Backlash over School District of Philadelphia's revised facilities plan to close 17 schools
Among the 17 closures, the plan includes modernizing 169 schools and merging six schools.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The battle continues over the School District of Philadelphia's revised facilities plan that includes the closure of 17 schools.
Tuesday morning, several city councilmembers spoke out, arguing that a vote on the plan is being rushed. This comes after the revisions were just announced on Monday.
"We're here to say, slow it down," said Nicholas O'Rourke, Councilmember at Large. "The facilities plan is going too fast and there is more work that must be done if we are to care about the voices of the entirety of our city."
In just two days, the School Board of Philadelphia will be voting on a facilities master plan presented -- now for a 3rd time by the school district.
This is also the second time that this plan has been scaled back, with Superintendent Tony Watlington presenting his proposal on Monday to now shutter 17 schools instead of 20.
The revised plan includes saving Ludlow Elementary in North Philadelphia. Russell Conwell Middle School and Motivation High were also spared from being cut after the initial proposal in February.
However, Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School is still on the chopping block.
RELATED | Parents, students criticize School District of Philadelphia's facilities plan at final town hall
Among the 17 closures, the plan includes modernizing 169 schools and merging six schools.
"I'm talking to my mom, I'm talking to my friends and I just start pouring tears. It breaks my heart. Why would you want to close somewhere that's doing so good?" asked Wyntir Alford, Jr.
If the plan is approved, it would go into effect during the 2027-28 school year.
The school board president is expected to call for a vote on this plan Thursday night.
