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School District Budget Means Schools May Lose Teachers

The Philadelphia Board of Education passed a controversial $4.6 billion budget, with cuts aimed at addressing the district’s $300 million deficit. The superintendent says no staff will be laid off but instead reassigned, resulting in some schools losing climate staff, teachers, and counselors. [Chalkbeat]

• Related: The budget comes amid fallout over the passing of the facilities master plan, which will close 17 schools. Although City Council has denounced the plan, no alternative has been presented yet, but the Mayor’s proposed tax on rideshares could alleviate the cuts. [🎧City Cast Philly]

SEPTA Approves Bus Network Redesign

SEPTA’s board approved a budget that paves the way for a new bus schedule with more frequent service on fewer routes. It will also debut two new bus routes. Phase I of the transition will begin in August. [WHYY]

Sheriff’s Office Faces Years of Accusations With Limited Consequences

The Sheriff’s Office has long struggled with corruption, and in the past six years, accusations of missing firearms, slush funds, and failing to do the office’s basic functions have not helped to shake that image. Despite all these scandals, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal is protected by the top dogs in Philly politics. Why? [The Philadelphia Citizen]

• Related: Bilal has pushed back at the criticism, arguing that she fixed a broken office. [🎧City Cast Philly]

Could Philly Voters Have More Choice at the Polls?

City Council passed a resolution last week in support of ranked choice voting, which allows voters to rank candidates on the ballot by preference (first, second, third) rather than selecting only one candidate. Philadelphia would need state approval before changing the city’s electoral method. [Philly Voice]