Overview
- At a packed hearing Tuesday, council members warned they could condition city funding and insisted they will not rubber-stamp proposed school closures and co-locations.
- The district published proposed allocations by council district ranging from about $55 million to $443 million and spotlighted major upgrades at South Philadelphia High, Overbrook, Bartram and other sites.
- A letter from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers to Council says the draft lacks sufficient detail and may underestimate costs, urging proof that receiving schools outmatch those slated to close.
- Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. and Board President Reginald L. Streater said the plan targets aging, underutilized buildings and aims to expand academic offerings, with any student moves starting no earlier than 2027–28.
- Officials said recommendations could change before the Feb. 26 presentation, additional town halls are scheduled this week, and the school board’s vote timeline remains unsettled.