Superintendent William Hite said today that the 2013-2014 school year may be delayed if the District does not receive an anticipated $50 million from the city by Friday, Aug 16. “We will not be able to open all 218 schools for a full-day program,” Hite said in a statement released this afternoon. “Without the funds to restore crucial staff members, we cannot open functional schools, run them responsibly or provide a quality education to students.”

William Hite (archive photo).

Schools are scheduled to open on Sept. 9, but Hite said administrators are considering alternatives, including pushing back the first day of school, only opening some schools on Sept. 9 or opening for a half day.

Hite said that $50 million is required to rehire hundreds of aides and other school personnel who have been laid off as a result of the budget shortfall.

“Fifty million dollars allows us to tell parents that when their child is walking through the hallways, eating lunch or at recess, an adult will be supervising them,” Hite said. “It allows us to tell parents that counselors will be available to serve children in our largest and neediest schools, and that an assistant principal will be on hand to resolve any disciplinary issues that keep children from learning.”

Hite went on to say that $50 million “only allows us to open the doors” and reiterated the District’s position that labor union concessions are also required.