Philadelphia Schools Face More Cuts If State Lawmakers Can't Agree On Funding
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia School District is keeping its pink slips in its pocket for now, until the revenue picture from Harrisburg becomes more clear.
The School Reform Commission Monday night unanimously adopted a $2.5 billion budget that contains a $93 million placeholder.
"Whether this gap will be made up with additional revenue or expenditure reductions depends on the outcome of ongoing negotiations in Harrisburg," Superintendent William Hite said.
Those cuts could include the layoffs of 1,300 staffers. But Hite says the pink slips are on hold so the district doesn't spend millions in severance costs only to recall workers if revenue comes through.
Hite says without the $93 million to get the district back to status quo, he would consider not opening schools in September if he can't guarantee childrens' safety.
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