Philly schools: an advocate, teacher and parent share their perspectives

Guests: Donna Cooper, Terrilyn McCormick and Sam Reed

Today is the deadline for the Pennsylvania state legislature to pass its budget. While the state is anticipating a $1.5 billion revenue gap, legislators, teachers, parents and other stakeholders in Philadelphia are calling on the Commonwealth to help fund its public schools for the coming year. They are all hopeful that the lawmakers in Harrisburg will approve a proposed Philadelphia-only $2-a-pack tax on cigarette sales to help close the district’s multi-million dollar deficit. Joining us to talk about the School District’s ongoing budget crisis and how it is affecting the city’s children and families, are child advocate DONNA COOPER, executive director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth, West Philadelphia resident and public school parent TERRILYN McCORMICK and veteran literacy teacher SAM REED III.