Overview
- Superintendent Tony B. Watlington presented the updated 10‑year, $2.8 billion “Accelerating Opportunity” plan to the Board of Education, with no vote scheduled and any changes starting in 2027–28.
- Russell Conwell Middle School and Motivation High School were removed from the closure list, with Elkin Elementary set to feed into Conwell as it adds a neighborhood admissions component.
- Paul Robeson High School would close and merge into Motivation at the Motivation campus, and Lankenau Environmental Science High School would merge into W.B. Saul, with Lankenau’s building slated to close.
- District leaders propose modernizing 159 schools and colocating six programs, with $1 billion from district funds and $1.8 billion to be sought from public and philanthropic sources that are not yet secured.
- Crowds of students, staff, unions, and elected officials protested the plan, board members pressed for details on safety, transportation, equity and costs, a March 12 town hall was announced, and Watlington said no staff positions would be cut due to closures.