COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, May 24, 20117 10:25 a.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 CURTIS JONES, JR.13 COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER14 COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ15 COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO16 BILLS 110135, 110136, 110137, 110138, 110139 and 11014018 RESOLUTION 110161 - - -20 2
Good2 morning. Let me thank everyone for3 coming here today. We're grateful to4 have the Superintendent/CEO of the5 Philadelphia school system, members of6 her Board that we will ask -- who are in7 her office -- we will ask her to8 introduce. We welcome them all. We9 welcome the PFT and all their members,10 and certainly all who are here, including11 the students, who have been holding up12 signs in the balcony. We're grateful to13 have them here.14 (Applause.)15
Thank16 you very much. So this will formally17 begin our hearings for the School18 District of Philadelphia on their budget,19 and we will ask the Clerk to read both20 bills, the title of both.21 MR. McPHERSON: This is a22 continuation hearing on bills and23 resolution, Resolution 110161, the City's24 Five Year Plan; Bill No. 110135, the25 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Capital Program, 2012 through 2017; Bill2 No. 110136, the Capital Budget for 2012;3 Bill No. 110137, the Operating Budget for4 2012; Bill No. 110138, the wage tax bill,5 and we're going to take testimony today6 on Bill Nos. 110139, an ordinance7 amending Chapter 19-1800 of The8 Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax9 Authorization," by amending Section10 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of11 Realty Use and Occupancy Tax."12 Bill No. 110140, an ordinance13 amending Section 19-1801 of The14 Philadelphia Code, entitled15 "Authorization of Tax," to further16 authorize the Board of Education of the17 School District of Philadelphia to impose18 a tax on real estate within the City of19 Philadelphia.20
Thank21 you very much.22 We note that we have a quorum23 this morning, and we will now call on our24 guests, Dr. Ackerman, to introduce25 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 yourself to the record and begin your2 testimony.3
Please6 pull the mike closer. We can't hear you.7
I'd like to11 introduce two of our Commissioners who12 are here, and Chairman Archie will start13 with remarks today, but sitting next to14 him is Commissioner Joseph Dworetzky.15 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:16 Welcome.17
Good morning,19 Council President Verna and members of20 City Council. As the Superintendent21 said, I am Robert Archie, Chairman of the22 School Reform Commission, and I, along23 with my fellow Commissioner Joe24 Dworetzky, are here today to show our25 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 support and to have me testify on behalf2 of the School District of Philadelphia in3 support of Bill Nos. 110139, 110140 and4 110178 and I believe 110179.5 As we all know and as the6 School District of Philadelphia7 approaches Fiscal Year 2011 through 2012,8 it faces dramatic proposed reductions in9 funding, as well as a legal obligation to10 adopt a budget, a balanced budget, of the11 coming year. Mindful of those12 challenges, the District leadership has13 conducted this year a budget -- this14 year's budget preparation process with15 considerable thought and due diligence.16 It's now time for City Council to review17 and react to the budget plan proposed by18 the School District's management team in19 order to gain a better understanding of20 the School District's current fiscal21 challenges and how Philadelphia education22 programs and priorities are likely to be23 affected.24 To avoid adversely impacting25 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and eliminating these educational2 programs and priorities, the School3 Reform Commission respectfully requests4 financial assistance in the form of5 increased revenues from the City of6 Philadelphia and this City Council. With7 that as a background, it is incumbent8 upon all of us to ensure the equitable9 allocation of resources, along with10 access to an equal opportunity education11 for all students.12 District managers and staff13 have worked hard to preserve the core14 mission of our public education system15 while building a balanced FY 2011 to 201216 budget for your review. I anticipate a17 lively and informed discussion about the18 proposed budget and its alignment with19 our community academic needs and20 priorities.21 Before I introduce Dr. Ackerman22 and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Leroy23 Nunery and our Chief Business Officer24 Michael Masch, I want to take this moment25 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to thank Mayor Nutter and every member of2 City Council for the leadership and3 ongoing support you have provided the4 School District during my two years on5 the School Reform Commission. I, as well6 as my fellow Commissioners, deeply7 appreciate all that you've done,8 especially in light of the unforeseen9 economic challenges we have all endured10 and the uncertain future that lies ahead.11 Now I invite Dr. Arlene12 Ackerman, Superintendent of the School13 District of Philadelphia, to review how14 collectively we plan to continue in the15 intense pace we have set for achieving16 the ambitious goals of Imagine 2014 and17 the great strides our students have made18 over the last eight years. Following Dr.19 Ackerman's testimony, Deputy20 Superintendent Dr. Leroy Nunery and our21 Chief Business Officer Michael Masch will22 outline the School District proposed FY1123 to '12 budget and how we pledge to be24 careful stewards of the financial25 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 resources that the City, the Commonwealth2 and the Obama Administration have and3 hopefully will bestow upon us. Thank4 you.5 Dr. Ackerman.6
14 Let me begin by thanking you,15 Madam Chairperson and members of the City16 Council. 1 percentage of the District's schools that2 met AYP standards rose from 9 percent to3 59 percent. 6 For example, in August 2010, we7 proudly reported the following data: 1588 schools made AYP, and that's 59 percent9 of the District's schools, 33 percent10 more schools than last year's total of11 119. 13 The severe budgetary reductions14 anticipated for the next school year,15 however, now characterize our latest and16 greatest challenge thus far. Our purpose17 and priorities are clear. We remain18 committed to building a system of great19 schools where all students can succeed,20 where all have equal access to21 opportunities that matter and people who22 care. 7 In a few minutes, Dr. Nunery,8 our Deputy Superintendent, and Michael9 Masch, our Chief Financial Officer, will10 present the details of our Fiscal Year11 2011-12 budget. 1 these proposed cuts for months now. We2 as District leaders are painfully aware3 that many of the spending cuts in next4 year's budget will cause great pain and5 disruption to thousands of Philadelphia6 families and will threaten the hard-won7 improvements in academic achievement that8 I mentioned earlier. 17 A friend once told me of a18 custom in some African villages where the19 elders would visit to determine how well20 things were going in the respective21 communities. 1 that when children fail, it is a systems2 failure. 6 The truth is, ladies and7 gentlemen, we all acknowledge that the8 proposed cuts will hurt our children. 7 Please know, however, that we welcome the8 support of the City Council and the9 Mayor. )15
At this time,16 Deputy Superintendent Dr. Leroy Nunery17 and Chief Financial Officer Michael Masch18 will present the details of our Fiscal19 Year 2011-2012 budget.20
