Proposals for a new Philadelphia Federation of Teachers contract

GUESTS:  WILLIAM HITE, RON WHITESTONE, ANDREW ROTHERHAM

Philadelphia School District leaders say that in order to prevent a deficit of $1 billion over the next five years, they will be asking teachers to make major concessions that would amount to $180 million in savings.  Included in the District proposals for a new union contract with sweeping changes is a lengthening of the school day, a 13% cut in salary for teachers earning over $55,000, a restructuring of the way retiring teachers are paid out, and more authority to principals when it comes to hiring and firing teachers.  In this hour of Radio Times, we’ll start off talking with Philadelphia School Superintendent WILLIAM HITE about the proposals, which he says are intended save the district and benefit both teachers and students.  Then, we’ll get reactions from former teacher and activist RON WHITEHORNE and education policy analyst and EduWonk blogger ANDREW ROTHERHAM.

AP Photo/Matt Rourke