Students returned to school on September 9, many of them returning to different schools in different neighborhoods after 24 buildings were closed over the summer.
The School District of Philadelphia faces a $304 million budget deficit. The District begins the 2013-2014 school year without thousands of teachers, assistant principals, and guidance counselors. Classrooms are crowded and essential programs have been cut. Meanwhile the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has yet to reach a contract agreement with the District.
WHYY Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane provides an update on the situation, featuring freelance journalist Patrick Kerkstra, WHYY reporter Kevin McCorry, and executive director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth Donna Cooper.
The program reports perspectives from the ground (in the schools) and reviews the views coming from Harrisburg.
Listen here: Update on Philadelphia public schools, 9/9/13
