The School District of Philadelphia has revised its facilities master plan that would close or merge dozens of city elementary, middle and high schools.
Ten schools will be spared under the new plan, which was released today. The new recommendations call for the closure of 29 schools -- 15 elementary schools, five middle schools and nine high schools, according to the district. One building lease will be terminated.
The original plan, released in December 2012, called for the closure or consolidation of 37 schools across the district. In a statement, Superintendent Dr. William Hite said the district amended the plan after three months of community meetings.
“Although I wish we could have avoided closing any school, I do believe that the amended recommendations address the concerns from many parents, students and residents," Hite said. "I hope that we can move forward in minimizing disruption for our students and providing better options for families.”
Set to remain open are Meade, Duckrey, Morris, Cooke, Gompers, Overbrook, McMichael Elementary Schools. McCloskey Elementary School will also stay and become a K-8 school.
Also spared under the plan -- Strawberry Mansion High School and Lankenau High School.
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New closures were also suggested including Vaux Promise Academy. Currently a high school, Vaux was set to become a K-8 elementary school. Under the new plan, it will be closed.
Bieber Middle School and MH Stanton Elementary were also added to the list. The district says these two recommendations will not be considered in the initial vote set for next month, rather at a later date.
The district expects closing and consolidating the facilities to save $24.5 million a year. That's $4.4 million less than the original plan.
The revised facilities plan will be presented to the School Reform Commission this Thursday. A vote is expected on March 7. If the plan is approved, the schools would close on June 30.
