Philadelphia leaders urge lawmakers in Harrisburg for increased school funding

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- City leaders traveled to Harrisburg on Monday to call on state lawmakers to increase funding for public schools, emphasizing that students deserve better learning environments.

The group, which included local officials and a former student, argued that aging and unsafe school facilities are hindering students' ability to learn. They said additional state investment is needed, particularly as the School District of Philadelphia faces a $300 million structural deficit.

"We are here to ask you to do your part," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.

A former student spoke about the impact of outdated buildings on students, calling the issue systemic.

"In my world, this is a systemic letdown underfunding of school facilities.... They are essential for a healthy learning environment," he said.

Officials said the funding concerns extend beyond Philadelphia, arguing that students across Pennsylvania should have access to modern, safe schools. The School District of Philadelphia serves roughly 198,000 students.

In April, the school board approved a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools and renovate 169 others over the next decade. City leaders said the plan underscores the need for long-term investment.

"You are trying to convince our children they need to learn to compete in a 21st-century global economy in schools built in the dinosaur age," said Parker.

The funding push comes amid ongoing debate at the local level. Earlier this month, the City Council rejected the mayor's proposal to tax ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft to support schools. Instead, council approved an additional $48 million in funding.

City officials have pledged more than $200 million over the next five years to help fund school workers, though they have not yet identified the source of that money. For the next fiscal year, the district is expected to receive about $2 billion from Philadelphia taxpayers.

Council President Kenyatta Johnson said the city is advocating for a larger share of state support.

"We're advocating for what we deserve, as a city and as a county," Johnson said.

In a statement, House of Representatives leadership criticized the mayor's approach, saying the city needs better long-term planning.

"Today's conversation happened right as Democrats were putting forward a proposal that would strip scholarships from tens of thousands of K-12 students from working, middle-class families," the statement said.

City leaders continued to press the state to act on school funding, framing the issue as one of equity and urgency.

"The question is if the commonwealth is prepared to act like every child matters," a speaker said.

The push comes as the state budget deadline approaches on June 30.