Round Two of Layoffs At Philadelphia Schools

Layoff notices have been issued for 76 employees who work in the administrative offices of the Philadelphia School District

One week ago today, nearly 4,000 teachers, administrators and staff in the Philadelphia School District learned they would lose their jobs.

This afternoon, another round of layoffs was announced-- this time at the administrative offices of the School District. 76 employees are being given notice, including those who work in professional development, technical support and student services.

These layoffs will contribute to $23 million in budget cuts, according to the School District.

The announcement of these additional job cuts comes at the same time as parents, students and community leaders staged a rally outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in the city.

The demonstrators started their march at 4:00 p.m. at LOVE Park and walked to Corbett's office at 200 S. Broad Street, where they stopped to hold signs and demand that $270 million in state education funding be restored.

POWER, Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild, helped organize today's rally. The group is Philadelphia's largest faith-based community organizing effort.

All of the school district's 160 assistant principals are being eliminated -- with 127 of them being laid off. Schools will also loose 676 teachers, 283 guidance counselors and 1,202 noon-time aides. More than 300 secretaries and 769 support service assistants also received notice last week.

Yesterday, Philadelphia City Council passed a new $2-a-pack cigarette tax. It heads to Harrisburg next and if lawmakers approve, the tax is estimated to generate $45 million for Philadelphia Schools.

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