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To the Editor:
In her comprehensive letter to the editor (“The choice,” June 5) Helen Gym makes some profound statements about the causes of the present conditions in our schools and possible solutions. Basically, it is not that there is no money, but how that money is collected and distributed — like the fiasco of charter reimbursement.
Pennsylvania contributes only about 36 percent of education funding to all its school districts, compared to an average of 50 percent from 49 other states and in contrast to the 55 percent our state contributed in 1972. Pennsylvania depends almost entirely on local taxes to make up the difference. The unfairness of such a plan should be obvious.
Helen correctly calls for a consistent state funding formula based on enrollment, demographics or level of need. Pennsylvania is one of only three states without such a formula. Are [officials] anti-intellectual or what?
None of this fiduciary neglect was changed by the state takeover of our schools in 2001. In fact, things have only deteriorated to the point where Philadelphia schools have become less safe and productive.
As agents of such an incompetent government, the School Reform Commission and Chair Bill Green do not inspire any confidence. Instead of demanding that the state live up to its constitutional obligations, they threaten school workers with layoffs, drastic cuts in pay and changes in work rules, all with no regard for the health, safety and well-being of students or staff.
Philadelphia can do more but we cannot do it alone. If our city and our state are to remain vibrant centers of learning and good places to raise children, we must act now to reverse this destructive trend, starting with regaining local control.
Gloria C. Endres
South Philadelphia
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