Good morning. For21 the record, my name is Leroy Nunery and I22 am honored to be working with Dr. 1 School District of Philadelphia since2 July 2010. As a key member of the Office3 of the Superintendent, working closely4 with Dr. Ackerman, my responsibilities5 are broad and they encompass the6 leadership and management of several7 District functions, including Facilities;8 Capital Programs; Procurement; Talent9 Development; Information Technology;10 Charter, New and Partnership Schools;11 Grants Development and Compliance; and a12 wide range of other mission-critical13 District-wide initiatives and activities14 such as the Facilities Master Plan. 19 As Dr. Ackerman just outlined,20 Philadelphia's public and charter schools21 have made significant and steady progress22 for eight straight years, especially23 since we've implemented our five-year24 strategic plan, Imagine 2014. 1 the face of unprecedented fiscal2 challenges, I hope that the members of3 the City Council and the public will4 recognize the enormous dedication and5 effort of District personnel as we strive6 to continually lift achievement,7 transform schools that underperform and8 create new opportunities for educational9 attainment. 11 For several months now and12 especially since early March, when13 Governor Corbett's budget proposal became14 public, our entire senior management team15 at Dr. Ackerman's instruction has16 developed multiple options and scenarios17 that balance three main priorities. One,18 protecting our core educational mission;19 two, terminating, eliminating or20 modifying the services that support the21 educational mission; and, three,22 achieving a mandated balanced budget. to achieve these goals. As our Chief Financial Officer5 Michael Masch will tell you in a few6 moments, the $629 million projected7 budget gap presents Philadelphia with8 dynamic complications and trade-offs. 14 Our three-phased planning15 approach was initiated in January 2011,16 at which time our executive leadership17 acted to ensure the District's fiscal18 stability for the remainder of this19 current academic year. 1 immediate reductions in Central Office2 spending; three, implementing a hiring3 freeze; four, restricting the spending of4 unobligated funds; five, applying surplus5 funds to the net operating budget; and,6 six, consolidating and reducing Central7 Office departments, programs and8 services. 10 But because of the severity of11 our funding shortfall, the second phase12 of planning for Fiscal Year 2011-1213 included planning for extending controls14 on spending; freezing hiring and closely15 examining the intent and the purpose of16 each initiative; initiating reductions in17 force, including a 50 percent reduction18 in staffing at the Central Office;19 reducing central allocations and20 operational supports, for example,21 facilities services for schools; and22 reducing costs through efficiency23 improvements and elimination of24 redundancies. 1 our cost-saving solutions is the recently2 developed textbook inventory that3 complements our normal purchases through4 publishers. Within just three weeks, we5 have saved over $350,000 by supplying6 schools from this inventory. 8 So our efforts to find efficiencies can9 translate into real savings and10 potentially real people. 3 In this current political and4 economic climate, we're deeply concerned5 about the potential disproportionate6 impact that necessary budget cuts will7 have on our children and the state of our8 city and our schools. 14 We also think that all15 financial and all non-financial issues16 pertaining to student success and school17 improvement belong to all of us. )4
Good morning, Madam5 President, Councilwoman Blackwell and the6 other members of City Council. I'm7 honored to be here again with my8 colleagues. 16 As Dr. Ackerman and Dr. Nunery17 and Chairman Archie have noted, we face18 unprecedented reductions in state and19 federal aid at present. 3 Despite those challenges, we4 have done what the Philadelphia Home Rule5 Charter and the Pennsylvania School Code6 require. We have presented a balanced7 budget. 19 The first, as you can see on20 the screen, is our projected enrollment21 for next year. 1 over 200,000. We project 203,000 next2 year at this point. The critical3 difference, as you can see from the mix4 of blue and red in the columns, is the5 fact that the way that we deliver public6 education is changing dramatically, and7 next year under the budget that we have8 proposed, our projection is that one out9 of four public school students in the10 City of Philadelphia will attend a11 charter school and three out of four will12 attend a District-operated school, a13 little over 150,000 in District-operated14 schools and about 51,000 in charter15 schools. 23 Dr. Ackerman has noted our24 academic progress. 1 the record that although there are some2 who have, in the public debates about3 school funding in Pennsylvania, in recent4 months suggested that there is no5 relationship between funding and6 achievement, as the Superintendent has7 noted, achievement in this School8 District has increased substantially. 6 Our point to you is,7 Philadelphia public schools have gotten8 better, and Philadelphia operates in fact9 the largest number of successful public10 schools in the Commonwealth. )18
But this is our19 problem. We always face challenges in20 terms of spending growth and we have been21 able to manage them. 1 stability. We have had not just balanced2 budgets but modest surpluses in the past3 three years. Our problem next year is4 not a spending problem. 7 billion, and that13 represents a $400 million, 15 percent,14 reduction in the resources that the15 School District will have to spend next16 year. 1 under 30 percent of the School District's2 resources. 11 What that means is that the12 resources that would be available to the13 School District next year, unless there14 is a change, will be back at the level of15 2008-2009. 17 Everything that we do - the cost of18 labor; the cost of materials, supplies19 and equipment; fuel for our buses; the20 lighting and heating of our schools; the21 payments that we make to charter22 schools - all of those costs have gone up23 since then. 7 There was about 4 to 5 percent in local8 funding, primarily through the School9 District share of the property tax. 6912 mills in the property tax from the City13 to the School District. So that's why --14 that's part of the reason you see the15 bump up in '07-'08. 2 This is compounded by Governor3 Corbett's proposal to reduce state4 funding by $292 million. A hundred and5 seven million of that would be in the6 Basic Education subsidy, 110 million in7 charter school reimbursement. 15 Fifty-five million in funding16 from the Accountability Block Grant is17 completely eliminated. 10 What is striking about this11 proposal on the part of the Governor is12 that it is such a dramatic break from13 anything that we've seen in the recent14 history of funding by the Commonwealth15 for the Philadelphia public schools. 20 The Governor is proposing a 10 percent21 reduction. 1 billion in cuts the3 Philadelphia School District, which4 educates 10 percent of the Commonwealth's5 school children, is being asked to bear6 25 percent of the cuts in state funding,7 and that is part of a pattern, as you can8 see here. 21 This is compounded by the loss22 of federal stimulus funds coming directly23 to the School District. 1 repeatedly since we released this budget,2 if this was the only problem the School3 District faced, we knew about it, we were4 prepared for it, we had a plan to handle5 it. 8 So as we've noted, taking into9 account the reductions in federal10 funding, the reductions in state11 funding -- and I should note that while12 we're focusing on next year, the state13 has proposed a reduction of $71 million14 in state funding for the School District15 this year, which compounds the problem,16 because we've had to accommodate that,17 and while we'll still have a balanced18 budget, that means that our base going19 into next year is lower. And when you20 add that to the increases in our mandated21 costs, our projection is that we have a22 budget gap of 629 million. And so we23 have proposed a $629 million gap-closing24 plan. 1 it can, to close the gap between revenue2 and spending without touching school3 budgets. And as Dr. Ackerman and4 Dr. Nunery have noted, the first thing5 that we have done is to reduce the6 central administration of the District by7 half, but unfortunately, the central8 administration of the School District9 only comprises four percent of the School10 District budget. 1 charter schools, we are seeking charter2 school budget relief, and we have3 targeted that at 57 million. We have4 asked our collective bargaining units to5 discuss with us ways of reducing our6 labor costs next year so that we could7 achieve another 75 million in gap8 closing. But when all of those9 initiatives are taken into account, we10 still are left with about half of the gap11 to be closed. 1 two-thirds of the operating budget which2 we cannot cut, either because of federal3 laws, state laws or contractual4 requirements.
