Officials in Philadelphia's cash-strapped public school system say the district must make $39 million in budget cuts on top of cost-saving measures including the layoffs of about 1,000 teachers.
Chief Financial Officer Michael Masch says the shortfall is the result of lower tax revenue and about $15 million from savings targets the district failed to meet by selling properties and reducing costs.
Masch suggested cost-cutting measures at a School Reform Commission meeting Wednesday that would target school budgets, music, sports and professional development that would save an estimated $17 million.
The district entered the school year with a budget deficit of more than $600 million due in large part to cuts in state aid and the loss of federal stimulus money.
