Mayor Nutter, the School District and other city officials announced today that they have struck a deal to save weekend recreational programs, athletic and cultural activities.
The city will dish out $175,000 to maintain the programs. Some schools will remain open on weekends and until 9 p.m. on weekdays through March 17, Nutter said.
The city will consolidate and shift Recreation Department programming from 83 schools to 48.
School Reform Commission Chairman Pedro Ramos said there would be an estimated total savings of $1.2 million.
"We're analyzing Gov. Corbett's budget proposal and what that means for both the School District and the city," Nutter said, adding that city officials are also looking at the current and following fiscal year budget gaps. "We will have to be that much more creative in our efforts to do the kind of programming that we want, more importantly provide for the kinds of programs and services that the children in the school age population here deserve."
Roughly 154 groups will have to use the available schools and may -at times have to share space, said Leo Dignam, Deputy Commissioner for Parks and Recreation.
The announcement comes after the School District recently announced it would cancel weekend programs and shutter schools an hour earlier during the week to save what was initially estimated to be $2.8 million to help close a $61 million budget gap by June.
"It was the city that came forward and said what can we do?" said Fernando Gallard, spokesman for the Philadelphia School District.
Councilwoman Cindy Bass said the deal to save recreational programs developed quickly.
"This is what happens when everyone puts their heads together," Bass said. "We just have to be prepared to roll up our sleeves and get it done."
Below is a list of the 48 schools that will remain open on Saturday through March 17.