Parents, students criticize School District of Philadelphia’s facilities plan at final town hall

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Parents, students and lawmakers voiced strong opposition Thursday during the School District of Philadelphia’s final public town hall on its proposed facilities master plan, urging the school board to halt planned school closures.

Around 100 people spoke during the hours-long meeting, challenging district leaders over a proposal that would close 18 schools in phases beginning in 2027, down from 20 originally recommended.

“This lousy plan has gotten so much obvious pushback from the village that it feels ridiculous that we’re still here debating with you,” one student told the board.

“Closing Stetson will force 500 children to walk past Kensington & Allegheny, one of the most dangerous areas in the city. You are trading our safety for a spreadsheet,” another said.

READ MORE | School District of Philadelphia updates $2.8B plan, spares 2 schools from closure

Under the revised plan, Conwell Middle School and Motivation High School were removed from the closure list, though Robeson High School would merge with Motivation. Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School would merge with Walter B. Saul High School.

Students from Lankenau questioned why their school was labeled for closure.

“Our school was in good condition. Our building is not falling apart. Nothing like that,” said Morgan Thomas of Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School.

Another student, Makai Robinson-Jameson, criticized the proposal more directly.

“They’re making a stupid choice if they decide to close Lakenau,” Robinson-Jameson said.

Lawmakers also weighed in, urging district leaders to slow down the process.

“I’m here today to express deep concern about a facilities plan that took years to create, while you’re giving families, teachers, principals, students weeks to digest,” said State Rep. Morgan Cephus.

District officials have said the plan is intended to increase equity and access to academic programs while addressing building conditions, enrollment challenges and chronic underfunding, but students continue to push back.

“How can you say you’re trying to get the students what they deserve when you’re closing down the places that they worked hard to get into?” one speaker asked.

Midway through the meeting, board members emphasized that no vote had been taken on the plan and said they were listening to public feedback.

“You can vote no. We do not need or want this. You are allowed to vote no,” another student said.

No action was taken during Thursday’s town hall, which was held solely to gather public input.

The school board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 26.