More Cash or No Classes in Philadelphia: Officials

Philadelphia School District leaders say without tax assessment reform money schools may not open next fall.

The Philadelphia School District's top administrator says the district needs $94 million from proposed tax assessment reform or it might not be able to open its doors next fall.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Chief Recovery Office Thomas Knudsen told the School Reform Commission on Tuesday the anticipated revenue from the property tax plan could be the difference between having classes next academic year and not.

Knudsen last week proposed an aggressive overhaul of the district's structure, including the closure of 40 public schools and the elimination of hundreds of administrative jobs, while it faces a $218 million budget gap for the 2012-13 school year.

A property tax plan backed by Mayor Michael Nutter would change the way properties are assessed and still requires approval from City Council.
 
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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