That includes our debt5 service obligations, which are a quarter6 million dollars; our payments to charter7 schools, which this year are over 4008 million, will be higher next year;9 maximum class sizes that we have agreed10 to. And these are not our actual class11 sizes, but this is what we need to put12 into the budget just to maintain the13 contractual maximums of 30 students to a14 teacher in grades K to and 33 students15 to a class in grades to 12. 18 One principal per school costs19 us $46 million. One building engineer20 per school costs us $21 million. Our21 special ed costs cost us over $24022 million. 3 So what this budget does is, it4 reduces central administrative5 expenditures 50 percent in our central6 offices. When you add in some things7 like temporary borrowing, the net8 decrease is 44 percent. The reduction in9 District-operated schools is about 1110 percent. And then there is a proposed11 increase in this budget of 15 percent for12 charter schools. That is a combination13 of several factors. 23 We have given you the details24 on the spending changes. 9 percent in our operating4 funds. 8 As we have noted, the largest9 share of cuts has to occur in school10 budgets, and these are primarily cuts in11 people, because we are a labor-intensive12 organization. So if this budget is13 implemented as it has been introduced,14 the School District workforce will15 decline by 3,800 positions. 1 leadership team, every cut was agonized2 over for hours in terms of what we could3 bear. 8 It does provide for full Title I9 allocations of over a hundred million10 dollars to the schools. It does11 preserve, with some increase, the reduced12 class size initiative in the School13 District's Imagine 2014 strategic plan,14 but raises the average class size in15 grades K to 3 by about three students per16 class. It does preserve the expanded17 summer school program. 4 As the Superintendent has said,5 we all are painfully aware that these6 cuts will cause great pain and disruption7 to Philadelphia families and threaten the8 hard-won improvements in academic9 achievement that have been attained over10 the past eight years. And, therefore,11 mindful of the budget pressures that you12 face, we are respectfully seeking13 additional funding in the 2011-12 year14 both from local and state sources in15 order to preserve and advance academic16 progress in all of Philadelphia's public17 schools, both District-operated schools18 and charter schools. We recognize that19 the specifics as to methods and amounts20 of additional local funding must be21 decided by the elected officials who22 guide the City. 15 We pledge to invest the funds16 that you entrust to us wisely and17 diligently, to continue to improve upon18 the results that our District and our19 City have achieved together. )23
Will24 you testify as well?25 44 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Thank4 you.5 We will now begin some6 questions from our colleagues in Council.7 Councilman Bill Greenlee.8
Thank9 you, Madam Chair and Madam President.10 Good morning, everyone. I just11 want to try to get some actual numbers in12 some of these cuts just so it's put in13 perspective, I guess. I think the two14 issues that have been raised the most are15 going to the half-day kindergarten and16 also the transportation issues. And it17 might be in here somewhere, so I18 apologize, but how many children will be19 affected, or approximately if you don't20 have an exact number, by going to the21 half-day kindergarten? Does anybody have22 that offhand? I'm just trying to get23 some real numbers here that we're talking24 about, or real children I guess is a25 45 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 better way to say it.2
Thirteen5 thousand children by the half-day6 kindergarten?7
And along9 the same lines, on the transportation --10 and I know the transportation issue also11 affects private and parochial school12 students, correct?13
Do we,15 again, have numbers on that, how many16 we're talking about here?17
Yes. In regular18 education students in District-operated19 schools, we serve about 44,000 students,20 about 34,000 with TransPasses and about21 10,000 through a combination of primarily22 yellow buses and a very limited amount of23 cab service. Non-public school students24 who receive transportation services from25 46 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the School District are over 20,000,2 about over 11,000 with TransPasses and3 about 9,000 with bus service.4
Okay.5 Thank you. That certainly puts it in6 perspective on how many children we're7 dealing with here.8 On the state cut issue, I9 thought the biggest or the most -- had10 the most impact of all the slides11 Mr. Masch showed was the disparity12 between some of the schools. I mean,13 which is really striking. I know the14 state is operating time-wise a little15 behind us, but has there been any16 conversations with some of those other17 school districts that have been18 significantly impacted? I know they're a19 lot smaller than ours. And also with the20 elected officials that represent those21 areas? Anything to report on that yet?22
Yes, Councilman.23 We've been meeting with the Pennsylvania24 League of Urban Schools, which comprises25 47 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 superintendents from across the state.2 They all have the same exact concerns,3 that by proportion they are affected.4 Towns like Allentown, Easton and others,5 Lebanon School District, are all affected6 in very similar ways.7 We have a double whammy here8 because of the way charter schools are9 funded. So we have it in both ways, not10 just directly for the District but also11 what will happen for charter school12 funding next year, because as our13 revenues go down, they will also be14 affected. So we are still a unique case.15
But I16 would guess just in cuts, I mean, it17 would seem like there are strength in18 numbers if people work together as much19 as possible. And I know you know that.20 I guess I'm just kind of stating that,21 that sometimes it's just shown as a22 Philadelphia problem, but it's a23 statewide problem as far as children in24 disparate numbers are getting hurt here.25 48 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Nothing against the kids in Upper Merion2 or anything, but it seems like we need a3 little balance here. I know that's a4 political problem, too.5
Councilman, we've6 actually been meeting with this plus7 group that I just mentioned and also8 recently met with all the regional9 intermediate units from around us, again,10 all on the same theme, that we should11 jointly advocate for the restoration of12 funding, that we should also look at13 shared services where it's possible to14 save money, and there are some unique15 opportunities there. But right now we16 all also need to have a single voice on17 what happens to school kids and how the18 funding is allocated. So we're on the19 same page as you are.20
And how21 about the last question on this round,22 the state officials, the elected23 officials of these areas, have they been24 involved at all yet? I'm talking about25 49 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 state reps, state senators.2
We've been talking3 to everybody, both on the House and4 Senate side. We've been to Harrisburg5 several times. We've been working also6 with the Mayor's Office through the7 Mayor's advocacy and lobbying efforts,8 again, to try to put voice to the9 concerns we have.10
Thank11 you.12 I had some other questions, but13 I know probably everybody does, so I'll14 hold.15
Can I16 just ask how much would be needed for17 full kindergarten, how much for18 transportation, so that we don't go back19 and forth on this.20
Madam President,23 Councilman, the cost of full-day24 kindergarten was a little over 5125 50 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 million. To go from the half-day2 program, as is budgeted now, back to full3 day we would require $25 million in4 additional funding.5 In order to restore the6 transportation cuts in total, we would7 require about 36.5 million to restore the8 bus service for grades 1 to 6 and we9 would require another 23.4 million in10 order to restore the TransPass program.11
Could I16 just follow up on that just one piece.17 Has there been conversations with SEPTA18 on the TransPass issue?19
There have been20 conversations. Ever since we used to --21 for those of you who go back long enough22 to remember the discounted school tokens23 that were the predecessor of the free24 TransPasses, it has always been the case25 51 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that the cost of student transportation2 on SEPTA has been borne by the School3 District and not by the Transportation4 Authority. The Transportation Authority5 does provide us with three and a half6 million dollars to cover administration7 of the TransPass program, but otherwise8 all of the costs are borne by the School9 District. Now, it's a special TransPass.10 It's not -- it's only available during11 school hours and not on weekends and, as12 a result, it has a lower price than the13 regular TransPass, but we are the ones14 who pay that price. We don't get a15 discount on it.16
