'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
Could SEPTA Be Your Next Landlord?
It's no secret that SEPTA is in need of stable, long-term funding. But the divided state legislature hasn't been too keen on allocating m...
Can the DSA & Democratic Establishment Co-Exist in Philly?
Lauren Rinaldi’s ascension to the No. 3 position in the city Democratic committee was seen as something of an olive branch to progressive...
July Fourth Flop? PECO Strike! And LOVE Park Saucer Gets Revamp
Did the Fourth of July semiquincentennial celebrations fall flat, given the too-hot and then too-wet weather, a cancelled parade, and pri...
Do The Sounds of Your Philly Neighborhood Annoy You?
While all fireworks shows have ended, Philly is still a noisy place. Just listen to the El train rolling by, neighbors yelling at each ot...
'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Philly
See if your Philly knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes...
Philly-Made Cocktails Worth Celebrating With
Every celebration needs a beverage to pair with it. This weekend, as the city marks the semiquincentennial with fireworks, block parties,...
Your Guide to July 2026 in Philly
As America rings in its 250th anniversary on July 4, Philadelphia celebrates with free museum admission, concerts, and special events for...
Can a Free July 4 Concert Keep You in Philly? Plus, Pension Loophole & SEPTA Housing
Are you sticking around for the semiquincentennial celebrations this weekend? Host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and Fae Ehsan...
Is 2026 the Safest Year in Philly’s History?
Is 2026 the safest year in Philly’s history? If you look at homicide rates, it just might be. In 2025, we saw the fewest number of homici...
'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks — Presented By City Cast Philly
Just how good are the sidewalks in Philadelphia? The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — an...