Latisse Fence urges Philadelphia council to prioritize school funding and success

Community leaders and parents rallied at the Philadelphia City Council's budget hearing on April 30, 2025, demanding urgent action to address the funding crisis in local schools. Latisse Fence, a member of the advocacy group Every Voice Philly, passionately urged council members to fully fund schools and eliminate harmful budget practices, highlighting the dire need for a "chief of joy" to oversee student well-being.

Fence emphasized the financial mismanagement that has led to a projected $2 billion deficit over the next five years, questioning the logic of withdrawing $306 million from reserves to cover expenses. "Every parent can understand that if we keep pulling from our savings, eventually there will be nothing left," she stated, calling for immediate investment to prevent a larger crisis.

The testimony underscored the frustration of parents witnessing the underperformance of schools due to chronic underfunding. Fence likened the situation to an employer blaming an employee for poor performance while providing inadequate resources. She pointed out that essential programs, like the robotics initiative at Houston Elementary, are often cut, forcing parents to fundraise to keep them alive.

"Programs like these create spaces for joy," Fence declared, stressing that educational success should not depend on parental financial support. She urged council members to take decisive action to protect students and staff, warning that failure to act would lead to further cuts in critical services.

As the hearing continued, the call for a comprehensive plan to address the budget deficits and ensure the success of Philadelphia's schools resonated strongly among attendees, highlighting the urgent need for leadership and accountability in the education system.