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Parents Express Outrage Over Budget Woes At School District Meeting

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - For two hours last night, parents decried the school district's "empty shell" budget for next year. And the School Reform Commission chair shared their outrage.

It was deja vu at the School Reform Commission's budget hearing. Parents blasted the school budget for next year that needs $216 million more just to maintain this year's stripped-down services. And that anticipates concessions from teachers.

Parent Christine Brisson questioned the wisdom.

"I don't understand why you think that making them take a pay cut is good for our students? Is good for our school district?"

But SRC Chair Bill Green said the district had no choice.

"We are in a desperate situation. And so we have to ask people who can't afford it, who are holding our schools together, to do more."

Green said the state government and City Council had to do more also, and he invited parents to join in the fight for more funding.

 

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