City Cast Philly logo
March 31, 2026

School Closures Can Result in Violence. Here’s How to Mitigate the Tension

City Cast Philly

School Closures Can Result in Violence. Here’s How to Mitigate the Tension

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

While students and families wait for the School Board to vote on the Facilities Master Plan, a plan that could close 18 public schools and merge others, they have voiced concerns about what this means for students' safety during the transition.  While the timeline for the decision is uncertain, city officials and the school district are thinking about how to mitigate any tension that could come from these big changes. Senior producer Abby Fritz talks with Sammy Caiola, a gun violence solutions reporter for Chalkbeat Philadelphia, about what our city officials and the school district are doing, and could be doing better, to prepare for school closures.

Read more of Sammy's reporting on safety during this transition here and here

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
May 29

Rebranding the July 4th Concert, Taxing Airbnbs More Than Hotels & Getting Home Faster After a Ballgame

It’s the Friday New Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz are discussing how Mayor Cherelle Parker has rebranded the...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 28

Why Philadelphia is Hosting a TED Talk About Democracy's Future {Sponsored}

As the United States turns 250, Philadelphia, the city where modern democracy was born, is becoming the center of a global conversation a...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 28

A Local-Only Guide to 250th Events & Opportunities

America is turning 250, and Philadelphia is going to be a playground for visitors to learn about the history of the country and the city...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 27

Why Philly Is the Best Place To Experience the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup and Fan Festival are just weeks away. Murals are going up, bars are racing to get extended hours permits, and graffiti...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 26

Zero-Proof & Cheap Summer Activities in Philly

The days are getting longer, and summer hangouts are on the horizon. But it can be hard to come up with meetup spots that aren't the same...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 22

Democratic Civil War, Dirty Dentist & Alternatives to the Shore This Weekend

It's the Friday News Roundup! Executive producer Matt Katz and senior producer Abby Fritz dish on all the drama with local Democratic pol...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 21

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Philly Makes Its Case

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, compe...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 20

Chris Rabb, Progressive State Rep., Defeats Democratic Establishment

Results are in! The City Cast Philly team stayed up late to get the results of last night’s Democratic primary election for the Third Con...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 19

New Holiday in Philly Is a Response to Trump Hiding History

Ona Judge was one of nine enslaved Black people forced to work and live at President George Washington’s Philadelphia home before her esc...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 18

Are Out-Of-Town Businesses Taking Over Philly’s Food Scene?

Philly's food and beverage landscape is constantly expanding. New businesses are popping up all the time, and many originate from other p...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art