City Cast Philly logo
May 6, 2026

'Why Are We Closing Schools That Work?' Councilmember Critiques District Schools Plan

City Cast Philly

'Why Are We Closing Schools That Work?' Councilmember Critiques District Schools Plan

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

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

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
July 31

Is Philly Really the Most Walkable City?

For the fourth year in a row, Philadelphia has been crowned the nation's most walkable city. Yet for most locals, walking to work or even...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 30

Your Guide to August 2026 in Philly

While some Philadelphians are still down the shore this summer, there’s plenty of fun events happening in the city in August. We recommen...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 29

How Your ZIP Code Determines 311 Response Times

Missed trash pick-up, abandoned car, fallen tree, and a pothole — what do these all have in common? You call 311 if you want the city to...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 28

LeBron James Hype, Social Media Credibility & Keeping Cabs in Philly

Ever since LeBron James announced he’s going to wear the red, white, and blue Philadelphia 76ers uniform, the Philly and regional impact...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 27

Mayor Parker Talks 250th Outcomes, New City Program & Legacy Work

Summer 2026 has been a historic summer for the city. Reports show 1.4 million people poured into Philly this summer to attend FIFA World...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 26

‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Philly

It’s not a given that every Philadelphian will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with wri...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 24

FBI Excavates Olney Home, Voter Registration Help & Dating Tips

Philly needs help voting and dating! So host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz are discussing the city’s summer voter outreach s...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 23

Is Philly A Good City For Renters?

May through September is peak moving season in Philly. So, before you lug boxes and furniture into a moving truck, look over contracts an...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 22

Rideshare Regulation, Companionship A.I. & Prison Reform: A Lawmaker’s Summer Recess

Summer recess and a wrapped-up state budget don’t mean Pennsylvania legislators get to relax. This is when these lawmakers can focus on i...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 21

Was the World Cup Worth It? Plus, Reimagining Market East & Traffic Safety

The numbers are starting to roll in, and whether or not Philly cashed in on the summer festivities is a mixed bag. But Host Trenae Nuri,...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art