly about the testimony. I was12 surprised that a lot of time was spent13 discussing how we got here and how14 essentially the School District has no15 accountability, it's not their fault16 that -- it's not at all their fault for17 the situation we're in today, and I just18 think that that strikes the wrong tone.19 It's a debate we've been having for two20 weeks, but at this point, especially21 given the, I thought, very positive22 meeting we had yesterday, I don't23 think -- we should stop wasting time on24 how we got here. The story has been25 48 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 told. People have different versions of2 it, and it seems rather pointless to3 spend time on it.4 I am exercising great restraint5 and am very proud of myself for not6 getting into that discussion. So let's7 talk about the events of the past three8 weeks.9 It's also surprising to hear10 testimony that the District is very11 similar to the testimony we heard three12 weeks ago. Over the past three weeks, in13 the past at the suggestion of Council in14 part, the District demonstrated15 successful problem-solving. First, the16 District determined how to preserve17 full-day kindergarten by repurposing18 Title I funds. Yesterday afternoon you19 reviewed with several Councilmembers how20 the Title I funds were being reallocated,21 and I think most, if not all of us, came22 away from the meeting impressed by the23 choices made and generally supportive of24 the changes.25 49 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 Second, the District has worked2 with SEPTA to put in place a mechanism3 for preserving the student TransPass4 program. Again, this shows a5 collaborative, which we discussed during6 the initial School District hearings, a7 collaborative problem-solving,8 working-together approach.9 The problem is now that we seem10 to be hearing from the District today11 something that I think was different from12 the impression we got in the room13 yesterday, and, that is, the universe of14 problem-solving has been exhausted and15 this is the bottom line. I don't share16 this pessimism. I think that there's17 additional problem-solving that we can18 do. And yesterday, for instance, we19 asked the District for specific data to20 help us solve some of these problems, and21 so I guess I'll start with some of that.22 For example, yesterday one of23 the questions I asked is, with respect to24 class size, how much it would cost to25 50 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 keep class size the same for only2 empowerment schools.3 I can't imagine anybody is4 surprised by these questions.5
We're not surprised6 by it, and we agree that for this and7 the -- there is a list of questions that8 we received yesterday. We will give you9 detailed answers to those. We don't want10 to enter a number on the record that is11 incorrect, and we haven't finished the12 analysis yet.13
I14 understand, but it goes to the choices15 that we have to make in terms of how much16 resources to provide you, and some of us17 may completely agree that -- and I know18 some of us do -- that we have to reduce19 class sizes completely and provide the20 entire 16 million for K through 3.21 Others of us think we have to make22 choices even in that field in regard, and23 it's hard for me to sit here and even24 have a debate about providing additional25 51 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 resources when I don't know how much I2 would want to provide given the answers3 to some of the questions that we had4 yesterday.5 If you just take a few of the6 items here so -- that's reduced class7 sizes, but we also asked what would be8 the average class size if we were to9 provide 8 million instead of 16 million10 for K through 3, for example. And I11 would like the answer to that question.12 Obviously the school could choose where13 to put those resources. So some schools14 where children are doing very well15 wouldn't have decreased class sizes,16 other schools would, but you'd be making17 a choice that is $8 million instead of18 $16 million.19 We also discussed -- I do have20 a question about City services supported21 by the School District. If we make the22 assumption, which is currently my23 position, that the resources should come24 from the City side and not by providing25 52 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 the School District with its own taxing2 authority for any particular tax or by3 allowing an increase in millage on the4 School District side so that we can5 continue to maintain accountability, if6 the money is coming from the City, why7 does the School District want to keep in8 its budget the $11 million related to9 support City services? I mean, if we're10 providing the money anyway, do you for11 some reason want this as a line item in12 your budget?13
No. Councilman, we14 want to be clear. We agree with the15 position that you've taken. What we16 wanted to make clear for the record is,17 there is no funding in the School18 District budget to provide for these19 services. So one way or another, they20 will have to be funded, and right now21 they are, to my knowledge, not in the22 City budget nor in the School District23 budget. So right now we have a $924 million school-based social service25 53 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 program and it was expanded during the2 stimulus. To maintain even a program at3 half the size for four and a half million4 would require additional funding. That5 funding had been in the City's budget6 until two years ago, and the City had7 directly run that program. In the past8 two years, the School District has9 undertaken the burden of taking on the10 program. We don't have a problem with it11 reverting back to being a City-operated12 program.13
