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Central High School students protest state budget cuts. Photo by Samantha Madera / AL DÍA News

Corbett advances $265 million for Philly schools

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett said that the state would front the $265 million reserved for the Philadelphia School District (PSD) at the beginning of the school year, as it struggled to solve a $440 million shortfall. City officials said that the money would not guarantee a smooth start to the school year come September.

"Merely getting money earlier in the year does nothing to close that gap," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said while in Harrisburg.

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On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett said that the state would front the $265 million reserved for the Philadelphia School District (PSD) at the beginning of the school year, as it struggled to solve a $440 million shortfall. City officials said that the money would not guarantee a smooth start to the school year come September.

"Merely getting money earlier in the year does nothing to close that gap," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said while in Harrisburg.

“An advanced payment is only placing another bandage over a deep wound,” City Controller Alan Butkovitz said. “If the PSD moves forward with more staff reductions, it will not be able to recall these employees once the layoffs begin.”

Superintendent William Hite said that unless the school district secures more funding, more than 1,000 teachers and staff could face layoffs at already understaffed schools. Throughout the crisis, Corbett has called for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers to make concessions to reduce the district’s spending.

A cigarette tax that is estimated to provide up to $45 million to schools in its first year is currently pending in the state Senate.

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