WAMU 88.5 : News

Filed Under:

How will a government shutdown affect D.C. public schools?

By: Kavitha Cardoza // April 8, 2011
Play associated audio
comments

During a government shutdown, district agencies can employ personnel related to public safety, public health, or the protection of property. This includes public schools, according to a DCPS spokesperson.

Principals, teachers, custodial and support staff — approximately 7,000 employees — would continue to work. So would approximately 350 central office employees. School buses would run and after-school and extracurricular programming would continue as usual.

The University of the District of Columbia is arguing that if public schools can remain open, UDC should be able to as well. President Alan Sessoms is warning of "serious negative consequences" if the school has to shut down. Students are in the middle of their final exams and are getting ready for commencement.

Even if UDC closes, however, Wilson High School, which is housed on its campus, will remain open.

Arts & Culture

NPR

A Read Down Memory Lane: Lessons From Your Former Self

Writings from childhood — cards, stories and other notes — can hide for decades, like time capsules tucked away in boxes, old bedrooms, attics and journals. Writer Jim Sollisch talks about how old thank you notes from his youth foreshadowed his adult life.

Food

NPR

Inside A Tart Cherry Revival: 'Somebody Needs To Do This!'

The revival is partly based on the humble sour fruit's growing reputation as a superfood. And in Michigan, a scientist is on a quest to introduce a whole new world of hardier, tastier tart cherries by breeding American trees with ancestral varieties from Eastern Europe.

Politics

WAMU 88.5

Lawmakers Hold Hearing On Expanded Anti-Abortion Bill

The U.S. House Judiciary Sub-committee held a hearing into a bill that was initially intended to restrict abortions in D.C. alone, but is now being expanded nationally.

Technology

NPR

3-D Printer Makes Life-Saving Splint For Baby Boy's Airway

A 3-D printer is being credited with helping to save an Ohio baby's life, after doctors "printed" a tube to support a weak airway that caused him to stop breathing. The innovative procedure has allowed Kaiba Gionfriddo, of Youngstown, Ohio, to stay off a ventilator for more than a year.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.