Deal keeps city schools open on weekends, councilman says
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia School District by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Kristen Graham.
Deal keeps city schools open on weekends, councilman says
Kristen Graham
UPDATE, 6:30 p.m.
Councilman Bobby Henon, on his Facebook page, is reporting the deal is done.
EARLIER:
Over 12,000 people - mostly children - would be affected by the Philadelphia School District's recent decision to shut its buildings early at night and completely on the weekends. Schools and groups that pay the district for building usage aren't affected, but city Department of Recreation programs - basketball, drama, dance, soccer - would be out in the cold effective Saturday.
But according to several sources close to the talks, a deal could be close to allow the groups to at least finish out the school year in district buildings. District spokesman Fernando Gallard confirmed that the city and district are in talks over the building closures.
"People are in a panic," said Councilman Brian J. O'Neill, whose Northeast Philadelphia district would be particularly hard hit. "These programs are coming down the stretch. They've sold tickets for plays and dance recitals. We have to work this out."
An example: one Fox Chase drama group has already paid $1,000 for the rights to a production of The Wizard of Oz. Children have been rehearsing for months, and performances are set for late March. The site of the production? Fox Chase Elementary School, a district building.
In a statement on his website, Councilman Bobby Henon said he was "shocked" to learn about the decision, and has heard much from his constituents about the closings. "City Council was not consulted in this decision, and I am not pleased with the School Disrict's process and lack of opportunity to provide input," Henon wrote.
The closures affect programs throughout the city, but many are in the Northeast because of the high population density there and the relatively low number of public buildings. As O'Neill explains it, when the Northeast began booming in the 1950s and '60s, recreation centers were built with tiny buildings and lots of ballfields. The idea was that programs could use the space in school buildings.
This pay-or-get-out issue has come up multiple times when the district needs to cut costs, but has never gone this far, O'Neill said. Ultimately, the city foots some school district costs and the district pays for some city programs, but it's got to balance out, O'Neill said.
"I think it will get worked out," he said. "I believe that by the end of the week, we'll have a situation that's fair for everyone."
Comment removed.- well as long as the ones that are using it are renting the space...oops everyone else is paying for those few to use the space. Motto should be, you use it, you want it, pay for it. If not you're SOL.
— What are you TALKING ABOUT? - Just means that they'll cut somewhere else.— tonyS
- cant wait to see how many people now get fired in some other part of the district because we keep the schools open on the weekend. funny, i thought schools were a place to learn not hang out.— mike litterous
- So basketball is more important than books, supplies, and safety of our kids...nice— phillymom1967
- Really Rufus? A large portion of those affected were kids basketball leagues in the Northeast - mostly white kids at that. Get a clue! The Dept of Rec uses Philly Schools since most rec centers don't have gymnasiums of their own. I assume the City or Dept of Rec will cover the minimal costs to keep these facilities open for our children to use!!!— dankil13
- @dankil13 there is nothing mostly white in the city of Philadelphia.— RufusG
- I'm sure your too scared to leave suburbia to come into the city, but there are parts of the city, particularly the Far NE, that are predominantly white. — dankil13
- Dan's right on this one, there are parts of the city, yes, but would i want to risk getting shot or my car stolen everyday to live in the city? nahh i'll take the more statistically safe locations and not worry as much. Rent isn't even that much cheaper for a working stiff such as myself, so why risk it? Kinda like saying i'd rather put the loaded arm up to my face instead of this less harmful unloaded one. — What are you TALKING ABOUT?
- Comment removed.
The school district still will NOT rent to for-profit businesses like the Philadelphia Sport and Social Club (PSSC). The last time I checked, the District is still BROKE, but will not take our money. We have tens of thousands of dollars to spend on the District for use of its ball fields and gyms! The revenue generated by our rental fees could easily save the job of a teacher or staff member. All the district has to do is open its doors & cash its checks and it will save a job or more!- Comment removed.
- @Tanksleyd-Finances wouldn't be a problem if everyone paid some taxes instead of putting the burden on those who don't even use the schools for the most part. The tax payer isn't an unlimited source of revenue---someone remind our city council of that. Keep your hands out of our pocket books.— crystalrainbowspirit1
- Comment removed.
- Can't wait for my taxes to go up again. Hey I have an idea, why not put ads on school buses. Even better, why not put ads on school children. Perhaps our booming prison population can do hard labor and the money earned will go directly towards lowering our taxes.— dontlikeneocons
During the school year, you’ll frequently find her hosting live chats about the district on Philly.com. Please do pass along the scoop about what’s going on at your Philadelphia public school; Kristen welcomes tips, story ideas and witty banter at kgraham@phillynews.com or 215-854-5146.
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