Philadelphia district warns of dire consequences unless funding is increased

School district officials in Philadelphia are warning that the system's budget crisis could result in "cold, harsh scenarios" if it does not receive money from the city, state and its union to help close a $304 million shortfall. The Philadelphia Daily News says the district is seeking $60 million from the city, $120 million from the state and $133 million in savings from contract concessions from union and nonunion workers. That's on top of anticipated savings from closing 24 schools. Without the money, Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. says schools could be forced to go without assistant principals, administrative assistants, guidance counselors, librarians, music, athletics and extracurricular activities.