– KATHY MATHESON Associated Press –

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – May 30, 2013 (WPVI) — Education officials plan to vote on what critics are calling a “doomsday” budget, an austere proposal that would force city schools to open next fall without resources like assistant principals, guidance counselors, athletics and music programs.

Thousands of layoff notices could go out in early June if the School Reform Commission Thursday approves a spending plan of nearly $2.7 billion, which includes drastic cuts in order to close a $304 million deficit.

Teachers, parents, students and community members plan to mount a huge protest outside district headquarters before the commission’s meeting. Meanwhile, voices from the business and philanthropic sectors called on residents of the surrounding suburban counties to support public education in Philadelphia.

“If we let the education of our young people go down the drain, we’re in big, big trouble,” Stoneleigh Foundation Chairman Carole Haas Gravagno said at a news conference Wednesday. “It’s going to affect the businesses, it’s going to affect the cultural life of this city.”

The state’s largest district, which serves about 204,000 traditional and charter school students, has not been able to keep pace with rising costs despite closing more than 30 schools and cutting hundreds of central office workers. Expenses include pension and health care contributions, plus payments for increasing charter enrollment.

Commissioners are trying to avoid the cuts by asking for $60 million from the city, $120 million from the state and about $130 million from unions through contract concessions.

Teachers union president Jerry Jordan has said previously that givebacks are unlikely, noting his members already pay hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets for school supplies.

Republicans in Harrisburg unveiled a state budget proposal on Wednesday that included an increase in spending on K-12 education. But the final amount of aid earmarked for Philadelphia likely won’t be known for weeks.

Mayor Michael Nutter has proposed generating about $95 million for the district through higher taxes on alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and businesses. The plan requires City Council approval and enabling legislation from the state, and strong industry groups oppose the tax hikes.

A coalition comprising bar and restaurant owners, plus alcohol suppliers, brewers and distributors, is holding a rally and fundraiser to fight the proposed liquor tax on Thursday evening, even as school commissioners meet.

Still, the district was heartened by the new support from Gravagno and local philanthropist H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest, who was unable to attend Wednesday’s news conference. The cable TV mogul released a statement describing healthy schools as an economic imperative for the region.

“Strong students make for a strong labor force,” Lenfest said. “Major industries and businesses of all sizes depend on that when they locate here.”

Gravagno said while her foundation for underserved children funds fellowships, not organizations like the district, she is working with the philanthropic community to drum up more support.

After Gravagno’s remarks, district spokesman Fernando Gallard said it was important to hear “a voice that’s independent to the district saying, ‘Folks, wake up! This is so crucial.'”

“Now the entire community is coming together,” he said.

The district is required to vote on a budget by May 31. If the schools end up receiving extra funds from either the city or state, commissioners will reconvene to add back programs and/or positions.

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