From: Sen. Fumo
Date: 4/16/2002
Time: 10:40:19 AM
Remote Name: 172.23.151.14
One of the biggest problems the Philadelphia school system has is that it does not have a constituency. At last count, only 18 percent of taxpayers in Philadelphia sent their children to the public schools. Our Philadelphia school system is selling a product that no one wants to buy. That is why they are now bankrupt as any business would be under similar circumstances. The biggest solution to Philadelphia's educational crisis is not just spending money, but rather making massive changes in the quality of education that is offered so that more taxpayers would feel confident in sending their children to the system. If we ever reach that point, then our problems would be well on the way to a solution for all Philadelphians. However, to date, there does not seem to be anyone who is looking at making the kind of bold and visionary changes that must be made. All we hear is the old refrain, "send more money." Money alone will never solve these problems.