DN Editorial: THE OTHER AMNESIA

WE ALL KNOW that the word "amnesia" means a loss of memory, but Merriam Webster's dictionary also offers an additional meaning: "The selective overlooking or ignoring of events or acts that are not favorable to one's purpose or position."

Merriam Webster's, meet Philadelphia City Council.

When it comes to Philadelphia's public schools, Council has a recurring case of amnesia that grows more acute each year.

As Superintendent William Hite has learned (not doubt much to his regret) the reaction of Council to his requests for additional city aid are the same each year.

First, there is shock. Council members, as opposed to everyone else in Philadelphia, are surprised to learn the schools are in financial stress. "How can this be?" they ask. "Didn't we just give you money last year?"

Second, there is anger. "How dare you ask us for more money! What do you think we are - an ATM? Something stinks over there if you can't balance your budget."

Third, change the topic. "Let's not talk about your need for money. Let's talk about, um, cursive writing. Why don't you teach cursive? Now that's an important issue."

Fourth, there is denial. "You don't lack money. You lack transparency. You don't give us information on how you spend all this money. Why do you keep it secret?"

That last one, a favorite of Council President Darrell Clarke, is laughable.

Here is a man with lots of six-figure budget and policy analysts on his staff and he accuses the district of hiding how it spends its money - details of which are contained in a 300-plus page budget document, along with a slew of other financial documents that are posted on the district's website. (Memo to Council staff: go to www.phila.k12.pa.us)

Finally, there is bargaining. After the shock, denial and anger, Council mashes together a package that doesn't come close to the $103 million Hite has said he needs to improve conditions in the schools, nor even the $83 million he needs just to balance next year's budget, but $70 million.

All of these contortions are done to avoid the obvious: Mayor Nutter's proposal to raise the $103 million needed with a 9.3 percent increase in property taxes.

It's one thing to reject the mayor's proposal out of hand, it's another thing to "solve" the problem by offering the district half a loaf.

Council members obviously are comfortable to live with the illusion that they have helped the district. Hite does not have that luxury. He has to pay the bills - and you can't pay a $103 million bill with $70 million.

This year, Hite also had the audacity not simply to ask for enough money to balance the budget but also to restore some of the deep cuts made in the past.

Clarke sniffed at this request. We're not going to pay for your "Cadillac version," he told Hite.

How anyone could compare having enough nurses, supplies, counselors and support staff just to do the job to a "Cadillac" escapes us. It's more like a Ford Fiesta.

Of course, Council doesn't really have amnesia when it comes to the schools and their needs. Let's call this what it is: Council doesn't give a damn.