With just five days until the School District of Philadelphia reaches its funding deadline to determine whether schools will safely open on-time, its superintendent is meeting with principals to discuss the start of the year.
Superintendent Dr. William Hite is providing the opening remarks at the district's annual leadership conference for the school administrators Monday morning.
The conference, which is taking place all week long at Samuel Fels High School in the Lawncrest section of the city, provides training for the school system's 212 principals, according to the district.
During his remarks, Dr. Hite is expected to share preps for the beginning of the school year, which is currently set for September 9.
Whether school doors will actually open then is still a mystery, however.
On Thursday, Dr. Hite issued an ultimatum to city and state officials: give the district an additional $50 million by Friday, August 16 or school may not open on time.
A $304 million budget deficit forced the district to cut programs and extra-curricular activities, as well as, layoff nearly 4,000 employees. As a result of the layoffs, schools are set to go without assistant principals, secretaries, aides and guidance counselors as well as instruct with fewer teachers.
After Dr. Hite's demand, members of Philadelphia City Council outlined a plan that includes extending a 1-percent sales tax increase through 2015 and raising funds by purchasing the district's real estate liens and mothballed properties.
Council President Darrell Clarke says the plan, which has yet to be voted on and approved, will allow the city to borrow $50 million immediately and provide it to schools.
But Dr. Hite has yet to receive a firm assurance, in his eyes, that the money will actually be available when the school year begins. He said last Friday, without a pledge that's been legally vetted, he cannot hire back the staff.
The School District of Philadelphia is the eighth-largest school system in the nation with 136,000 students. The district is controlled by a state reform commission led by three state-appointed officials and two city appointed officials.
Contact Vince Lattanzio at 610.668.5532, vince.lattanzio@nbcuni.com or follow @VinceLattanzio on Twitter.
Photo Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia