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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Many school communities hope leaders will soften the district’s proposal to close 20 schools beginning in 2027.

Friends of the Children Philadelphia just wrapped its first year in the city and is looking to expand.

Roughly 90% of high schoolers who weren’t on track to graduate by the end of 9th grade stayed off track in 10th grade, according to a November district analysis.

Mayor Cherelle Parker has publicly said she wants to use vacant buildings for housing. The school board approved a resolution saying it will look into it.