Millions Added For Philadelphia Schools As State Finalizes Budget

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Lawmakers in Harrisburg have finally finished their work on the state budget. And that puts one more piece of Philadelphia’s school funding puzzle is in place.

In a brief afternoon session Monday, the state house wrapped up the budget by approving what’s called the fiscal code. Wrapped up in that code is a one-time, $45 million for Philadelphia schools, redirected from a debt the state once owed the feds.

The district — after laying off nearly 4,000 counselors, assistant principals, and school support staffers — is waiting to see how many of those employees it can afford to hire back.

Governor Tom Corbett’s funding package fell short of the $180 million the district was seeking — and the district is still negotiating what it hopes will be $130 million in union concessions.

After the vote Superintendent William Hite tweeted, “Much work remains to ensure sufficient recurring funds and spending levels.”