PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After the Philadelphia School Board's vote to close 17 city schools, opponents to the district's facilities plan said they will continue the fight to keep schools open.
"We're going to weigh all of our options," City Council Education Committee chair Isaiah Thomas told KYW Newsradio. "We're in the midst of dialogue right now as it relates to having conversation and brainstorming with legal advisors and legal consultants to see exactly what we can and can't do. We're not going to tip our hand as it relates to our legal position until we feel that the time is right."
Thomas led a loud protest at Thursday night's school board meeting, twice forcing the session into recess before the board held the 6-3 vote approving the closure plan on Zoom. Thomas wouldn't comment on the legal grounds for any lawsuit to stop the plan from proceeding.
The board vote came as City Council considers Mayor Cherelle Parker's proposed $1-a-trip rideshare tax to fund schools.
"I think the timing couldn't have been any worse as it relates to making this decision during a time that we're trying to figure out issues around operating costs," Thomas said.
He called the district's 10-year, $3 billion facilities plan "disastrous."
"It was really sad seeing so many students crying; so many parents heartbroken," Thomas said. "We have young people who now have to wake up and go to school every day feeling defeated. Heartbroken. Families are talking about moving."
Thomas said he's already called for the resignation of the board members who voted for the plan, and pledged not to support their reappointment to the school board.
On Thursday, the board voted 6-3 to approve the closure plan
On Thursday, the board voted 6-3 to approve the closure plan
