District eating millions in facilities costs at Audenried, other Renaissance charters
by Benjamin Herold
for the Notebook and WHYY/NewsWorks
Even while slashing staff, programs, and hours at schools across the city in an effort to close an enormousbudget gap, the School District has been swallowing millions of dollars in facilities-related expenses at its 13Renaissance Schools now run by outside charter operators.
Nowhere is the situation more pronounced than at Audenried High in South Philadelphia. There, the District has allowed Universal Companies to operate cost-free in a new, $55 million District-owned building since July because the parties have yet to come to terms on a facility license agreement.
District provides update on finances; audit expected today
The District says the budget shortfall for the current fiscal year now stands at $38.8 million. According to a press release, "as a result of ongoing analysis," the District found that the remaining budget gap at midyear was actually $70.8 million, not the previously reported $61 million. Cost savings of $32 million have been achieved, which leaves a gap of $38.8 million.
City Controller Alan Butkovitz is planning to release an audit of the District's finances today. Last month, he warned that he was unsure if the District will be able to continue as a "going concern."