And has17 SEPTA been open to anything on that, any18 discussion on that, just for the record?19
We've been20 discussing with SEPTA whether there are21 ways that they could be helpful to us,22 but that has mostly been a matter of23 changing the timing in terms of when we24 make payments as opposed to reducing the25 52 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 actual cost of the TransPasses that they2 provide us.3
Thank4 you.5 Again, I had other questions,6 but I know a lot of people do, so I'll7 yield for the moment. Thank you.8
Thank9 you very much. Next is Councilman Goode.10
Thank you,11 Madam Chair.12 Good morning. Let me preface13 my comments by saying four years ago I14 was the primary sponsor of the bill that15 gave more money to the School District16 and changed the split to a 60/40. Let me17 then say that I am prepared to vote for18 additional funds this year. And let me19 start with the first question, which is20 simply how much money do you want?21 (Applause.)22
Well, Councilman,23 that is a tough -- as you know, we have24 identified, I mean, just to be realistic25 53 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 enough, we have identified the most2 troubling of the educational cuts in this3 budget --4
I have it5 right here, Mr. Masch. The question is,6 how much money are you asking for?7
Councilman, as10 we've noted, just to restore full-day11 kindergarten would require 25 million.12 To avoid the transportation cuts would13 require 50 million.14
I have the15 list, Mr. Masch. I'll ask the question16 one more time. Are you going to make a17 direct request or not?18
As you know, the19 priority list of cuts that we've20 identified --21
Are you22 going to make a direct request or not?23 If you're not going to make a direct24 request, just say I'm not going to make a25 54 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 direct request.2
The priority list3 that we've identified is of $180 million4 of cuts. We would certainly welcome the5 Council's support to provide us at least6 50 to 75 percent of that, if it is7 possible for you and the Mayor to put8 together the votes to do that.9
Let's go10 back to four years ago. The District did11 not make a request. I offered a bill on12 my own that shifted the money, and I13 thank my colleagues for support of that.14 One of the requirements of the bill was15 that before it become effective, that the16 School Reform Commission had to outline17 how the money was going to be spent in18 these areas: early childhood education,19 class size, after-school programs,20 dropout prevention and school safety.21 Can you tell me how the money we gave you22 four years ago has been spent?23
Well, Councilman,24 the total additional funding that was25 55 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 produced by the millage was about $18.72 million. As you know, during that period3 of time, the School District would have4 faced a deficit of over $141 million and5 that would have required reductions in6 early childhood programs, a possible7 reduction in full-day kindergarten at8 that point. None of those cuts took9 place. There were no cuts that took10 place in school safety programs at that11 point, and in fact that year, the School12 Reform Commission mandated that every13 school add art and music to school14 budgets, and as we've noted, we added15 about $7, $8 million to the school16 budgets in order to do that.17 When we were facing -- and, of18 course, as you know, this was not the19 team that was in place at that time, but20 since that time, we have done far more21 than maintain those levels. In the past22 three years since Dr. Ackerman has come23 here and with this School Reform24 Commission, we have reduced class sizes25 56 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 in grades kindergarten to 4 substantially2 down to a level of about 20 to 24 per3 class and reduced class sizes in grades4 6, 8 and 9. That was far more than was5 even on the table back in the '07-'086 period.7 There have been expansions in8 early childhood programs during that9 period of time, and all of the programs10 that you have enumerated have been11 maintained during that period of time.12
Well, as you can18 see, $18.7 million only pays for a19 fraction of it. It couldn't pay for all20 the things that were on -- it couldn't21 pay for maintaining services in all the22 areas that you enumerated, but it23 certainly made a contribution.24
So what is25 57 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 our money paying for now?2
Let me put4 it in context for you. I take some5 exception to the fact that you say that6 taxes have been flat for the last --7 since 2007-2008, without really8 acknowledging that there was a boost the9 year before, and there was about a $6010 million boost the year before; is that11 correct?12
I understand21 that. We gave a grant beyond that. I22 understand that. In terms of local tax23 and grant funds, there was a $60 million24 boost the year before. So there was $6025 58 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 million each year after, and there's2 still $60 million next year. What does3 that pay for?4
We're not15 going to do business that way this year.16 Thank you, Madam Chair.17 (Applause.)18 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:19 Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.20
Thank you,21 Madam Chair.22 Good morning, School District23 of Philadelphia. I want to go on record24 to say that I will join other25 59 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Councilmembers in looking at how we2 figure out how we hold on to full-day3 kindergarten. And when you consider the4 downside of moving to half-day5 kindergarten, is it fair to say that6 cutting our kindergarten to half day7 leads to more costs down the road? Could8 you comment on that, please?9
Absolutely. We10 know that the benefits and the research11 is clear now on the importance of not12 only full-day kindergarten but quality13 preschool programs, and we know that14 young people who leave the third grade15 without strong reading skills -- and that16 begins in preschool and definitely the17 all-day kindergarten -- levels the18 playing field for young people who didn't19 get quality care. We know that down the20 line, that they will pay for the lack of21 those kinds of quality programs and22 services, instructional services, to23 these young people through the academic24 achievement gains that they can make and25 60 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 whether or not they can keep pace with2 other young people who have had those3 through economic -- the fact that they4 have the economic wherewithal, their5 parents and families, to provide them6 with great quality, great school7 experiences, as well as an all day8 experience at kindergarten. So we know9 that academically they are going to10 suffer.11 COUNCILWOMAN BROWN:12 Consistently over the past many years13 there's been continuing interest and a14 favorable response from the School15 District around arts and culture16 programming. Can you speak to a17 relationship, if any, with University of18 the Arts, Temple University School of the19 Arts and other higher ed institutions20 that could have an important role in21 filling in any gaps in those areas?22
Well, we believe23 that we could certainly do more in that24 area in tapping the resources that -- we25 61 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 have 95, I believe, colleges and2 universities in and surrounding the3 Philadelphia area, and we could do more.4 Certainly in specific schools, many of5 the universities and colleges have6 partnerships. We believe that we need to7 be more targeted in the ask as it relates8 to the arts and music in particular. We9 have not because we've been, in the last10 few years, spending the resources in11 restoring those programs through art and12 music teachers back in all of our school13 programs, especially our elementary14 programs where three years ago many of15 our elementary schools had neither art16 nor music. Now at least they have art or17 music, and in many of the elementary18 schools now, they have art and music.19
So that's20 universal across the system, each one of21 the elementary schools has some form of22 art and music?23
