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Hello! It’s Rebecca from Chalkbeat Philly.

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is urging the school district to repair school buildings rather than close them. But getting district leaders to support the idea could be a very tough sell.

The district plans to start closing 17 schools at the end of this school year.

Read the full story here.

We also learned yesterday that the district is pushing back the school selection deadline to Dec. 16.

One more thing: I’m working on a story about the district’s elementary school reading curriculum. If you’re an elementary school parent or ELA teacher with thoughts on the curriculum materials, let me know by replying to this email.

Do you have thoughts or questions about Philly schools? You can always reach us at [email protected].

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Local News

Philadelphia school district delays school selection deadline as wait for state test scores drags on

Students applying to competitive magnet schools are still waiting on state test scores to determine whether they are eligible.

Philadelphia teachers union pitches plan to repair school buildings not close them

The district’s school closures are meant to address declining enrollment and expensive building repairs. But the union wants all schools to stay open.