Parker also told the crowd of executives, elected officials, business owners and civic leaders that she would need the business community’s support to ensure education is equitable for all.
“So, Cherelle, what do you want to say to the chamber about public education? I want to call on the chamber, its board, and every member to join with us in fighting for the full loaf of education funding for our students, the full loaf, not just crumbs. We deserve it, but we can’t just do it alone,” Parker said.
Parker stood firm on her message about the importance of providing full-time, year-round school for students.
“It includes a plan for full-day and year-round schooling so that students can get the educational enrichment that they need throughout the year and schedules that work for working families,” said Parker.
The mayor expressed her desire to work with business leaders to address education shortfalls and hopes to see more money put into schools to provide higher-quality education for the city’s students, which she said would benefit everyone.
“We have a historic opportunity right now. The basic funding commission has recommended an infusion of 1.4 Billion dollars for Philadelphia schools over the next 7 years,” Parker said.
“Our Governor Shapiro, in his budget last month, proposed $242 million more in education funds for Philadelphia this year, and I’m here to say to each of you that we need every dollar and more.”
Parker promised to work with Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington and the school board to ensure students get the education they need to succeed.
