PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2026) – Philly public school educators, city officials, and students and families on Wednesday rallied for Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed education funding package as part of a nationwide AFT Day of Action.
Members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) at Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School welcomed Dr. Jermaine Dawson, Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services (representing Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr.); City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Education Chair Isaiah Thomas, and At-Large Member Dr. Nina Ahmad; Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas; and public education supporters to urge the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass Governor Shapiro’s education funding package – of which $2.2 billion would be invested in the District. Shapiro’s proposed FY 2027 budget also includes $1 billion for public education infrastructure, including school buildings.
PFT President Arthur G. Steinberg reminded the public that Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School is a destination school for families across the city, but that its future has been thrown into question following decades of disinvestment in public education by the Commonwealth. Only recently, under Governor Shapiro’s administration, has the General Assembly deepened investment in long-underfunded school districts like Philadelphia’s through additional “adequacy gap” funding.
“Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School is a gem in the wilderness, and a refuge for diverse learners who thrive in open-air instruction and low-stimulation environments. The idea that these students and staff would be forced to leave a school they love is heartbreaking," President Steinberg said. “While some of us here have different visions for this school’s fate, we’re standing unified today to call on the General Assembly to pass Governor Shapiro’s education funding proposal in full. Every dollar proposed is a dollar that belongs in school buildings to support student learning, mentorship, and care.”
The AFT Day of Action comes as Philadelphia public school educators, administrators, students, and families are engaged in an intense debate over the District’s Facilities Master Plan, which currently proposes to close 18 schools – including Lankenau Environmental Science – and relocate dozens of other schools and programs. At a heated, marathon meeting of the Board of Education last Thursday, several members of the Board cited decades of disinvestment by the state in Philadelphia schools as responsible for the District’s student enrollment challenges.
“At every Board of Education meeting, we hear directly from families, students, and educators about the urgent need to invest in our people, our facilities, and the instructional resources that drive academic achievement and student well-being,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. Ed.D. “We are grateful for Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership and his continued focus on strengthening public education, and we thank the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers for their leadership and partnership in the fight for fair school funding. With adequate and equitable state funding, we can move beyond difficult conversations about scarcity and focus squarely on accelerating academic achievement.”
Speakers noted that Lankenau’s rigorous environmental science and agroecology programming is unique among public schools in the Commonwealth, where agriculture is among the fastest growing industries. Lankenau also attracts a high number of diverse learners who thrive in the school’s outdoor learning environment and low-stimulation indoor learning environments.
“When the General Assembly and Governor Shapiro began approving additional funds to close the education funding gap, schools like Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School – that are predominantly students of color, that are Title I, that are small but special, and chronically underfunded – benefited nearly immediately,” Principal Jessica McAtamney said. “We respectfully request that state lawmakers in Harrisburg not impede the progress schools that schools like Lankenau have made. Please pass Governor Shapiro’s education budget and save Lankenau!”
“When we underfund our schools, we are sending a clear message to our most vulnerable children: their needs are negotiable,” special education teacher and PFT member Amy Szymanski said. “With all the love I have for this city’s children, please hear me when I say their needs are non-negotiable. Small schools are worth the investment. Students and families rely on school for routine, structure, safety, and specialized support. Shutting down a school doesn't just impact one community; it shakes the foundation for everyone.”
Earlier on Wednesday, PFT members distributed flyers sharing information about the need for a strong education funding package to families and neighbors as students arrived at dozens of schools throughout the city.
