Philadelphia schools to receive $17 million for much-needed face lifts

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Cherelle Parker is lauding a nearly $17 million early holiday gift in state funds to renovate Philadelphia’s aging school buildings.

The pavement outside West Philly’s Martha Washington Elementary School is pocked and broken. The school’s 200 students have recess there, but staff must watch closely to keep them safe. 

Meanwhile, inside, some of the largest bathrooms don’t work.

"The building was built in 1929. There are renovations that have to take place. Our students and our staff deserve to have functioning bathrooms and facilities," said Principal Lakeisha Patrick.

Martha Washington is far from unique in a district with aging buildings, some likely to be shuttered in the years ahead. So, when legislators came bearing gifts Tuesday there was joy.

"If we really believe that our children are our future, we have to send them to schools that look like the future not relics of the past," said Pennsylvania State Representative Jordan Harris, a Democrat from Philadelphia County.

The cardboard checks told the story of 175-million dollars in state funds to repair aging schools across the Commonwealth, with nearly 17 million going to Philadelphia schools including nearly a million and a half for Martha Washington’s bathrooms. 

"We can’t have students, teachers and administrators going into schools with leaky roofs, unreliable bathrooms. We want our children to love going to school not dreading going into the buildings," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.

Policymakers said the need to repair schools is great. One, calling Philly’s cut a "small, but important investment."

Martha Washington 5th grader, Jamahz Spears, sees the money in simple terms. "I think when kids have more fun, they learn better, so I think that’s going to help," he said.