And we have been24 able to maintain that. Even in these25 62 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 cuts, they will have art or music. Maybe2 not as much of it as they've had in the3 past year.4
I don't5 see it here in my questions yet, but just6 give us an update on the pervasive7 interest and concern around school8 violence and the like. You did speak to9 that briefly in the testimony.10
We did. Over11 the last three years, we've seen a 2912 percent decrease in violence. We have13 increased our programs, mainly our peer14 mediation programs in our schools. We've15 put in place restorative justice16 practices in our schools. We have17 focused on 46 of our persistently18 dangerous schools with specific programs.19 And I don't know if Dr. Nunery wants to20 talk about that since that's specifically21 under his purview, but we have, again, we22 believe targeted our resources around the23 most dangerous schools.24 We've increased camera25 63 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 surveillance. I know there's some2 question about that, but in an audit that3 was done by the state, it was one of the4 things that we were told that we should5 do, given the size of some of our6 buildings and the fact that there are7 lots of places that things can happen8 where there aren't adults available.9 So by focusing on a combination10 of facility kinds of improvements as well11 as programs directly related to students12 and professional development for staff13 and principals, I think it's been a14 combination of that.15 Our Focus 46 schools in16 particular, we have a collaborative with17 the Philadelphia Police Department on18 those schools, and it is not only what19 happens in schools but what happens in20 those neighborhoods surrounding the21 schools as young people go to and from22 school.23
So the24 peer mediation, that happens after a25 64 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 school has been identified to be --2 what's the adage to be used?3
Persistently4 dangerous?5 COUNCILWOMAN BROWN:6 Persistently dangerous.7
No. Actually,8 we're trying to put in all of our schools9 a form of peer mediation for all of10 our especially middle and high schools.11 That's our goal. And we've been rolling12 it in over the last couple of years.13
Because it14 is the argument that being proactive and15 teaching conflict resolution skills on16 the front end just because you move into17 middle school has its value before it18 leads to potential problems.19
Right. And20 that's exactly what we're trying to do.21 (Applause.)22
Define23 what "restorative justice" means, what24 that looks like.25 65 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
It's a strategy5 for helping young people who commit acts6 of violence understand the consequences7 not only to themselves in terms of8 disciplinary -- what happens to them if9 they do it but the consequences on the10 victims and what it means to the people11 that they may do harm to. So it's12 getting them to look at this in terms of13 their own behavior but what their14 behavior, the impact and the rippling15 impact of that behavior, on others.16
So is that17 a required curriculum type practice?18 Does that happen only after there have19 been some transgressions against20 students? When does that kick in?21
We've really22 focused, for the first part of this23 implementation, on young people who go24 through the suspension process in our25 66 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 disciplinary schools and for long-term2 suspensions. So that's where we focused.3 Actually, it would be great to put that4 program in all of our schools. I think5 it's really important, and it's another6 reason why -- it's one of those programs7 that I've been really very much8 supportive of, because I think that young9 people don't understand the seriousness10 of their actions as it relates -- often11 they're just worried about the impact on12 them, am I going to get suspended, for13 how long, when do I get back to my14 school, not what it does, the impact of15 bullying, for instance, on a young16 person, on their families and other17 people who may come in contact as18 victims.19
My last20 question on this particular topic and21 then we'll rotate, what does that look22 like in terms of personnel costs?23 Because typically programs that have24 value, we need them. It equals25 67 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 ultimately a bottom-line cost. So if one2 had to look at a number, what is that3 number?4
I know right now5 we only have one person District-wide who6 is providing the professional development7 and the support of these families. We8 have not been able to expand it. But9 certainly it would be great if we could10 get more personnel involved, because11 ideally to do this would be to build a12 capacity in all of the schools through13 professional development, through the14 police officers who are there, school15 police officers, and counselors, who16 could be on the ground where the young17 people are committing the acts of18 violence.19
Sure.20 Okay. Well, thank you for your21 testimony.22 (Applause.)23
We'll24 rotate.25 68 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
If I2 could just piggyback on one of your3 questions. Can you tell us how many4 school police you have? I see in your5 budget you are eliminating 20. Is that6 so?7
Councilwoman, we8 are eliminating -- in this budget we are9 eliminating 20 budgeted but unfilled10 positions in school safety. But we are11 also eliminating, which you don't see in12 the FTE numbers, this budget would13 require us to eliminate 190 per diem14 officers, who don't count in our head15 count. These are officers usually16 retired police who come in on a part-time17 basis and augment the full-time18 complement of school safety officers in19 the School District.20
So I think the25 69 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 bottom line what we did, we have per diem2 officers who are sort of like substitute3 teachers. That's where we made our major4 cuts.5
And6 from time to time, do you have the7 Philadelphia police officers assigned to8 some of your schools or the surrounding9 areas of the schools?10
We work with the11 Philadelphia Police with our -- around,12 what's it called, Safe Corridors program,13 where they work with the schools and the14 neighborhoods surrounding our schools to15 and from school. So that's primarily16 where we work with the police, individual17 police officers and police precincts, but18 we do have Chief Patterson, who is on19 loan to the School District this year20 from the Philadelphia Police Department,21 and I can't say how invaluable his22 experience coming to the District has23 been, especially since he has been able24 to use some of his experience, his25 70 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 resources back and forth with the Police2 Department. So that's another way that3 we have gotten support from the City.4
So if5 you don't mind, I'm going to ask my6 question again, because the answer was7 not too clear to me. How many school8 police do you have? It appears from your9 budget, you are reducing 20. So let's10 get back to the question and the answer,11 please.12
Right. The13 budgeted complement for school police in14 school buildings is 439 this year and it15 is budgeted at 419 next year, and that is16 a reduction in complement of 20. That is17 correct. But those are positions that18 are presently unfilled. So that will not19 be a reduction in the number of school20 police officers currently serving in the21 schools, but it means that we won't be22 able to fill those vacant positions.23 But in addition to that, we24 want to fully disclose that we do rely on25 71 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 these per diems, the substitutes, if you2 will, to augment that force, and that is3 where the cut in the school safety budget4 which we've identified to you, which is5 over $3 million, $3.3 million reduction.6 That reduction would come primarily in7 the per diem officers.8
How9 many per diem officers do you currently10 have?11
How14 will you determine where they are and15 where they will not be?16
I believe that20 we focused -- the schools that get21 priority are our focus -- persistently22 dangerous schools and our Focus 4623 schools. But should something happen and24 we need to shift them, that's where we25 72 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 put them. But those are the schools --2 the Focus 46 schools are the schools that3 get priority, because these are the4 schools that the data tells us over time5 are the trouble spots.6
So do7 we have one police officer at least in8 every school?9 (Someone from audience10 speaking.)11
Just12 come up to the witness table, please.13 (Witness approached witness14 table.)15 CHIEF PATTERSON: Good morning,16 Madam President.17
