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

Feb. 10, 2012
District's plans to end weekend access to facilities would have shut out thousands who take part in recreation programs


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.

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