Council hears public concerns about Philadelphia school closures and library needs

The Philadelphia City Council's Committee of the Whole convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with a focus on public education and the pressing issues facing the School District of Philadelphia. Key testimonies highlighted concerns about school closures, funding disparities, and the need for improved educational resources.

John, a representative from CityAir, reported that the organization currently serves 8,000 students across 11 schools in Philadelphia. His brief remarks set the stage for a more extensive discussion on educational challenges.

Lisa Haver, co-founder of the Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools (APPS), emphasized the lack of transparency in the school board's decision-making process, particularly regarding school closures. Haver criticized the board for not holding public hearings and for the perceived secrecy surrounding the facilities program, which she labeled a school closing initiative. She urged the council to ensure that community voices are heard and that the board provides clear answers about its plans.

Arthur Steinberg, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), echoed these sentiments, advocating for increased funding to address chronic underfunding of public schools. He highlighted the ongoing teacher and support staff shortages, which he described as a crisis affecting all council districts. Steinberg called for competitive salaries to attract and retain educators and emphasized the importance of reinstating libraries in every public school, a demand that aligns with the community's needs for educational resources.

Council members responded positively to the testimonies, with a commitment to work towards a more transparent process in school governance and to advocate for necessary funding increases. The meeting underscored the urgent need for collaboration between the council, the school district, and community stakeholders to ensure that Philadelphia's public schools are adequately supported and that all students have access to quality education.

As the council prepares for upcoming budget decisions, the discussions from this meeting will likely influence future policies aimed at improving educational outcomes in the city.