Recipe for easing budget woes

A comment on the post "Butkovitz audit concerned about District's financial viability," from February 14.

When it comes to how to handle the District's budget problems, here are some ideas from someone who knows the District and cares about teachers, children, and families.

1. The School District should consider a move out of the huge building it has to maintain at 440 N. Broad Street and move into a smaller facility, or consider renting some of the space.

2. Any cuts should be made at the administrative level and not in school buildings where it will affect children and services. All school budgets need to be scrutinized to see where spending is occurring and if anyone is misusing or wasting money.

3. Look at student numbers and see where there may be more administrators than are needed at each school.

4. Community leaders need to go into schools and see what is going on inside. Are the children okay? Are teachers getting materials? Are charters doing what they are supposed to be doing?

-Sharon Newman Ehrlich
The writer is an experienced teacher and advocate for Philadelphia students and communities.