Parents, teachers, and students oppose plans to close or combine several of the schools, saying they are valued alternatives to neighborhood schools
The district’s building problems stem from decades of underfunding from the state, union leaders and some members of City Council said Wednesday.
The Board of Education approved amendments to the academic calendar that eliminates half days for students during staff professional development days. Members also approved a wellness policy that codifies student access to recess and bathroom breaks.
School board members pressed Superintendent Watlington for more details about the proposal.
Members of the City Council have expressed concerns about the district’s sweeping facilities plan.
Parents, teachers, and students oppose plans to close or combine several of the schools, saying they are valued alternatives to neighborhood schools
The district’s building problems stem from decades of underfunding from the state, union leaders and some members of City Council said Wednesday.
The Board of Education approved amendments to the academic calendar that eliminates half days for students during staff professional development days. Members also approved a wellness policy that codifies student access to recess and bathroom breaks.
School board members pressed Superintendent Watlington for more details about the proposal.
Members of the City Council have expressed concerns about the district’s sweeping facilities plan.
Superintendent Tony Watlington has said the plan will need $2.8 billion in funding. The people who control that money take issue with what he wants to do.
Stigma and limited options often drive students away from participating in free school meals, according to a new study from Temple University.
Tuesday will be the fifth day this school year the district has closed schools due to snow.
Small teams of educators working together to support students and improve their teaching styles could be the key to keeping more teachers in the classroom, advocates say.
Some players had been overlooked by other high schools, about half of the starting lineup is considered undersized, and they represent Kensington, a Philly neighborhood that comes with a reputation.
The final vote on the closure plan will come from the school board but City Council members said Tuesday they want their input to be considered.
These Philadelphia families chose small high schools. Now the district says they won’t be an option.
The district’s school closure proposal includes shuttering five magnet or citywide admissions high schools.
Many Philadelphia students are exposed to constant violence. Some schools are responding with extra care.
At Lankenau Environmental High School, educators said the district should protect the campus’ unique offerings. At Paul Robeson High School, families worried the school’s land has been targeted for redevelopment.
The proposed bill includes some exceptions, including for students with disabilities.
Philadelphia district officials say they’ve learned lessons from the last round of school closures. Some people aren’t so sure.
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Philadelphia district leaders said they wanted more equitable admissions policies for magnet schools like Masterman. An appeals court found that approach may be discriminatory.
Gov. Shapiro is also seeking $158 million for career and technical education programs, $420 million for pre-K programs, and $35 million for student teacher stipends.
Diplomas are key to financial success, but parts of Kensington have historically experienced barriers to graduation. Efforts are underway to support the next generation of students.
The school board approved a $600,000 contract to provide the officers with protective equipment and other gear despite concerns from students and experts.
School leaders will host a virtual and in-person meeting for each school they propose closing.
Many school communities hope leaders will soften the district’s proposal to close 20 schools beginning in 2027.
Nine of the 20 schools the district wants to close are in areas it has identified as vulnerable, based on neighborhood social factors and prior school closures.
The district’s proposal to close 20 schools has drawn opposition from City Council members, parents, alumni, and educators, who see the schools as integral resource hubs and safe spaces in their communities.
It’ll be the third straight day the district has kept school buildings closed following a snowstorm in the region.
The Checkmate Violence tournament and other activities aim to give students safe and productive places to be after school.
The state’s Safe2Say Something tip line launched in 2018 as a way for kids to report drug use, bullying, and other issues.
The district also cancelled all after-school programming for Tuesday.
If weather requires schools to stay closed after Monday, students will learn remotely.
A key member of the Philadelphia City Council has already expressed opposition to parts of the district’s plan to close, relocate, and co-locate several schools.
Gender and sexuality alliances once led the charge for queer student activism. Student reporter Mher Melikyan says it’s time for GSAs to rebrand and reclaim that power.
The proposal would have a particularly large impact on middle schools, with more than a dozen elementary schools turning into K-8 schools.
School leaders also attribute the success to teacher training and expanded tutoring for middle school students.
The number of Philadelphia students passing their state exams to graduate has plummeted over the past three years. Some researchers worry that there isn’t enough evidence that the new paths to graduation are all useful.
As Philadelphia tackles a severe teacher shortage, the program helps students earn college credit to become educators.
The district will open 2 schools as part of the new North Philadelphia Promise Zone, even as officials plan on closing underutilized public schools in the city.