PHILADELPHIA (April 30, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the Board of Education vote – over fierce community opposition – to close 17 schools as part of the School District of Philadelphia's Facilities Master Plan:

"The Board of Education's decision to rubber-stamp with a 6-3 vote the District's underbaked and unpopular Facilities Master Plan is arrogant, anti-democratic, and reckless. No one knows what our school buildings need to become safe, healthy spaces for learning better than our members. Elected officials whose communities became education deserts after the last mass school closures – giving rise to blight, dumping, and crime – know the lasting, often tragic, consequences to be paid when the city fails to invest in young people.

Black Women’s Educational Alliance, Inc. (BWEA) are officially accepting applications from graduating high school seniors in the class of 2026!

BWEA will be awarding 3 students with $1,000 scholarships each. Please share with Philadelphia high school seniors. 

The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO 2026 Scholarship Essay Contest provides an opportunity for high school and post-secondary students to learn about the Labor Movement’s important contributions to the social, economic, and political development of our country. It also reminds students – the next generation of workers – about the importance of protecting the Labor Movement’s gains, for their own wellbeing in current and future workplaces.

Need in Deed provides free training and support for 3rd-8th grade Philadelphia teachers looking to bring community and empathy building, civic action, and social inquiry to the classroom.