There Is No End In Sight For School District Budget Crisis
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--Philadelphia public schools have been open for a month now and there is no solution to the district's budget crisis.
Mayor Nutter says talks will continue toward raising cash for the school district to hire back counselors, teachers and other laid-off staff.
Superintendent William Hite maintains concessions from the teachers union are still necessary to pay for rehiring laid-off teachers and counselors.
He says, "We're past the time that we should have those things addressed. But nonetheless, this is a negotiation. There are two sides at the table and we're going to continue to work."
There were calls this week for the School Reform Commission to use its power under the state takeover act to immediately scrap seniority rights for teachers.
Nutter says, "I appreciate and respect all the different groups and their advocacy. I think what all of us need to do is allow the collective bargaining process to go forward."
Nutter insists there is a sense of urgency to restore staff to Philly schools, even if it's not readily evident.
