Philly school board to discuss transferring vacant buildings to the city at special meeting this week.

In a significant move to address Philadelphia’s housing crisis, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has expressed a strong interest in acquiring vacant school buildings to help fulfill her administration’s commitment to creating or preserving 30,000 units of housing. The Philadelphia school board is poised to respond to this initiative with a special action meeting scheduled for later this week, where it will deliberate on a resolution aimed at authorizing Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. and his team to evaluate the transfer of a portfolio of unused school buildings to the city.

The proposed resolution reflects the school board’s recognition of the pressing need to engage with city officials in discussions about potentially conveying roughly 20 vacant buildings. One notable example in this collection is the Ada Lewis Middle School located in East Germantown. This proposal does not extend to schools that may face closure in the upcoming facilities master planning process, demonstrating a focused approach to managing surplus properties.

Reginald Streater, the school board president, clarified that the actions taken in this upcoming meeting are part of a broader strategy to foster collaboration between the school district and the city. The resolution aims to benefit the district’s students by repurposing buildings that have largely remained dormant for the better part of a decade. Streater emphasized that maintaining these properties, which often require considerable upkeep, falls outside the district’s core mission of education.

Furthermore, Streater highlighted the advantages of having the city manage property development, as the city possesses greater expertise in this arena. The school district’s primary focus remains on educational delivery, and taking on real estate responsibilities would divert resources from this essential function.

What makes this initiative particularly noteworthy is its timing—in contrast to the recent history of conflict between the school board and the city regarding property management. Earlier this year, following actions by the previous administration, the board was involved in litigation against the city over legislation that impacted the management of school buildings with environmental concerns. However, this new resolution signifies a marked shift in attitude, indicating a willingness to collaborate for the collective benefit of the city and its educational system.

As the school board prepares to deliberate, it acknowledges the complexities of such transactions, including considerations related to legal processes, property conditions, and bonding obligations. This resolution could pave the way for revitalizing unused buildings, which in turn may contribute positively to the local economy and educational outcomes for students.

This developing story underscores the ongoing dialogue about community needs, showcasing a potential partnership that could reshape both housing availability and the educational landscape in Philadelphia. Further updates will follow as this situation evolves.