Philadelphia City Councilmembers Press Superintendent On Plan To Close 20 District Schools

CBS Philadelphia

February 18, 2026

During a crowded hearing Tuesday at Philadelphia City Council, the biggest question that emerged was: Why are more than a dozen schools in the city at risk of closing?

As it stands now, the answer is a $2.8 billion plan over 10 years that would modernize aging infrastructure at 159 schools. The district would also close 20 schools in the coming years under the proposal.

Superintendent Tony Watlington said the plan would help the district better use its buildings, cut down on transitions between schools, create more opportunities for career and technical education and more.

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