From PhillyVoice · · 1m 50s
Parents Wait for Hackett School Expansion Plan
Philly parents still waiting for district to explain K-8 school expansion plans.
In brief
Philly parents still waiting for district to explain K-8 school expansion plans. Philly parents remain uncertain about how Horatio B. Hackett School will accommodate K-8 expansion after district approved $3 billion facilities plan. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Hackett School Transition
Horatio B. Hackett School in Kensington will transition to K-8 program starting 2027-2028.
“They've created a great environment (at Hackett)”
Parent Concerns
Parents still waiting for district to explain how school will accommodate expansion after $3 billion facilities plan approved.
Moffet Elementary Change
Moffet Elementary parents suggested Hackett become K-8 school to avoid sending kids to other schools.
District Tradeoffs
District says transitioning Hackett to K-8 would require eliminating specialized programs including Autistic Support and Life Skills Support.
“Determining whether a school can serve as a K-8 is not solely a matter of available physical space”
District Change
District changed course one month after initial recommendation to make Hackett K-8 school impossible.
Transition Committee
20-member transition teams to address grade expansion challenges open applications Aug 31 to Sept 18.
Parent Uncertainty
Parents say district lacks clarity on who will be picked for transition committee and when answers will come.
Space Concerns
Some parents believe Hackett may not have space for eighth graders and students could be diverted to Henry A. Brown Elementary School.
Email Responses
Parents sent dozens of emails to district over five months with only two getting responses.
“They're acting more like an insurance company than an advocate for our children”
Application Status
Parents applying for transition committee told they will be notified by early October about selection status.
School Choice
Some parents considering applying children to other middle schools due to uncertainty about Hackett's future.
District Response
District says specific building modifications premature to discuss while implementing facilities plan.
Parent Decision
Parents feel uncomfortable applying children to Hackett without knowing future of school program.
What Happens Next
Parents may have to choose between staying at Hackett or applying to other schools for middle grade placement.
The takeaway
Philly parents remain uncertain about how Horatio B. Hackett School will accommodate K-8 expansion after district approved $3 billion facilities plan.
