How did we get here?<\/p>\n
Informed by the Facilities Planning Process<\/a>, the district released its recommendations to close schools<\/a> on Jan. 22, and has since faced harsh criticism<\/a> from parents, educators and advocates.\n<\/p>\n The proposed plan will cost $2.8 billion, with funding from district resources and philanthropy, and closures would take effect in the 2027-28 school year.\n<\/p>\n In addition to the proposal to shutter 20 schools, there are also plans to modernize 159 schools.\n<\/p>\n In late November, the district launched a community survey to gather feedback from families and educators about the potential closures. Despite the survey, advocates have criticized the district\u2019s opaque decision-making <\/a>and the plan\u2019s disparate impact on minority communities.\n <\/p>\n The final Facilities Plan will be presented at the district\u2019s school board meeting Feb. 26. Until then, the district will hold community conversations<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Debora Carrera, chief education officer for the city of Philadelphia, emphasized that nothing is set in stone.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe District has presented a draft plan with reasonable goals and a sound methodology and has provided multiple opportunities for engagement, but it is still a draft plan,\u201d Carrera said. \u201cThe voices of the school communities deserve to be heard, and their input should be considered.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Council members have concerns<\/p>\n Council President Kenyatta Johnson led City Council in addressing their concerns about the proposal. He said that the project seems rushed.\n<\/p>\n Apprehensions include transportation from old to new schools and the impact on schools with majority Black students, citing a recent article<\/a> from the Inquirer.\n<\/p>\n Watlington said that because of the district\u2019s population, which comprises nearly 50 percent Black and about a third Latino students, any decision will likely affect minority groups.\n<\/p>\n \u201cAny changes are going to inherently affect black or brown students, no matter how you slice the pie,\u201d Watlington said.\n<\/p>\n Johnson said he is also concerned about who will support the district\u2019s plan. He said some legislators in Harrisburg will not approve funding for Philadelphia students.\n<\/p>\n If that happens and the district does not receive the $1.8 billion from the state, the plan will be scaled back, Watlington said.\n<\/p>\n Councilmember Cindy Bass said that the proposed closures are \u201ca step along the way to fundamentally breaking down public education for our children in the city.\u201d\n<\/p>\n She asked why the district is considering school closures rather than addressing and remedying the problems that currently affect students.\n<\/p>\n