Pennsylvania District Facing School Closures After Budget Cuts

The CBS Evening News (1/17, story 9, 2:20, Pelley) reported that the Chester, Pennsylvania, school district "is now completely out of cash" and "may have to close some schools in midterm." CBS added that the district "needs $20 million to get through the rest of the school year," noting that the state "ran the financially troubled district for 16 years. School board members claim the state left them with a deficit when the board regained control." State budget cuts reduced funding for the district by $12 million. The piece concludes, "Late today, Pennsylvania agreed to provide Chester $3.2 million in emergency funding. It's enough to make payroll for a month as the district and the state weigh the cost of saving Chester's schools."