Philly schools ask communities to help shape transition plan as controversial closures move ahead

The Philadelphia School District is moving forward with its closure plan, despite opposition from elected officials and community members. The district announced on Thursday that it is accepting applications to form transition committees for the nine schools slated to close this academic year, as well as schools receiving students from closing schools in 2027-28 and any schools phasing out grade levels at the end of the 2026-27 year.

Each committee will consist of 20 members, including teachers, school staff, parents, caregivers, community partners, and students. The district asserts that these committees will provide feedback to help shape transition plans tailored to each school community. Superintendent Tony Watlington and district representatives have faced criticism over their approach to community engagement, with neighborhoods expressing a sense that their input has not been adequately considered.

Despite this, the district has defended its efforts at several meetings, board hearings, and rallies. Elected officials, including City Councilmembers Nina Ahmad and Isaiah Thomas, have vowed to challenge the district's decisions, threatening lawsuits and calling for school board members' resignations. The district's new school transition office, led by Shakeera Warthen-Canty, will oversee the implementation of the facilities plan, which includes closures but also aims to modernize 169 buildings. The transition committee applications will be open until September 18.