Deep education cuts protested in Philadelphia

Matching the loss of 3,859 jobs is the slashing of the city’s education budget that will force schools to open in the fall without funding for paper, new books, athletics, arts, music, counselors and more. Since 2011, the school district has eliminated 34.3 percent of school workers.

Hundreds of students, parents and teachers protested June 14 outside of the governor’s office for more school funding. On June 17, a group of public school workers and parents encamped on the steps of Gov. Tom Corbett’s Philadelphia office to fast. The fasters will continue without food or juice until “the Commonwealth and City act to prioritize school safety.” (realfoodrealjobs.org, June 17)

Activists are also filling busloads of public school supporters who will travel to Harrisburg on June 25 to surround the State Capitol building with signs and chanting.