Posted on June 3, 2021
Categories: Research and Evaluation, School Supports

The School District of Philadelphia (SDP) will receive over $1 billion in one-time federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help support the growing needs of our students and schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2021, the SDP community was invited to participate in a Budget Engagement Survey to help inform the School District of Philadelphia’s plan to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic a stronger and more equitable school district. More than 12,000 people provided responses to the Budget Engagement Survey.

The top three student learning supports ranked by respondents as most important were:

  • Additional supports for Special Education Students
  • Discretionary funding for schools (schools can decide how they would like to use the funds)
  • An additional Math and Literacy Teacher Leader in every school

The top three building maintenance issues ranked by respondents as most important were:

  • Addressing environmental hazards
  • Installing air conditioning in buildings
  • Improving ventilation in buildings

The top three student social-emotional needs ranked by respondents as most important were:

  • Behavioral/mental health services
  • Before and after school enrichment opportunities
  • Additional athletic opportunities

Click here to download the slide deck of survey findings.