Watch CBS News

Teachers Union Rallies Outside Philadelphia School District Headquarters

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On the eve of a court hearing to determine the fate of thousands of Philadelphia school teachers who have been laid off, hundreds of teachers and their supporters rallied outside the Philadelphia School District headquarters on North Broad Street this afternoon.

The rally was held prior to Monday night's School Reform Commission meeting.

Many teachers got into the meeting, but many others were locked out and gathered in the lobby, chanting "Honor contract" and banging drums and blowing whistles.

Eileen DiFranco, a nurse at Roxborough High School, says it's time for the SRC to move on.

"The SRC has been in power since 2000. The budget was balanced, now we have a $240 million deficit. Where's all that money gone? Why are the still in power when they haven't exercised due diligence over the last 11-years?"

Todd Quinones reports...

More than 3,000 teachers have been issued pink slips.

The hearing Tuesday will determine whether the district violated the contract by exempting 200 teachers from the layoffs.

Reported by Kim Glovas, KYW Newsradio

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.