Good18 morning. Please identify yourself for19 the record.20 CHIEF PATTERSON: I'm Chief21 Inspector Myron Patterson. I'm heading22 up the Office of School Safety.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:24 Welcome.25 73 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 CHIEF PATTERSON: Currently,2 that deployment of the officers -- going3 into this year, we had 250 schools who4 had personnel assigned, school police5 officers assigned. That was out of the6 265. Going into next year with proposed7 cuts, what we would do based on the8 incidents that are occurring, normally9 the way it looks, the elementary schools10 have a lesser or less amount of incidents11 which occur there or serious incidents,12 and based on that particular data and as13 we have been doing this year based on the14 needs, that's where we would place the15 officers.16 Deployment, we start out each17 year between the high schools, whether18 four to six officers assigned as a base,19 and based on past patterns and trends, we20 build up from there. And that's the way21 that I have been going through this year22 looking at the particular deployment23 patterns as it relates to placing24 officers in the School District.25 74 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
May I4 ask while you're there, we've been5 inquiring for years about probation6 officers and about probation officers7 being placed in school and expanding that8 so that children or students don't have9 to leave school in order to check in with10 probation officers. Can you tell me11 where we are, what we have and what the12 status of that is now and what it will be13 like in the future?14 CHIEF PATTERSON: Yes. Now,15 Chairwoman, currently I'm working with16 Judge Dougherty's office, being with17 Bennie Price. He's our liaison at this18 particular moment. Currently, these19 probation officers aren't in the schools20 on a daily basis currently.21
They22 are not?23 CHIEF PATTERSON: They are not,24 as far as my knowledge.25 75 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Not in2 any school?3 CHIEF PATTERSON: Well, they4 have assignments. We're reaching out --5 the relationship is building. In6 particular problems, if we have them at7 particular schools, things that come to8 our attention, we are directly liaisoning9 with those probation officers to10 coordinate information to bring students11 around in their particular relationships.12 But it's been an ongoing process this13 year as to where are we going in the14 future, and I do look forward to having15 that relationship on the steady basis16 where we're coordinating as we do. We do17 this daily. I don't want to mislead18 Council that we are not, but we're in19 constant contact and relations with each20 other on a daily basis as we go along.21
Yes,23 because we had them before. We have had24 probation officers in some schools, and I25 76 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 thought maybe we were expanding it, but2 obviously we did just the opposite, we3 took them out.4
Right. They're5 not in like they were before, but I also6 have had discussions with District7 Attorney Seth Williams and he's very much8 interested in working with us to put9 probationary officers back in the10 schools. And I want to say as a11 principal some 30 years ago, we had an12 office in my school for a probation13 officer and it was very helpful, in that14 they were there, the young people didn't15 have to miss school, and we are hopeful16 that we'll be able to expand that program17 once again.18
Do you19 know why we cut them out altogether? We20 had them. I've been fighting for several21 years to expand them, but we had them,22 some at least.23
I'm not sure. I24 just know that Chief Patterson and I have25 77 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 both -- he's been talking with the Family2 Courts and I've been talking with the3 District Attorney about how we expand it.4 It was prior to both of us being here.5
If you9 let the President know, she'll make sure10 the information is given to each and11 every member. Okay. Thank you very12 much.13 Councilman Clarke, you're next.14
Just a19 couple of questions. I just wanted to20 follow up on Councilman Goode's line of21 questioning. I was going to ask the22 question, but he did a capable job of23 getting into the crest of the funding and24 increased funding in prior years. And25 78 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the question I was going to ask -- and I2 think I know the answer, but I'm going to3 ask it anyway. Members of Council and I4 know myself, we've had some levels of5 frustration, particularly since this has6 gone to -- the School District control7 has gone to the SRC and about Council's8 role, significant role, in providing9 support; i.e., financing by the school10 authorization bill, but in terms of11 actually being in the position to12 determine how the money -- where it goes,13 how it's spent, allocating dollars to14 very specific programs or departments.15 And I'm sure that when the issue is16 thrown out there, all-day kindergarten,17 it's very difficult for people to say,18 no, we're not going to support that.19 But I'll ask the question --20 and this is probably a legal question. I21 don't know. If somehow Council and the22 Mayor -- and it's not a commitment to do23 that, because we're not at that point24 yet -- decided that they wanted to ensure25 79 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that we have full-day kindergarten, not2 necessarily dealing with the3 transportation issue or some of the other4 issues, is there a way that people can be5 assured that that's where that money is6 going to go and not go into a pot and7 ultimately be disbursed to other areas as8 needed?9
I am not a10 lawyer, but we can find out. I believe11 that you probably can. I know that in12 talking with the Pittsburgh13 Superintendent and I was talking about14 the Accountability Grant and the fact15 that we were going to lose full-day16 kindergarten, that was not an issue for17 them because they didn't use the18 Accountability Grant for that. They, at19 the local level, decided that that was20 something that was going to be carved out21 at the local level. So I at least know22 that Pittsburgh does not use the23 Accountability Grant for that. They're24 not dependent upon it. That was not an25 80 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 issue for Pittsburgh. So we should look2 at how they do it there, because at least3 it's being done at least one other -- the4 second largest big city.5
Is the6 Pittsburgh structure as it relates to7 schools versus state comparable to the8 City?9
I think they10 don't have an SRC, but they have a School11 Board, but I think the funding is pretty12 much -- they get about the same amount.13 They get more with --14
Traditionally15 Pittsburgh has gotten a higher per16 student allocation than Philadelphia.17
But I know that18 in talking with them. So I don't know19 what else we could use the Accountability20 funds for, should they be restored, but I21 know that that was not an issue for22 Pittsburgh, because at the local level,23 they've made that a priority, full-day24 kindergarten.25 81 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Let me ask2 this question: Is there a School3 District lawyer in the house?4
Well, let's see.5 He's here. And I want to say while he's6 coming up, we certainly are interested in7 working with you with that, because I8 don't want to be in the situation again9 either that we're depending upon a grant10 that could go away for something as11 important as full-day kindergarten. So12 please know we'll work with you here.13 (Witness approached witness14 table.)15
Councilman Clarke,16 as I understand your question, you would17 like to know --18 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:19 Identify yourself for the record. Please20 identify yourself for the record.21
I'm sorry. My name22 is Michael A. Davis, School District23 General Counsel.24 As I understand your question,25 82 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Councilman Clarke, you would like to know2 whether or not it's possible for City3 Council to earmark funding for all-day or4 full-day kindergarten?5
I don't know the7 specific answer to that question as a8 legal matter whether that is a power or9 authority that you would have or that the10 School District would have, but what I11 would certainly suggest to you is by12 making your sense of what you would like13 your expectations known, certainly that14 is something the School District would15 have to take into account and be16 responsible for use of that.17
