From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Philly teachers union offers $25m plan to prevent school closures
Philly teachers union proposes $25 million plan to fix 17 schools before closures.
In brief
Philly teachers union proposes $25 million plan to fix 17 schools before closures. Philadelphia teachers union says $25.35 million can prevent 17 school closures, district claims cost is 12 times higher. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Teachers union plan for 17 schools
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers suggests $25.35 million can address structural and safety issues at 17 schools slated for closure.
District counters with $298m estimate
School District of Philadelphia states fixing issues costs $298 million including $50 million for new HVAC systems at five schools.
Union's rapid response teams
PFT proposes creating two 'Rapid Response Teams' per school costing $175,000 to $250,000 for cleaning and repairs.
Specific repairs needed
Repairs include bathroom facilities, window replacements, thermal controls and air conditioning units at all 17 schools.
Cost breakdown per school
Overbrook High School repairs estimated at $750,000 while Penn Treaty School needs $2.55 million.
Timeline for repairs
Repairs start by 2027-28 school year with all buildings in 'good' condition by 2031-32.
Enrollment impact
PFT claims keeping schools open can reverse declining enrollment by over 4,000 students.
Union joins city council members
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers presented plan with city council members Jamie Gauthier, Nina Ahmad and Rue Landau.
PFT President calls for action
PFT President Arthur Steinberg urged Board of Education to approve plan immediately.
Mayor Parker's stance
Mayor Cherelle Parker publicly supports district's $3 billion facilities plan over union's proposal.
Teacher's perspective
Harding Middle School teacher Jana Pugsley says district should have invested in building long ago.
District's facilities plan
District's 'Accelerating Opportunity' plan funds 169 buildings and co-locates six schools.
District's funding challenge
District must identify $2 billion funding source for $3 billion facilities plan.
District's response to closures
District calls 2026-27 school year a 'planning' year with transition support for affected communities.
The one thing
Philadelphia teachers union says $25.35 million can prevent 17 school closures, district claims cost is 12 times higher.
