'Why Are We Closing Schools That Work?' Councilmember Critiques District Schools Plan
A heated Philadelphia School Board meeting ended in a 6-3 vote, which approved a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools and renovate 169 more. Not before city council members disrupted the meeting with chants and shouting, to protest the plan. Although this didn’t stop its initial passing, city leaders are pushing back. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas was present at the board meeting and has been outspoken about some of the schools on the closure list. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with the councilmember, who’s also the chair of the Education Committee, about his opposition and what would need to change in the facilities master plan to get his support.
Listen back to Monday's episode with School Board President Reginald Streater to hear why he voted 'yes' on this plan.
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
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why Philly's Sidewalks Suck
It seems like a crack in the sidewalk or broken curb should be an easy fix. However, in Philly these issues get complicated because it is...

School Board Prez Defends School Closures, Despite ‘Problematic’ Rollout
Despite an extraordinary and emotional confrontation with City Council last week, the Philadelphia School Board voted 6-3 to approve a $3...

Congressional Candidate No-Show, Car-Free Idea for Passyunk Avenue & Eating off the Please Touch Museum’s Floor
It’s the Friday news roundup. We’re talking about this week’s congressional debate – and which candidate was a no-show. Plus, the strange...

Your Guide to May 2026 in Philly
May kicks off festival season in the city. From music to food, we couldn’t be more excited to check out the festivals Philly is offering...

School District Needs Money, Cyclists Want Protection & Philly Says No to ICE
The school district is broke, and the mayor has a controversial plan to solve the problem. Meanwhile the Center City bike lane saga conti...

Move Over Happy Hour: Why Philly’s Doing Aperitivo Hour
Nightlife seems to be getting earlier in Philly, and that’s given rise to a new trend – aperitivo hour. Think small plates, small bites,...

How Gaza Became the Biggest Issue in Philly’s Congressional Race
A congressman representing about half of our city is retiring, so Philly is getting the rare chance to fill an open seat with a new congr...

'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Philly
Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Philly? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has bu...

Will You Pay $1 per Uber To Save Teachers? Plus: ICE Is Out & Rats Are In
It’s the Friday news roundup! We’re talking about the big fight over funding the School District of Philadelphia, given the $300 million...

The World Is Obsessed With the Rocky Statue. Here’s Why.
Rocky Balboa never actually lived in Philly (since he is the fictional character portrayed by actor Sylvester Stallone). But if you take...