And, again, we want16 to make clear for the record, if there is17 no additional funding provided, it's not18 in our budget anymore, so the program19 would be ended.20
Okay. So we21 discussed summer schools yesterday, and22 you were going to provide data on how23 many children attended for 16 days or24 more. Do you have that data? In other25 54 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 words, the SLAM program report said that2 there was great improvement among3 students who attended 16 days or more,4 but it said the only statistic about5 attendance was that 40,000 students6 attended five days or more. And so we7 were going to look at that as a potential8 area for savings.9
The other12 thing we discussed is what would be the13 cost of just providing summer school for14 students who need it to -- essentially15 for credit recovery so that they can move16 on to the next grade as opposed to the17 SLAM program in its entirety. Do you18 have that data?19
I don't think --20 she's trying to get it. We don't know if21 it's here today or not. She's coming up.22 I'd like to, though, talk about23 what we talked about in the room just as24 we were talking about accelerated25 55 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 schools. Last year, in the first year2 for some of the providers, last year was3 the first year that we had all-day summer4 school for as many children as we did.5 The research is clear that -- and we6 believe it's part of the reason we have7 had accelerated achievement and improved8 progress, academic progress, with young9 people.10 The research is clear that11 those young people who are engaged in12 learning over the summer do not regress13 backwards. But young people who take14 summer school for catching up, then15 you're still -- at that point, you're not16 going to improve or accelerate the growth17 for all children. You're just trying to18 help those kids who are already behind19 stay sort of at a level playing field.20 What we're trying to do in this21 district is, we have outlined in Imagine22 '24, is to see dramatic progress as we've23 seen over the last few years, not just24 steady progress. Because we know that if25 56 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 we don't show dramatic progress, it will2 take this District and this City until3 the year 2123 to get all of our children4 to grade level. I'm not willing at this5 point -- this is one of those things that6 I say is an essential for getting these7 young people, all of these young people,8 closing this gap, is giving these young9 people who don't have the opportunity for10 summer learning an opportunity, not just11 for those kids who are behind, because12 usually the children who are failing are13 already behind, so they still don't catch14 up in summer school. So this is one of15 those --16
I'm19 sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman20 Kenney for a point of information.21
Excuse me.22 I apologize for not being at that meeting23 yesterday. I had a prior commitment.24 Councilman Green raised the issue of25 57 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 summer SLAM. Could you please explain to2 me what it is?3
Last year it was7 22 days. It was all day, and it was for8 any young person whether they had failed9 a class or not, whether they were on10 grade level or whether they were trying11 to advance.12
I'm sorry.17 When you fail a class, you have to take18 it in summer school. You're not talking19 about that?20
No. We're not21 talking just about that. That's what22 we've had in the past, and it was for23 young people who failed in high school to24 make up a class. But what we had as a25 58 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 result of last year's summer SLAM was 7002 young people who were able not only to3 take classes that they failed but to4 catch up, get ahead and graduate.5
It cost8 approximately 39 million, and we've cut9 it this year to 23 million.10
I guess --11 again, I'm sorry to interrupt Councilman12 Green's line of questioning, but I guess13 it begs the question from me why 21 days14 at 24 million is more important than 18015 days of smaller class size. Because if16 you --17 (Applause.)18
And I'm not19 in any way discounting the progress20 that's made at these specially enhanced21 programs, but if I have a $21 million22 cut, which increases class sizes for 18023 days during the school year, and a24 program that enhances kids' opportunities25 59 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 for 21 days in the summer, for me it's a2 no-brainer. I want to keep the class3 size.4
No, no, no.7 We all want to keep the class size, but8 if I can't sacrifice the 24 million for9 21 days as opposed to reduced class size10 for 180 days, how do I justify that?11 I mean, I would love to have12 three months of enhanced summer programs,13 but I also would not like to have 18014 days of increased class size in K to 3.15 So how does that balance?16
Well, I don't --17 for me, I'm not saying that class size is18 less important. You haven't heard me say19 that, and I won't say that, than summer20 school. I'm giving you an argument for21 summer school. But I guess we can22 debate, because I would say that the more23 we do to give these young people the24 opportunity they need and a strong25 60 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 foundation for them while they're in the2 pre-K through 12th grade, the fewer3 dollars we will need --4
But I'm now7 talking about for me, we are trying to8 keep them -- we're about to spend $219 million for accelerated schools. I10 understand. That's how we got here,11 because we didn't have these kind of12 programs in place.13
But14 hypothetically if you don't get the tax15 revenue for the 21 million in class size,16 are you going to -- you would rather17 increase the class size for 180 days than18 get rid of the 21-day program?19
No. That was22 never -- I was just answering the23 question.24
