Chalkbeat's journalism is made possible by our sponsors.
Interested in becoming one? Reach out here.

Hello! It’s Rebecca here from Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

Philadelphia school officials don’t want families to leave the district due to planned school closures — so they’re promising the “red carpet treatment” for families at closing schools. But they’ve shared few details about what that will actually look like.

Superintendent Tony Watlington announced Tuesday that he has appointed Assistant Superintendent Shakeera Warthen-Canty to lead the district’s new School Transition Office. And he said the district’s plan to close 17 schools and renovate nearly 170 others “will be all worth it” to provide more class options, better buildings, and more pre-K access.

Also new this week: Only 8% of Philly voters say public education is headed in the right direction, according to a new poll. Read the full story here.

P.S. Have questions about the midterms? Our sister newsroom Votebeat is hosting an event on July 13 to answer them. Votebeat Pennsylvania reporter Carter Walker will be participating and is able to answer questions about how elections work in Philadelphia and the surrounding region. RSVP here for free!

Local education coverage is disappearing. Chalkbeat helps families and educators understand what’s changing. We can’t do it without you.

Support Chalkbeat

Local News

Only 8% of Philly voters say public education is headed in the right direction

Most voters say Philadelphia schools are on the wrong track as the district grapples with closures, budget tensions, and staffing challenges.

Teenagers took over Philadelphia city government for a day. Here’s how it went.

At the 2026 Philadelphia City Government Youth Summit, nearly 100 teens debated legislation, negotiated policy, and discovered how difficult governing can be.