Thousands Of Philadelphia Students Head Back To Class!
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's the first day of school for 130-thousand students in the Philadelphia School District. And there's a lot less drama this year.
For the first time in years, the first day of school in Philadelphia comes amid a measure of financial stability. With a state budget in place providing $50 million in new money, there's no crisis, said Superintendent William Hite.
"For this year, we're not announcing that we're closing something. We're not announcing that we're laying someone off," Hite said. "We're not announcing reductions in resources or programs. Instead, we're talking about investments."
That is including at least one nurse and counselor restored to each school, and new textbooks and materials. The district is beginning its fourth year without a new teacher contract and principals, who rejected a contract earlier. They are currently working under an extension until the end of the calendar year.
Still, Hite said he's never been more optimistic about the start of a school year.