PHILADELPHIA (April 22, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the Board of Education's refusal to grant City Council's request that a vote on the School District of Philadelphia's Facilities Master Plan be delayed to at least the May 28th monthly action meeting:

"I am shocked by the disrespect shown to City Council members today by Board President Reginald Streater and Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr. Unfortunately, such treatment is nothing new for our members, who have been shouting to be heard about the

PHILADELPHIA (March 13, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the School District of Philadelphia's announcement of school-based staffing cuts to address a long-predicted structural deficit:

​“Over the past month I’ve met with PFT and community members in schools across the City targeted for closure, and there is across-the-board fatigue with perpetual cycles of austerity being inflicted on Philadelphia public schools. Educators and students are sick of being told there’s not enough money to fill staffing

PHILADELPHIA (March 12, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposed municipal budget for FY2027:

“Proposed revenue increases from rideshare services and cell phone towers that could raise $12 million annually for public schools are modest, broad, and should not be controversial. Philadelphia cannot continue to grow in population and prosperity without deeper, sustained investment in public education. We are pleased that the Parker Administration acknowledges that fact in its FY2027