Time running out on school funding

Everyone in City Hall agrees that this week is crunch time on school funding. But so far, that's about all they agree on.

City Council yesterday still had not zeroed in on a plan to fund schools for the fiscal year starting July 1.

Mayor Nutter has proposed a number of options to raise revenues, including a property-tax hike, a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and an increase in parking-meter fees. After last week's hearings, it looks as if the administration is hoping to get at least $66 million to give to the schools, provided some state funding comes through.

A small group of Council members met behind closed doors with Nutter late yesterday afternoon, as he again petitioned them to do something to provide more money. In order to get final approval of any plan by the last scheduled session on June 23, Council likely needs to reach an agreement by Thursday. Many members have expressed interest in also taking some money from next year's projected surplus fund balance, a move the administration has warned could affect new spending planned for next year, including a new police class.

Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez said any deal is very much still a work in progress. "I think everybody is going to look at everything," she said.

Rhetoric on both sides will heat up today as opponents of the soda tax will rally outside City Hall. Nutter plans to visit schools to continue his push to generate support for more funding.

- Catherine Lucey