Thank you,24 Madam Chair.25 83 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 We actually required it under2 the last ordinance where we increased the3 millage rate for the School District. We4 specifically asked for the School Reform5 Commission to file a document. It was6 filed with the Chief Clerk on June 19th,7 2007. We're locked in by law to give8 that amount of money in perpetuity under9 state law. You actually testified today10 that that was that School Reform11 Commission, not this School Reform12 Commission; did you not?13
So if we18 give you the money for a given area and19 there's a change in School Reform20 Commission, there is no guarantee that21 the money is going to be spent how we22 want; is that correct?23
No. That was24 certainly not my intent, Councilman.25 84 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
No. I said that4 there was -- I said that the members of5 the School Reform Commission of the6 Administration are different now than7 they were then. There was no intent to8 suggest --9
Is the money14 we gave you four years ago being spent15 the way we outlined it?16
I have to say, I am17 not aware of what those specific18 restrictions are. So we need to review19 them.20
So you don't21 know whether the money we gave you four22 years ago is being spent as outlined in23 the ordinance? That's a problem.24 Thank you, Madam Chair.25 85 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1
Well, can I say2 something here? I can say that out of3 three of the four, I know we've made a4 priority over the last three years since5 I've been here. That's early childhood,6 class sizes are down to 21 -- when I7 came, it was 26. It's now down to 20 to8 1, and after school programs we've9 expanded. Summer schools we've expanded,10 and even in safety.11
I get that.12 That's why we put the money there.13 That's how it's being spent now. The14 money has to stay there because by law,15 we can't take it back. We don't want to16 take a back. In fact, we probably want17 to give more money in some way, but the18 question is, as you even outlined the19 cuts for next year's budget, is what20 we're paying for four years ago still21 being paid for?22
Absolutely. In23 fact, we have gone down even below that,24 the number when we came -- when I came25 86 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 three years ago, with class sizes,2 expanding the after-school program and3 safety. We've increased the amount that4 we're putting toward there, and even with5 the cuts, those were the areas that we6 protected.7
I understand8 that, I believe it, but the question was,9 do you have to do it? And the answer is10 no, because once we put the money in,11 it's guaranteed to be there, and all12 those decisions are made by the13 Administration and the School Reform14 Commission. So if you live up to the15 spirit of the ordinance, that's fine, but16 you don't have to live up to the letter17 of the law.18 And so to answer Councilman19 Clarke's question, the truth of the20 matter is, legally we can't mandate where21 the money goes. So any $25 million we22 give you is not necessarily going to go23 toward full-day kindergarten.24 Thank you, Madam Chair.25 87 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:3 Councilman Clarke, you're continuing your4 questioning.5
If I might,6 Councilman Clarke, if I could respond7 further. I would like the opportunity to8 look into ways and structures that we9 could come up with working with City10 Council in order to ensure that your11 expectations are carried out. We know12 that there are grants, there are13 government grants, that come that do have14 restrictions, that do have specific15 conditions or allotments in terms of16 where they want that funding to go, and I17 think we can work that structure out.18
When you19 say "government grants," you mean20 government grants from the federal,21 state?22
Correct. And a23 similar concept to that in terms of24 trying to work out some language that25 88 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 will give City Council what it wants in2 terms of coming back and ensuring that3 those funds were spent in the way that4 you expected.5
Okay. I6 just want to get it on the record. But7 your commitment today is to work on8 something that might enable us to do9 that?10
Because I don't14 know the specific answer to the question15 that you asked, but I'm willing to look16 and work at coming up with a structure17 that will satisfy your concern.18
Okay. That19 kind of leads me to my next question.20 There was earlier asked for support from21 the City, be it taking over some of the22 responsibility that the School District23 currently has for funding of certain24 personnel or issues, and then I believe25 89 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 there will probably be an additional ask2 for the City of Philadelphia providing3 service, say, for instance, trash4 collection, and that's actually something5 we did when we consolidated Fairmount6 Park and Department of Recreation, and it7 made all the sense in the world. Maybe8 we want to consolidate some of the9 similar services as it relates to the10 School District, and that will obviously11 cost us a little more money. My question12 as it relates to that -- and since we now13 have the lawyer in the house up at the14 table -- do you believe that will have15 Act 46 implications, that if we come up16 with 40 million in in-kind services17 provided from the City, that we'll be18 locked into that?19
I don't believe so.20 I don't believe that would be an issue or21 a problem. Again, something that we'd22 work out through a contract, memorandum23 of understanding, which we typically do24 with other City agencies. I think that's25 90 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 a possibility.2
Okay.3 Because I remember this issue came up4 about police I think in the last5 Administration, and at that particular6 time, it was said that, no, that would7 not have that. So can you put that on8 the list of things that you have to9 confer with whomever you're going to10 confer with?11
And get us13 some relatively definitive language,14 because there is some concerns about us15 getting locked into an issue in a time16 when the general economy is doing rather17 poorly, but if things improve, we would18 like to have the right to pare back some19 of that contribution and maybe provide20 additional services to rec centers or21 playgrounds or actually reduce taxes,22 wage taxes, or some of the other things23 that we like to do for our citizens.24
Yes. Understood,25 91 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and I will do that.2
Thank6 you very much.7 Councilman Clarke, you're fine?8
Thank10 you very much.11 I wanted to mention before I12 call on Councilwoman Miller, we've been13 talking a lot about bullying and as that14 relates to violence and truancy. We are15 planning with Upper Darby to have another16 summit with regard to bullying, and as17 you know, we're involved with the Mayor's18 Commission on African and Caribbean19 Immigrant Affairs, and we have20 specifically Liberians who have been21 severely preyed upon, and we have a lot22 of issues with violence and bullying.23 I wanted to know -- I'll24 specifically ask about truancy and where25 92 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we are. I know that you deal with2 Dr. Schwarz, Deputy Health Commissioner.3 I know you deal with that on that issue.4 I want to know where we are with truancy5 so we can try and keep our kids in6 school. And we also are looking forward7 to a lot of support with regard to8 bullying and violence.9 We have big issues. The10 Commission even adopted a school where we11 had big problems with violence, where an12 African child was severely injured.13 So we're doing all that we can14 with the African and Caribbean community,15 but we want to know a status report of16 where the School District is, what your17 plans are in these areas; that is,18 bullying and violence, and specifically19 where we are with regard to truancy.20 And my last question in that21 regard -- and then I'll call on22 Councilwoman Miller. I try to keep mine23 down as I'm here -- is where you are with24 regard to alternative schools when it25 93 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 comes to behavior.2 (Applause.)3 (Witnesses approached witness4 table.)5
