Then and now: What can Philly learn from past school closures in Germantown

Join Chalkbeat and Germantown Info Hub for a conversation on potential school closures. We’re bringing together Germantown families from the Northwest neighborhoods to reflect on how school closures in 2013 and prior years affected the community and connect those experiences to the present day. In the next few months, the School District of Philadelphia will release a proposed plan to close, co-locate, renovate, and modernize school buildings. District officials say the last time they closed schools in 2013, student performance declined and absences increased. This time, they say, they don’t want to repeat mistakes of the past.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A discussion with Chalkbeat education reporters about the latest developments around school closures and what you need to know;
• A short screening of archived footage and historical interviews from past public school movements in Philly;
• Small, guided conversations to spur solutions.

The venue is ADA-accessible. This event is free to attend, but please RSVP so we know you’re coming. Light refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, reach out to Rasheed Z. Ajamu, Editor/Engagement Reporter at Germantown Info Hub, at rasheed@resolvephilly.org.

Location: Joseph E. Coleman Library, Community Room (bottom floor), 68 W. Chelten Ave.

Date & time: Saturday, November 1, from 2-4 p.m.

Hosts: Chalkbeat Philadelphia & Germantown Info Hub

With support from: Joseph E. Coleman Library & People’s Media Record

Photo by: Rebecca Redelmeier, Chalkbeat