Survey shows potential for rising Pa. school cuts

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A survey of more than half of Pennsylvania’s school districts shows the potential for a rising number of layoffs and program eliminations, such as summer school and full-day kindergarten.

In addition, the survey released today shows more districts may raise taxes by more than the inflation rate or use reserves to get by.

The survey conducted in April came on the heels of Gov. Tom Corbett’s plan to slash state aid to school districts by more than $1 billion, or about 10 percent. That plan is receiving strong criticism from state lawmakers, who are exploring alternatives as they try to address an anticipated multibillion-dollar budget deficit.

The Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators released the report. Out of 500 school districts, 263 responded.