Providence teachers to rally outside City Hall

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The mayor of Providence, R.I., says he respects teachers' plans to rally to demand he rescind firing notices sent to all of the city's nearly 2,000 teachers, but it's not going to change his resolve.

Teachers and labor leaders plan to gather at Providence City Hall at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to protest the move.

Mayor Angel Taveras (tuh-VAYR'-ahs) says the city needs flexibility to make cuts to balance its budget. His office said Wednesday that Providence could finish the current fiscal year that ends in June with a $29 million deficit unless some cuts are made. It says there is a $180 million structural deficit for this year and next.

All city teachers have been told they might not have a job next year, although Taveras says most will not be fired.