Starting on Monday, all schools within the School District of Philadelphia will be closed through March 27, the Philadelphia School District announced today.
The decision to close is being made in light of Governor Wolf’s decision to limit non-essential travel for Delaware and Montgomery county residents. That decision has created a significant staffing challenge for the School District, as many of our employees reside in these counties and are now unable to come to work.
“We realize the hardship that a districtwide closure of our public schools may cause our families,” said Superintendent William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. “We are working closely with the Office of Emergency Management and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to develop an action plan in attempt to maintain the critical support services our schools provide to students and families.”
The district experienced a partial closure on Friday as 63 public schools in Philadelphia were closed on Friday. The district changed its stance on Friday.
“This is a difficult decision for the District and the City, and we do so in full recognition of the hardships this may cause for many families,” said Brian Abernathy, Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia. “The City is rapidly developing plans to provide comprehensive support to students and families who are challenged by the closure.”
More details on services will be provided by the city and district this weekend. The district is coordinating with the Office of Children and Families, Parks and Recreation, the Free Library, and many other offices and nonprofit partners, to provide meal service and programming in safe spaces throughout the city.
Families are encouraged to visit www.philasd.org for an updated list of services provided throughout the city, including meals and recreational opportunities, and www.philasd.org/coronavirus for the latest information on this evolving situation.
