Budget Cuts In Philadelphia Public Schools

Jimmy Pham

Professor Jason Schossler

English 2696: Technical Writing

March 30, 2015

Budget Cuts in Philadelphia Public Schools

Before getting into budget cuts, we must understand what a school budget is. We will go over what is the purpose of the school budget, the people who are involved with it, where it comes from, the different categories it goes under and when it is spent. A budget is an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time. This allows the school district and their leaders to plan for the upcoming year with the estimated revenues and expenses. The school budget is used to establish the district’s objectives and priorities. It involves the public through hearings about the budget and decisions made from

It ranges from local and district level to a state level, and even to a national level. In the local and district level budget discussion and work includes school boards, school administrators, school employees and community members. At the state level, the state education agency, state legislator and governor are involved. Their roles are to manage state funding and state policy. At the national level, the federal education department and members of Congress are involved. Their work is involved with education funding and federal policy. The school budget resources come from a combination of the local, state and federal contribution. Local funding has local government collecting property taxes from residential and commercial properties. States rely on income and sales taxes to fund elementary and secondary education. State funding for schools is distributed through a formula. The formula used is based on the number of students in the area. Federal funding is set annually by Congress. It is distributed to states and school districts through formulas and competitive grant

These categories help schools manage and prioritize their budget. Some of the budget categories are included but are not limited to the schools. Transportation for buses and drivers to transport students. Facilities to ensure clean and well-maintained schools. Energy to have schools lit during the day, heated during the winter and cool during the summer. Health and safety, to have school nurses care for students who are ill and security measures to keep students and staff safe. Instructions to have qualified teachers to teach students, teachers to have instructional aide and classroom have needed supplies. Curriculum and staff development to provide curriculums, training, and instructional support to have teachers able to provide students with necessary knowledge and skill. Food services to provide nutritious and affordable meals for students. Library services to have librarians provide research assistance and resources. Counseling services to provide students counselors for testing preparations, college preparations, drug and alcohol abuse programs and supporting family needs. School leadership and support staff to have a principal, assistant principals and administrative support. School budgets are spent continuously through the year. Federal dollars in school budgets are spent throughout the year. Federal spending has the rule of “first in, first out.” This means that the money has to be spent in the