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Hi,

I’m Sammy Caiola, Chalkbeat’s gun violence reporter.

Last week, Philadelphia’s Board of Education approved a much-debated plan to close 17 schools and modernize 170 buildings. The plan has a $3 billion price tag, and School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington says he wants to raise most of the money from state, local, and federal funds, as well as philanthropic sources.

Chalkbeat’s Rebecca Redelmeier dug into the feasibility of raising the money, and what alternative plans the district might consider.

Read the story here.

And don’t forget to register for Rebecca’s virtual event about graduation requirements next week.

As always, you can reach us at [email protected]. If you want text updates about the Philadelphia Board of Education, you can text SCHOOL to 215-709-9650.

Local News

Philadelphia City Council will explore creating an elected school board

Philadelphia is the only Pennsylvania district that does not have an elected school board. Amid school closure fights, the City Council will hold hearings to explore changing that.

Philadelphia has a $3 billion school closure and modernization plan. Paying for it could be a problem.

The district is moving forward with closing 17 schools and upgrading nearly 170 others. But it needs help from philanthropies and state and local governments to pay for it.

Pennsylvania overhauled its graduation requirements. Are graduating high schoolers any better off?

Philadelphia’s high schoolers are increasingly graduating without passing state exams. RSVP to learn more at Chalkbeat Philadelphia’s virtual event on May 12, 4-5 p.m. EDT.