The superintendent of Philadelphia public schools gives an ultimatum . If the district does n't get $ 50 million by Friday , schools wo n't open on time . The district had to lay off 3,800 employees this year due to a financial crisis . Hite and Nutter have urged the City Council to extend a 1 % sales tax to make up the difference but -- despite approval from the General Assembly and Pennsylvania Gov . Philadelphia 's mayor call 's the governor ` ` chilling '' ; he backs the superintendent .
The superintendent of Philadelphia public schools gives an ultimatum . If the district does n't get $ 50 million by Friday , schools wo n't open on time . The district had to lay off 3,800 employees this year due to a financial crisis . Philadelphia 's mayor call 's the governor ` ` chilling '' ; he backs the superintendent .