By The Philly Public Record
– “While it’s no surprise Gov. Tom Corbett’s Dept. of Education would publicly agree to any argument made by his School Reform Commission, the filing of the PDE’s amicus brief in support of the SRC’s Supreme Court petition is still outrageous,” charges PFT President Jerry Jordan.
“One of the most-ridiculous assertions made by the PDE’s brief is the SRC needs the freedom to impose working conditions in schools because of the district’s financial distress – crisis that was created by the very administration the SRC represents!
“Of course, the PDE’s argument with regard to the district’s budget deficit is utter nonsense. These rule changes won’t save the district a dime. We challenge the SRC, the district and the Corbett administration to explain how their proposed changes would benefit the district financially.
“The entire legal maneuver demonstrates either a startling hubris on the part of the SRC, the Corbett administration and the School District; or a disturbing ignorance about the real needs of our schoolchildren.”
In a reply brief filed this week, the School District of Philadelphia and School Reform Commission explained, “When the General Assembly passed the Distressed School District law, it intended to provide the School District with additional flexibility in organizing its schools to provide better opportunities for students and gave the District the necessary tools to do so. Recognizing the stakes for students and schools, the General Assembly designated the Supreme Court as the body most able to expeditiously resolve disputes concerning these matters. The School District and SRC believe it is critical that the Supreme Court resolve these issues of public importance now.” “People understand the issues at stake here are urgent,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Jr., SDP superintendent. “I have heard from parents, principals, and numerous teachers who support the changes we are making. They know how important it is for every student to have the right teacher with the right skill set, right now.”
Source: http://www.phillyrecord.com/2014/04/with-the-unions-who-damaged-phillys-schools/
