(CNN) – It's a devastating blow for thousands of school children in Kansas City. A school district in the city's urban core will close 28 of 61 public schools by summer to try and stave off bankruptcy.
The school board narrowly passed the decision last night. The $50 million budget shortfall will force about 300 teachers out of work. The vote was met with desperate pleas from parents and calls for the school superintendent to be fired.
Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser joined us on American Morning Wednesday via phone.
Read more: Kansas City moves to close nearly half of district's schools