The Philadelphia School District has announced that it will cancel weekend programs and close school buildings at 8 p.m. on weekdays in a radical new effort to cut costs.
Fernando Gallard, a spokesman for the school district, confirmed that the cuts would take effect on Saturday, February 11. The district hopes to save $2.8 million as a result of the cuts. Officials are hoping to close a $61 million budget gap by June.
NBC10's Monique Braxton talked to students playing basketball inside the gym at Abraham Lincoln High School about the cancellations.
"It's going to take away from my basketball skills and others basketball skills that want to make it to the NBA and college," Ryan Watson said.
Some students fear the cuts will lead to mischief.
"I think there will be more people in the streets doing bad things, if we are in the gym we'll stay out of trouble," Jeremiah Alston.
According to a letter sent by the district to elected officials, organizations that pay the district to use school buildings will still be able to use them.
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“These organizations will be billed for the cost of keeping the school open for their activities,” the letter stated. “Organizations that currently have payment agreements with the district will be grandfathered into those agreements, but all new activities will be paid for according to the district’s payment schedule.”
The reduced hours are the latest in a series of initiatives to help the school district save money. Earlier this week, the district cut 91 school police jobs, eight regional office jobs, and six central office jobs. Further cuts, including reductions in athletics, music programs, and school counselors and psychologists are also being considered.
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