So25 61 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 hypothetically --2
-- if no5 one wants to vote for the sugar tax and6 real estate tax and you don't get this7 $21 million for class size, then there's8 a possibility you'll take the 24 million9 from the summer SLAM and keep the class10 size what it is? I'm not asking -- is it11 possible, or would you go ahead and12 reduce class size regardless?13
No. I mean, we14 certainly would -- if we had to make a15 choice and we didn't get this money or16 any of the other monies, we would have to17 make then even fewer -- I mean, we'd have18 fewer choices. I certainly -- we have on19 our list as, I think, the second most20 important thing class sizes. So I21 guess -- I'm not trying to argue for22 increased class sizes. I was trying to23 make an argument for summer school.24
But summer25 62 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 SLAM and the 24 million is not on the2 list for a possible cut. It's not a3 priority list of cuts. So it's not being4 intended to be cut.5
Excuse me.6 Because it's in this year's budget for7 this year, we've already allocated those8 dollars.9
Well, first of all,14 we cut the program 24 million already.15 The other funding is --16
Excuse me.17 You cut it to 24 million. You didn't cut18 it 24 million, did you?19
Mr. Masch21 just said we cut the program 24 million22 already. You cut it to 24 million.23
We cut it to 2424 million.25 63 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1
Again, it2 was a very long point of information. I3 apologize, Councilman Green's line of4 questioning, but I still don't understand5 what the priorities are when there's 1806 days of increased class size on the table7 as opposed to a 21-day cut of an enhanced8 summer program, and the enhanced summer9 program is not on the cut list but the10 increased class size is. That's really11 my concern.12
Actually, we did16 preserve cuts even for class sizes. We17 did not take them to where they were two18 years ago.19
Again, I20 don't want to argue with you about it,21 because it's on the list. It's $2122 million and increased class size, which I23 think -- and I'm not an educator or24 professional, but it would seem to me25 64 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 that the increased class size is much2 more detrimental to the long-term3 advancement of these children than a4 21-day summer enhancement program.5
No. I agree9 with you. Also, can I say something10 else, though? It's $12 million that's on11 the table. It's not 21 million. The12 rest of it is specifically grant money13 being used for that, and you cannot use14 those for lowering class sizes.15
So then why16 is the 21 million -- you know what, I'll17 go back. I apologize.18
I22 know I was following your line of23 questioning. I just don't know what the24 answer is at this point. Do you?25 65 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1
Thank you,7 Madam Chair.8 Thank you, Councilman Kenney.9 I appreciate everything you just said and10 you, frankly, covered the points that I11 was --12
No, no.15 That's fine -- that I was going to cover.16 I think there's a couple things. It's17 only 18 days, and the data that the18 School District has in their SLAM report19 says students who have attended 16 days20 or more show progress. We don't know the21 number of students that attended those22 number of days even, and so the only23 statistic we have is 40,000 appointed in24 five days.25 66 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 So I'm not even having a policy2 debate on this issue. I think what the3 School District just heard loud and clear4 is that at least from Councilman Kenney's5 perspective -- well, I'll speak for6 myself. At least from my perspective, I7 agree with everything Councilman Kenney8 just said, so I won't belabor it.9
And so from12 my perspective, I'm not willing to13 provide additional resources for $2114 million of SLAM as opposed to smaller15 class sizes. So, I mean, I think from my16 perspective, that reduces -- your ask17 list is reduced by 21 million simply18 because I think you're making a bad19 choice.20 I will yield, Madam Chair. I21 have to --22
Well, we will23 still have to have summer school for24 19,000 children who are failing at a cost25 67 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 of 13 million at least.2
Somebody gave5 them to me from the back. I don't have6 all of those numbers in my head.7 Somebody had to give them to me, sir.8
At a cost of11 approximately $13 million. If we just12 have it for summer school for failing13 students, 19,000, will cost approximately14 $13 million. That was one of the first15 questions you asked. Somebody had to get16 that information and bring it here.17
No. I18 appreciate that. So is that the same19 number of schools being open that were20 going to be open for the SLAM program?21
It would be25 68 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1 consolidating some of the school sites.2
And how much3 did summer school for those students cost4 before there was a SLAM program?5
About $136 million. So what we've done is expanded7 it another seven to include another8 20,000 children.9
Okay. So10 that's a savings compared to your11 proposal of about $11 million, $1212 million?13
About 9. I'm14 sorry. It's 13 million, so it's $815 million.16
Okay. Thank17 you very much.18 The promise academy spending,19 what is the total promise academy20 spending?21
Twenty-seven22 million dollars in increments to the23 budgets of the promise academy schools is24 what we estimate for next year.25 69 6/10/11 - WHOLE - 110135, ETC.1
I think we have4 that here. Hold on.5 We're going to have our budget6 staff see if we have that here. We do7 have that schedule, but we can take some8 other questions and then we'll enter it9 in the record once we have it.10