Overview
- The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers released its Facilities Action Plan on Wednesday, Nov. 11, proposing about $25 million in first‑year repairs and staffing to prevent the 17 schools the board has slated for closure from shutting.
- The union’s blueprint calls for rapid‑response trade and custodial teams, faster work‑order response times, and per‑building interim investments estimated at $175,000–$250,000 to fix bathrooms, windows, heating and ventilation, pest issues, and other hazards.
- The School District of Philadelphia rejected the figure as insufficient, saying the 17 schools have roughly $298 million in documented deficiencies, including nearly $50 million needed for HVAC at five sites.
- The board approved the district’s April facilities master plan that schedules 10 closures to start next June with seven more phased through as late as 2031, and that timeline remains in place pending any new funding or political intervention.
- The dispute centers on funding and data disputes: the district’s $3 billion modernization plan depends on uncertain state and philanthropic support, the union says it will release a broader districtwide repairs plan by year‑end, and both sides are pressing the mayor and state lawmakers for leverage.