Nutter, Butkovitz push Pa. for more school funding

HARRISBURG - Philadelphia leaders launched a full-court press Tuesday on the General Assembly, seeking support for funding to cover the projected $304 million school budget shortfall.

At separate news conferences, Mayor Nutter and City Controller Alan Butkovitz called on lawmakers to find money to stave off the school funding crisis as they head into the frenzied final lap toward the June 30 budget deadline.

"We cannot and will not let the students down," said Nutter, who was joined by School Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. and representatives of charter schools in a show of support for all public schools.

Nutter said lawmakers were aware of the efforts of the School Reform Commission to reduce costs by closing schools and trimming staff.

"We're at least being heard," said Nutter, adding that Philadelphia was the largest of 12 school districts statewide facing fiscal problems.

Nutter is seeking an additional $120 million in school funding from the state.

Under the GOP budget, approved Monday by the House Appropriations Committee, the School District would receive $1.3 billion, an increase of almost $31 million.