Philadelphia schools hunger strike hits 8th day

PHILADELPHIA - June 24, 2013

Education advocates are doing everything they can to draw attention to the dire situation in the city's public schools, which are facing a $304 million deficit.

To cover the gap, the district has laid off 20 percent of its staff. More than 3,800 employees will be jobless next week, from assistant principals to secretaries.

In addition to cutting music, the district has also eliminated art and sport programs.

City and state officials have been furiously negotiating to fill the funding gap, but no promises have been made.

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