Although Gov. Mark Schweiker must present the state's proposal for remedying Philadelphia's ailing schools today, city officials are still in the dark about the plan's specifics.
The decision will largely be based on the report of Edison's Schools Inc., a for-profit education company which former governor Tom Ridge hired in August to develop solutions for the debt-ridden and underachieving district. And it is almost certain that Edison will be given a large role in running the district.
But as of yet, neither Edison nor state officials are commenting on the details of the plan. Edison spokesman Adam Tucker would not confirm reports that Edison had recommended roughly 60 of the districts 264 schools be managed independently.
Both Street spokeswoman Luz Cardenas and City Education Secretary Debra Kahn said they did not know how Schweiker intends to present the report today, but that they were expecting it to be delivered.
"We do expect to be in receipt of the governor's official plan," Kahn said.
Though Schweiker and Street have one month to reach an agreement on how to proceed, Street must essentially yield to Schweiker's final decision as the state will take control if no agreement is reached. Dan Fee, spokesman for Council President Anna Verna, questioned whether the state would keep the best interests of Philadelphia in mind.
"Education is key to the long term strength and survival of Philadelphia," Fee said. "Clearly change has to be made, but it remains to be seen what the governor is going to propose and if he's going to propose the best change for Philadelphia."
Councilman Michael Nutter urged cooperation between the city and state.
"If the parties aren't functioning as virtual equals, then it isn't a negotiation," Nutter said. "I think that ultimately, you have a situation here where partnership is imminently important."
In September, Nutter introduced a bill to Council that would have created a ballot question, allowing citizens of Philadelphia to vote on whether or not to privatize the district. Although the bill received unanimous support from City Council, Street vetoed it.
Fee also said that Philadelphia should play a large role in whatever decision is reached.
"Philadelphia should continue to have a major influence on how its children are educated," Fee said.
But members of City Council are not the only people who have voiced concern over what an Edison takeover could mean. Officials from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers -- which opposes any form of privatization -- have said that they are worried privatization could mean a loss of jobs.
Dee Phillips, assistant to PFT President Ted Kirsch, said the union thinks that job cutbacks are a possibility if Edison takes over.
"PFT is always supporting our members keeping their jobs," Phillips said. And last week Phillips noted that "history has shown us that privatization does mean the loss of jobs."
And city officials also say they are in the dark about the details of Schweiker's plan to infuse an additional $75 million into Philadelphia's public schools.
"We really don't understand it," Kahn said. "We do not even have a basic understanding of the financial underpinnings of the plan."
The additional money, which was first disclosed last week, will be spent over five years for performance bonuses for principals, teacher training and raises.
Fee said that the money is a step in the right direction, but that it is still uncertain whether the state will continue to fund the city's education system in the long run.
"The question is whether or not Harrisburg will live up to its responsibility to fund schools over the long haul," Fee said.
And Phillips questioned whether the money would be spent effectively.
"It's a start, and again, how is it going to be used?" Phillips asked. "We want money in the classroom where students can use."
