Philadelphia school closings draw mixed reactions from City Council

The Philadelphia School District wants to close more than three dozen schools. There are mixed feelings about the plan in City Council.

Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez says she is willing to work with the school district. She says closings aren’t easy, but it makes sense to reduce maintenance costs and eliminate empty classroom seats. 

“I think my parents at Taylor and Fairhill are going to be rightfully still very upset, but I don’t foresee an inability to address those concerns if the school district commits to work with us through that process,” said Quinones-Sanchez. “So that we are talking about safe corridors and we are being considerate for parents needs.”

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell does not agree with the decisions made when it comes to her district in West Philly.

“We have four and even possibly six and they are high schools, middle schools and elementary schools across the city 37 in total that will be closed so we’re upset about it and there’s no process yet,” said Blackwell.

Blackwell plans hearings separate from the district to review the closures.