School districts prepare to cut large portions of teaching staffs

    Two school districts in Pennsylavania are bracing for sizeable teacher layoffs in the face of budget shortfalls.

    Allentown School District has sent layoff notices to about 18 percent of its teachers. The Chester Upland District’s budget includes a 40 percent teaching staff cut.

    About 250 Allentown teachers will be affected, and the Chester Upland budget also calls for cuts to 50 percent of its support staff, 18 percent of classroom support and 13 percent of administrative staff, as the Delaware County Times reports.

    The Philadelphia district is still awaiting a response to its request for aid from the city.

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