Philly School Chief Taking 20 Unpaid Furlough Days
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The superintendent of Philadelphia's public schools will take 20 unpaid furlough days to help cope with the district's financial problems.
Schools chief Arlene Ackerman had previously announced she would take 10 unpaid days before the end of the fiscal year June 30. On Tuesday, she doubled that to 20.
District officials said last week that they face a potential gap of about $500 million in next year's $3.2 billion budget. Ackerman has said major layoffs are likely.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the predicted shortfall for 2011-12 is in addition to a $40 million deficit for this school year.
Ackerman intends to work during her furlough. Her top staff will take anywhere from six to 10 unpaid days.
The Philadelphia school district serves about 162,000 students.
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