PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As SEPTA contract negotiations continue, the School District of Philadelphia is making contingency plans in case bus and subway operators go on strike next week.
The current contract for the Transport Workers Union Local 234 expires at midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 31. The union has already agreed to authorize a strike if a new contract is not met by then.
The school district says it is considering relaxing absence and attendance policies for affected students who take SEPTA to and from school, but they need a note from their parents.
According to the district, nearly 55,000 students take public transit, and it doesn’t have the capacity to substitute yellow bus transportation for them. Teachers and staff could be impacted, too.
“Many of our staff do rely on SEPTA to travel to our schools and offices, so there may be temporary reassignments, extended overtime, and relaxation of start and end times. They’re all being considered,” said district spokesperson Monique Braxton.
In-person learning will be the priority, but the district says some schools might have to shift to hybrid or 100% remote learning. Even if schools go virtual, the district will still offer grab-and-go meals and technology services at the schools closest to students' homes.
School officials advise parents to make sure their child’s Chromebook is working properly in the event of a strike and a shift to at-home learning. If their Chromebook needs repairs, contact their school now.
But as of right now, students and teachers are expected to show up for class.
“The plan is to continue in-person learning,” said Braxton, “because we know that is most effective for all of our students. We learned that during the pandemic. But should there be a lot of absences with teachers and students, then we’ll look at the option of hybrid or virtual learning.”
Attendance in Philly schools dropped — especially at high schools — during the last SEPTA strike, a six-day walkout in 2016.