Story perspectives

Philadelphia Council Vows Lawsuits to Block 17 School Closures

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Philadelphia City Council members vowed disobedience and lawsuits to block the vote on closing 17 schools.
The school board set a vote on Tony B. Watlington Sr.’s $3 billion facilities plan for April 30, 2026.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas warned the vote was “voting against children” and urged families to flood the board with messages.
Councilmembers said they would target Robeson, Lankenau High and Overbrook Elementary to keep them off the closing list.

1 of 1

Story summary

Philadelphia City Council members vowed disobedience and lawsuits to block the vote on closing 17 schools.
The school board set a vote on Tony B. Watlington Sr.’s $3 billion facilities plan for April 30, 2026.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas warned the vote was “voting against children” and urged families to flood the board with messages.
Councilmembers said they would target Robeson, Lankenau High and Overbrook Elementary to keep them off the closing list.