Good morning. My6 name is Tomas Hanna, Associate7 Superintendent for Academic Support.8 Council, thank you for having us. I have9 Erica Washington, who is Deputy for10 Attendance and Truancy as well.11 A couple months ago, you may12 recall, we were here having this13 conversation with regard to the issue of14 bullying and specifically the impact it15 has on attendance and truancy. We know16 that, not in all cases but in far too17 many cases, all young people who are18 bullied or who are the victims of19 violence tend not to come to school20 because they're afraid, and that's21 something we absolutely agree with you on22 that we've got to get better at.23 One of our strategies with24 regard to supporting schools with25 94 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 attendance and truancy is, in essence,2 taking a look at every child by name and3 having a point person at the school who4 is taking a look at the kinds of issues5 that may be impacting this young person's6 ability to make it to school. It could7 be health related. It could be a fear8 factor of coming to school because of9 issues that have happened.10 So that's one way we're doing11 it, sort of taking a look at each young12 person by name and having a point person13 at a school.14 We've been working closely and15 I'm glad you acknowledge the fact that16 we're working closely with Deputy Mayor17 Schwarz's team, specifically with18 Commissioner Anne Marie Ambrose, around19 how DHS and the District come together,20 along with Judge Dougherty at the courts21 to figure out how these three systems22 work together to provide supports for23 young people who struggle to come to24 school.25 95 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Frankly, one of the issues are2 systems, and so when that point person at3 the school is taking a look at sort of4 what's happening, one of the questions we5 have to ask ourselves is, what are the6 interventions that have come -- that7 we've done, that we've put in place to8 help the young person. Sometimes it's9 just basic as the contact home.10 Sometimes the school doesn't have a11 number or an address and we've got to go12 out and sort of find that, right? From13 that point, to issues of violence and how14 we might have to integrate additional15 services for young people.16 You're absolutely right when17 you talk about the Africa/Caribbean18 population, the Liberian young people in19 Southwest Philadelphia. We've been in20 contact with yourself and others to sort21 of figure out how we can take a look at22 that population and what we might be able23 to do to do differently, similar to the24 way we're looking at many other25 96 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 populations in the City that have2 experienced these kinds of issues.3 Erica, do you want to get a4 little deeper where we are or is that5 covering --6
You've covered7 it.8 My name is Erica Washington.9 I'm the Deputy for Attendance and10 Truancy. And I believe Tomas has covered11 where we're going. We are in12 conversations and working regularly with13 DHS, the Department of Human Services, as14 well as Family Court, as well as the15 District Attorney's Office and the16 Mayor's Office of Education looking to17 see how the system will work to address18 the root causes of truancy, because19 that's one lesson we learned this year,20 that children aren't just coming to21 school just because they're scared, but22 there may be simple issues that can be23 corrected on the spot as far as24 transportation, as far as a transfer to25 97 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 another school. There are homeless2 issues, special education issues.3 So we've been working hard this4 year to really connect the dots, find out5 what the root cause of the truancy is,6 and then connecting students and families7 to those resources to eliminate those8 barriers to get them into school.9
So I'm10 reminded of W. DuBois talking about11 preventing the youth from being trained12 to crime, and that it is our13 responsibility to deal with the cause.14 So unfortunately, all these years later,15 we're still there. Just on Saturday16 night we went to a multi-cultural affair17 in Upper Darby, because students, some18 students, live there, some live here.19 They have a two-year program for Africans20 and Caribbeans where they train people.21 They train young people who have just22 come from Africa and the Caribbean, and23 they have a two-year program. They not24 only do college preparatory, but they25 98 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 train them in language and other skills2 that they need so that they're ready to3 deal with public school, and they had all4 these success stories about young people5 and how much they -- how well they're6 doing. And I was just thinking about how7 many kids we have, African American,8 Latino, and how many kids and families9 could benefit from some two-year program10 that allows them to catch up if they get11 a chance. So a 50 percent dropout is12 just so unbelievable.13 So I'm sitting here looking at14 these Africans and Caribbeans and I'm15 saying, my goodness, we have so many16 students left behind and we have to find17 a way to reach them. And I would just18 like to hear about specific programs and19 where they are so that we don't have to20 ask the same questions over and over, so21 that we don't have to reinvent the wheel,22 so that together we're working on23 truancy, bullying, violence, as well as24 alternative schools.25 99 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I don't know where we are with2 alternative schools. I know we did away3 with the model we had at Miller School in4 my area. Can you just name them, what5 alternative schools exist, and then I'll6 go on to the Councilwoman, and where we7 are.8
I'm going to ask9 Ben Wright to come up, but I can tell you10 that over the last three years, we've11 increased the spending on Multiple12 Pathways. When we talk about alternative13 schools, we're actually dividing them up14 into two categories. One is discipline15 schools, young people who have been16 suspended long term or those that are on17 expulsion, and then we're looking at18 students who left school and are coming19 back.20 For the last three years, we've21 spent approximately $29 to $30 million on22 the latter, the Multiple Pathways,23 because we've increased that24 considerably, and another 60 million on25 100 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 our alternative discipline schools. So2 if you were to compare --3
Can8 you say what they are? And the President9 wants to --10
I'm sure that11 Ben will be able to tell you. I was12 trying to give you a context for how much13 we've spent, because we've increased that14 spending considerably. And I'm not15 saying it's not good that we did, just16 that 150 million, if you compare that to17 all full-day kindergarten, it's about the18 same. So $150 million we've spent for19 three years on full-day kindergarten, 15020 million for all kinds of -- both kinds of21 alternative ed, Multiple Pathways, as22 well as disciplinary schools. So...23
Good25 101 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 morning.2
I'm sorry. Thank7 you. My name is Benjamin Wright. I'm8 the Assistant Superintendent for Academic9 Division 4, which includes all of the10 alternative schools as well as the11 juvenile programs.12 The current placement for the13 transition programs are Boone, which is14 located in North Philadelphia; Woodhaven;15 Shalecroft (ph), which is in the16 Northeast; DVHS, which is on Kelly Drive.17 We have three sites at Hunting Park and18 Front Street. We have 11 classrooms19 across the City managed by Cornell20 Abraxas. They're in Birney, they're in21 Decatur, Fels, Harrison, Holme, Hunting22 Park, King of Peace, LP Hill and Logan.23 We also have a program at the24 Franklin Mill Mall that is called Phase 425 102 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Learning. And those are for ninth grade2 kids that are overage and under-credited,3 but they're also transition schools.4 The School District manages two5 of its own programs called the6 Philadelphia Learning Academies, and they7 are for students who have been expelled8 for a short period or long period of time9 and are coming back, and these programs10 are located at Front and Hunting Park, as11 well as Miller, E.S. Miller, which is on12 4300 Westminster Street. One of the13 programs serve all the kids from the14 west, southwest and south side. The15 other program is serving kids from the16 central north --17
PLA South,20 Philadelphia Learning Academy South.21 It's on 4300 Westminster.22
We23 know the school. So all the schools that24 were built for that program, there were25 103 5/24/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 three of them. Are they all part of this2 same program? Because those schools were3 designed -- Miller School was -- they4 were designed for special programs,5 Allegheny School, Miller School and6 another school, citywide.7
Right. We8 combined those programs into Miller, the9 two that was on that side of town.10 Allegheny --11
Thank you.14 The Allegheny program is no15 longer there. Those people are in --16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 Excuse me. Would you mind pulling the18 microphone closer.19