Philadelphia Schools Remain In Limbo Awaiting Harrisburg Action
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The budget picture for Philadelphia public schools remains unclear, while the city awaits final action from lawmakers in Harrisburg.
The $140-million, partial state bailout plan includes $30 million from a trio of bills allowing more aggressive city property tax collection. But a spokesman for the state senate majority leader says it's unlikely those bills will come up for a vote before summer recess.
School Reform Commission chair Pedro Ramos isn't making much comment until the financial picture is finalized.
"There's an enormous amount of work, obviously, that continues to be necessary in all fronts, both in terms of generating the savings needed at the district but also generating revenue and implementing the proposal if approved by the General Assembly," he told KYW Newsradio this morning.
Other funds from a city sales tax extension and a federal grant are contingent on the state education secretary signing off on district operational "reforms," widely seen as labor concessions from school unions.
Ramos also wouldn't talk about whether the district plans to hire back any of its 3,800 laid-off workers in the meantime.
