Each year, the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) administers a budget priorities survey to gather stakeholder feedback that will inform the next year’s budget.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Priorities Survey was designed to:

• Capture stakeholders’ priorities for the FY 2026 operating budget to inform decision-making in the context of a projected budget deficit due to the recent end of the federal COVID-19 relief grants and the effects of historic underfunding.
• In alignment with Accelerate Philly Strategic Action 5.8, improve transparency and collaboration in the annual operating budget process by ensuring all stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input.

A total of 5,508 stakeholders representing 254 District schools/programs responded to the survey.

Key findings include:

• Stakeholders affirmed the importance of all Accelerate Philly priority areas.
• The following six investments were all rated “very high priority” by more than 50% of respondents: 1) employee salaries and benefits, 2) safety and security measures, 3) mental and behavioral health supports, 4) building maintenance, 5) curriculum/classroom resources, and 6) programs/services for students with disabilities.
• Teacher positions were viewed as the highest priority investment for school staffing.