City, district in Philadelphia agree to keep some school buildings open on weekends

From The Philadelphia Inquirer: City and school officials in Philadelphia have reached a deal to keep some school buildings open on weekends and evenings, reversing a cost-saving measure announced by the school district. The city has agreed to consolidate recreation programs at 83 schools into 48 locations, and to chip in $175,000 to help the district cover costs. The school district had proposed closing its buildings an hour earlier on weekdays, at 8 p.m., and entirely on the weekends to save $2.8 million. The calculated amount of potential savings since has been lowered to $1.6 million. Under the agreement - and with the city's subsidy - the schools now will save an estimated $1.2 million.

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From The Philadelphia Inquirer: The Philadelphia School District is canceling all weekend programs and shutting school buildings an hour early during the week to save $2.8 million. The efficiencies are necessary to close a $61 million budget gap by June. The closures will affect many non-district programs. All weekday extracurricular activities and programs will now end by 7:30 p.m. so buildings can close by 8 p.m. Organizations that pay the district to use its buildings will still be able to use them. REACTION: The Philadelphia district's decision to restrict use of its facilities will have a devastating effect on city recreation programs and other activities that relied on access to school buildings.