Following is a joint statement from Philadelphia public education advocacy organizations:
"As a coalition of organizations actively focused on improving the quality of education for the 198,000 public and charter school students across Philadelphia, we support all solutions that provide resources for our kids. Now that Council has given preliminary approval for $50.4 million in additional funding to address the School District of Philadelphia's budget gap for FY2027, it is imperative that the District immediately restore the 340 teaching, counseling, and climate staff positions that were cut when the Board of Education adopted its budget back on May 28th.
"Cutting these positions will harm our students and cut our progress short at a time when we’re making improvements in educational outcomes. Educators and non-teaching school staff who were informed by the District that their positions were being cut are applying for jobs in surrounding school systems as we speak. It is urgent that the District inform them immediately that their positions are being preserved - not just because these education professionals deserve certainty, but because any further losses of educators will negatively impact students’ learning conditions in the ‘26-’27 academic year.
"Everyone agrees that Council's funding increase must be recurring, and that staff cuts are a disaster for Philadelphia children. The District can reverse the cuts immediately, as Council comes to an agreement on recurring revenue in future years as promised."
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers
Children First
Education Law Center-PA
Elevate 215
Public Interest Law Center
School Police Association of Philadelphia (SPAP)
Teach Plus PA
Teamster Local 502 (CASA)
The Center for Black Educator Development
Unite Here! Local 634
