Already Struggling Philadelphia Schools Have More Budget Cuts To Make
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The School District of Philadelphia has already cut $600 million from its budget, but it's got to cut more.
The district is planning to slash an additional $17 million in spending, including an average one-percent cut in individual school budgets and further cuts in instrumental music, athletics and teacher training.
In an update to the School Reform Commission, District Chief Financial Officer Michael Masch said much of the budget is legally or contractually locked in, leaving only painful choices.
"The only place we still have the discretionary ability to cut is in instructional programs."
Masch says the district ended last fiscal year with an $18 million surplus. But he says instead of the usual modest increase, revenues are down six percent this year. So, even with these new cuts, the district would still have to find $22 million more in savings, to balance its $2 billion budget.
Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio 1060
