PFT President Arthur Steinberg speaks at a press conference in a public school in South Philadelphia. Mayor Cherelle Parker is seen to his left.

PFT President Arthur Steinberg speaks at a press conference in a public school in South Philadelphia. CASA (school administrators union) President Dr. Robin Cooper is to his right, and Board of Education President Reginald Streater is to his left.

Thrilled to join Mayor Cherelle Parker as she leaned in to her proposal to tax rideshare companies to fund our schools - from 20 cents to $1 per ride! Successfully managing the School District's growth – not decline – must be our goal. Our students deserve nothing less. #PhlEd #PHLbudget

title of quote graphic reads: PFT President Steinberg Statement on Mayor Parker's FY2027 Budget Proposal. Quote begins: "“Proposed revenue increases from rideshare services and cell phone towers that could raise $12 million annually for public schools are modest, broad, and should not be controversial. Philadelphia cannot continue to grow in population and prosperity without deeper, sustained investment in public education...

“The PFT continues to urge the City to more immediately address system failures and repair needs in school facilities, and to direct the Board of Education to reinstate the moratorium on new charter school authorizations. The Facilities Master Plan as currently constituted will drive students and educators out of the District, and must be paused for further member and community input. “As the City is poised to rename a street for a giant of education equity – the late...

...uperintendent Dr. Constance E. Clayton – we are called to remember that ‘every school’s a good school.’ That is, every school tasked with educating Philadelphia’s young people is a good school that is deserving of public investment and institutional support. “We urge the City to be more transparent about the price tag for the facilities plan. Where are the funds necessary for repairing and modernizing dozens of school buildings across the city?

What is the strategy for reversing student enrollment drop-offs due to District changes in admissions processes and the alarmingly un-regulated growth of cyber charter schools – by one estimate, responsible for the exodus of 14,000 students from District schools? Our educators, students, and families across the city will continue to fight for the dignity of our school communities and students, who are already enrolled in good schools and simply lack the institutional and public support that every child deserves.”

We @pft.org urge Council to support Mayor Parker's proposal to raise new revenues for the School District, & also call on the City to direct the Board of Education to pause the plan to close schools & reinstate the moratorium on new charters. Fix our facilities, fund our schools! #PhlEd #PHLbudget

"Bilal, whose office distributes free gun locks and promotes safe firearm practices, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday." #PHLbudget

PFT President Arthur Steinberg testifies during City Council's public hearing on funding for the School District of Philadelphia.

PFT President Arthur Steinberg testifies during City Council's public hearing on funding for the School District of Philadelphia.

The @pftlocal3.bsky.social strongly supports an increase in the portion of property taxes dedicated to the School District so we can address the teacher vacancy crisis. At a time of impressive growth for our city, we must ensure the needs of Philly public school students are met. #PHLbudget

Graphic for National Library Week. The top half of the image has the PFT logo and the text: "April 6–12, National Library Week. The fight for resources is the fight for education." The bottom half features two photos: on the left, a library with bookshelves and tables; on the right, three children of lying on the floor, reading and smiling together in a library setting.

It’s #NationalLibraryWeek! 📚 In Philly, many schools lack certified librarians due to years of inequitable state funding - shortchanging students who deserve unlimited access to books & knowledge.

Our members will NEVER stop fighting for abundance for our students #PhlEd #PAbudget #PHLbudget

@cmthomasphl.bsky.social: "I think the .5 percent increase in real estate taxes is a good start. We’re going to possibly entertain even more than that." #PHLed #PHLBudget