Philadelphia schools need more money, and rideshare tax could help

Philadelphia's school district faces tough choices because of budget cuts. While city leaders debate a new tax on rideshare trips, schools are preparing for major staff shortages. One school in West Philadelphia could lose seven teachers next year. This means no art or gym classes for younger students and bigger class sizes. Sports teams and after-school clubs might disappear too. The school was also told to merge with another school soon, making planning harder. Teachers and parents gathered at City Hall to push for the tax. They say losing staff like climate workers, who help keep schools safe, will hurt students. Other cities have seen learning improve after the pandemic, but Philadelphia might struggle without enough teachers.A teacher earning extra cash as a rideshare driver says big companies like Uber should pay more. He calls them "corporate marauders" for avoiding taxes while taking money out of the city. The rideshare company says if the tax passes, riders will pay extra. But the teacher argues the money should go to schools instead. Years of state underfunding haven’t helped Philadelphia’s schools. Fixing that takes time, so short-term solutions are needed. Some say the city council must act now or schools will suffer. A leader in education says, "Stop talking, start doing. " The question is whether leaders will listen before it’s too late.