PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia City Council is set to learn more about the school district’s controversial plan to close nearly two dozen schools.
Superintendent Tony Watlington, students, parents and school board members are set to attend the hearing on Tuesday.
RELATED | 20 schools in Philadelphia could close under district’s updated facilities plan
Council members have real concerns over Watlington’s plan, which includes closing 20 schools, modernizing 159 and merging six.
Watlington said enrollment trends and building conditions were key factors in determining which schools would close, including facilities with “poor” or “unsatisfactory” ratings.
According to the district, students from closed schools will be reassigned to other campuses. Middle schools slated for closure will be phased out. All changes are scheduled to take effect in the 2027-28 school year.
Of the 20 schools set to close, 12 would be repurposed for district use. Eight would be transferred to the city for job creation or redevelopment into affordable housing.
Watlington has said the plan follows two and a half years of feedback from parents and community members.
However, Watlington has since said he is open to considering changes to the plan.
The Board of Education is set to vote on the issue on February 26.
For more details, visit the Facilities Planning page at PhilaSD.org.
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