Corbett Releases $45m to Philly Schools

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett released $45 million in funds to the Philadelphia School District on Wednesday, money the school district said it needed to stay open for the entire school year.

Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. William Hite said that the money will be used to rehire 400 employees, including counselors, support staff and some teachers, and fund music and athletics through the full year.

The state legislature had voted to give the district the money earlier this year, but Gov. Corbett held up the money until concessions were made to the district by the teachers union, primarily school closings and seniority's effect on teaching assignments.

"The $45 million of federal funding that Gov. Corbett finally released today—albeit much too late—is an important step for Philadelphia's public school children. The money can provide immediate relief to a resource-starved school district," said American Federation of Teachers President  Randi Weingarten

Weingarten added, “Let me be clear: There should never have been a delay in the release of these funds. But thanks to the united voices of thousands of parents, students, teachers and community activists from Philadelphia and across the country, Gov. Corbett has finally done the right thing."