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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

How to not close 37 schools: a summary of alternate proposals | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

How to not close 37 schools: a summary of alternate proposals | Philadelphia Public School Notebook:


How to not close 37 schools: a summary of alternate proposals

by Bill Hangley Jr.
The School District’s deadline for alternative community proposals for its closure plan has now passed, and all 38 proposals received have been posted on the District’s website.
Together, the alternative plans represent a wide range of responses to the District’s recommendations. Some are highly detailed blueprints endorsed by powerful officeholders and complex proposals citing multiple partners, while others are brief plans from community groups and individuals.
One consistent theme: Many schools propose addressing under-utilization by expanding their program offerings or grade spans. Some suggest bringing in new schools to share their buildings. In a few cases, schools offer alternative plans that they believe are cost-neutral and will meet the District’s overall goal of saving money.
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