18 minMay 6, 2026

'Why Are We Closing Schools That Work?' Councilmember Critiques District Schools Plan

Show Notes

A heated Philadelphia School Board meeting ended in a 6-3 vote, which approved a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools and renovate 169 more. Not before city council members disrupted the meeting with chants and shouting, to protest the plan. Although this didn’t stop its initial passing, city leaders are pushing back. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas was present at the board meeting and has been outspoken about some of the schools on the closure list. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with the councilmember, who’s also the chair of the Education Committee, about his opposition and what would need to change in the facilities master plan to get his support.

Listen back to Monday's episode with School Board President Reginald Streater to hear why he voted 'yes' on this plan.

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