South Philadelphia students will feel the effects of a $1.5-billion plan to improve the school district.
The five-year proposal, announced Friday by schools CEO Paul Vallas, is the largest and most expensive in the history of the School District of Philadelphia. It calls for the addition of 20 high schools, the elimination of other schools and extensive repairs to existing buildings.
Eleven of the high schools will be newly constructed at a price tag of $386 million. The remaining nine will open in converted middle schools, a process that will cost the district $60 million.
One of the new high schools is scheduled to open in South Philly by 2004. The district also is considering South Philly for a new military high school.
Three schools slated to close under the plan include Audenried High School, 33rd and Tasker streets; E.M. Stanton Elementary, 17th and Christian streets; and Thomas Durham Elementary, 16th and Lombard streets. District officials say they will schedule community meetings next month to discuss the changes at these schools with parents.
Additionally, the district plans to consolidate Dobbins and Bok technical high schools into one location.
Many of the existing middle schools will be converted into small high schools and elementary schools with modern science labs, libraries and recreational facilities, according to a school-district release. As the middle schools are converted, all elementary schools will be expanded to include grades K-eight.
Work will start in 22 schools next year to upgrade or create science labs, multimedia centers, libraries and support facilities. During the five-year plan, $35 million will be spent to improve school grounds, sports fields, field houses and recreational facilities.
This proposal still needs the approval of the School Reform Commission, but SRC chairman James Nevels already is singing its praises.
"I am so pleased and proud to be a part of what could be the most important contribution we make to the children of Philadelphia in our lifetimes," Nevels said.
