After more rounds of layoffs, Phila. School District still has $39 million deficit - THIS SCHOOL YR.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120210_After_cuts__Phila__school_budget_gap_stands_at__38_8_million.html
"The School Reform Commission and the district recently took measures that are expected to save $32 million, including cutting 91 school police officers and a handful of regional and central office staff. The district also saved money by implementing furloughs and pay cuts, and requiring health-care contributions for nonunionized administrative employees. It also has slashed summer school and consolidated the number of schools open nights and weekends for recreation programs.
Cuts proposed but not yet decided upon include losing all spring sports, instrumental music, gifted programs, and bilingual counseling associates. The district has also said it might cut back on the number of school psychologists. It's not clear when those decisions will be announced.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Public School Notebook reported on its website Friday that while the district is making deep cuts at district-run schools, it has been spending "millions" to cover facility costs at 13 former district schools that have been turned over to charter school operators."