Money woes could delay opening of Philadelphia schools

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports:

Facing a still-massive deficit, the Philadelphia School District will not open on time unless it has assurance by Aug. 16 that it will receive $50 million from the city, Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said Thursday. Hite said the district would postpone the scheduled Sept. 9 opening of 212 district schools, open just a few, or operate them on half-day schedules because of the financial crisis that led to the layoffs of nearly 4,000 employees. Flanked by several high school principals, Hite said it would be irresponsible to try for a regular school opening with only skeletal staff and no assurance the district would receive more money.

Great moments of public education!