Republican Lawmakers Question Philadelphia School District's Management and Spending

Strategic Insights -

State Rep. Martina White and other lawmakers expressed concern over the district's handling of federal COVID-19 relief money, which has been used to fund facilities and administrative positions. Meanwhile, a lawyer advocating for education funding disputed the credibility of an analyst from a libertarian think tank who suggested the district should cut costs rather than increase funding. The debate comes as state budget negotiations pick up, with lawmakers considering a new formula to address inadequate funding in Pennsylvania's school districts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Philadelphia School District has received an infusion of federal COVID-19 relief money, which has been used to fund facilities and administrative positions, rather than classroom instruction.
  • Christian Barnard, an analyst from the Reason Foundation, testified before lawmakers that Philadelphia was "one of the highest-funded large school districts in the state," but was "very skeptical that a billion more dollars is going to make any kind of difference" for Philadelphia students.
  • Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, a lawyer who advocates for education funding, disputed Barnard's analysis, noting that the district is actually underfunded by more than $1 billion and ranks 27th-lowest in spending among 500 districts in the state.
  • The district spent around $24,000 per student in 2023-24, ranking 134th out of 500 Pennsylvania districts, according to state data.
  • The district's bond ratings have improved, with upgrades citing stability in finances and targeted investments.
  • The district's superintendent and school board president emphasized progress over the last two years, including increases in regular attendance and improved test scores.
  • Some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Barb Gleim, suggested that the school funding issue is not a matter of adequacy, but rather an "honesty gap," implying that the district is mismanaging its funds.

Statistics:

  • $1.1 billion spent by the Philadelphia School District on curriculum upgrades, facility projects, and additions of 350 "school-based positions" using federal pandemic aid.
  • 20% drop in enrollment in close to half of district schools since the pandemic.
  • $24,000 spent per student by the district in 2023-24, ranking 134th out of 500 Pennsylvania districts.
  • 27th-lowest spending rank of the district among 500 districts in the state when adjusted for needs.
  • $4.5 billion deemed underfunded by schools in the new adequacy formula.

Sources:

  • "Philadelphia School District under scrutiny by state lawmakers" by Maddie Hanna (The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 19, 2025).
  • Commonwealth Court ruling (2023) on the school funding system.
  • Public Interest Law Center press release on the school funding trial.
  • State data on school spending and enrollment.