PHILADELPHIA (February 2, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur G. Steinberg on the School District of Philadelphia's failure to ensure school buildings were heated and safe to resume in-person learning:
"'The School District should not have sent students and staff back into schools if they knew the buildings were going to lack adequate heat and working plumbing.
"We told the District last Thursday that they have a responsibility to make sure buildings are heated and comfortable before calling students and staff back for in-person learning. Not only have they disrespected our members, they've left families at multiple schools today scrambling to arrange travel and care due to early dismissals.
"I'm going to remind the District yet again that growing student enrollment is a product of the labor and dedication of educators and staff. We will not allow our hard work and credibility to be squandered by a District that refuses to put students' learning conditions – and our members' working conditions – first."
