Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony B. Watlington has unveiled a bold $2.8 billion Facilities Master Plan that proposes the closure or repurposing of 20 schools across the city. The plan, which aims to modernize the district’s aging infrastructure, includes repurposing 12 properties for district use and transferring eight to the city for workforce housing or job creation. The proposal is part of a broader 10-year vision to address overcrowding, improve building quality, and expand educational opportunities.
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The plan has sparked mixed reactions. While Watlington emphasized the extensive community engagement behind the proposal, including surveys and public listening sessions, critics, including the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, have raised concerns about transparency and the impact on affected communities. The district plans to continue gathering feedback before presenting the final proposal to the Board of Education later this winter. If approved, changes would begin in the 2027-2028 school year, funded through a combination of district resources and public and philanthropic contributions…