# Philly teachers union offers $25m plan to prevent school closures

> Philly teachers union proposes $25 million plan to fix 17 schools before closures.
- Title: Philly teachers union offers $25m plan to prevent school…
- Summary: Philly teachers union proposes $25 million plan to fix 17 schools before closures.
- Keywords: philly teachers union, school closures, district facilities plan, rapid response teams, structural repairs, enrollment decline, school district of philadelphia, PhillyVoice
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/philly-teachers-union-school-closures-maintenance
- Published: 2026-11-12T20:26:16.809+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: philly teachers union, school closures, district facilities plan, rapid response teams, structural repairs, enrollment decline, school district of philadelphia, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Philadelphia teachers union says $25.35 million can prevent 17 school closures, district claims cost is 12 times higher.