Update on Philadelphia public schools

It’s back to school today for Philadelphia’s public school children as the District faces a $304 million budget deficit.  Roughly 10,000 students will be returning to new schools in different neighborhoods after 24 buildings were closed over the summer. Administrators will have to make due with fewer teachers, counselors, nurses and aides given layoffs last spring.  The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has yet to sign a contract after failing to agree to major salary and work rule concessions aimed at saving $103 million dollars in savings to the District.  And parents are concerned for their children’s education, safety and well-being.   In this hour of Radio Times we’ll talk about the challenges facing the School District of Philadelphia with three people who have been following the situation closely. Joining us are freelance journalist PATRICK KERKSTRA, WHYY reporter KEVIN MCCORRY and DONNA COOPER, Executive Director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth.