SHQIP | العربية | 汉语
August 20, 2026
Dear School District of Philadelphia Community,
In April, the School District of Philadelphia’s Board of Education approved Accelerating Opportunity – the District’s Facilities Master Plan. As the next phase of implementation, the School District of Philadelphia will launch the application process for the School Transition Committees on August 31, 2026. The application will close on September 18, 2026.
For each of the 17 schools entering the transition process in the 2026-27 school year, and a small group of other schools most immediately impacted by the transition process, the District will establish School Transition Committees of up to 20 individuals per school, that will bring together students, families, educators, staff, and community partners to provide input, help identify priorities, and support the development of transition plans that reflect the needs of each school community. This work will be overseen by the School Transition Office (STO), under the leadership of Shakeera Warthen-Canty, Ed.D. As the implementation of the plan progresses, the STO will ensure students, families, and staff receive timely information, meaningful opportunities to engage, and the resources they need to navigate the transitions. The STO will work closely with Assistant Superintendents, principals, school leaders, and community stakeholders to support each transition and co-design transition plans.
The District will announce school-specific feedback opportunities and transition committee information as additional schools enter the transition process in following years. In addition to the School Transition Committees, there will be various other opportunities for community participation throughout the transition process. Any member of the School District of Philadelphia community may ask questions and provide input to the School Transition Office using this School Transition Community Input Form, or through Let’s Talk.
The success of the Accelerating Opportunity Facilities Master Plan requires meaningful partnership with the students, families, staff, and communities. This next phase of the Plan provides communities with clear opportunities to help shape the transition process and ensure that implementation is thoughtful, collaborative, and student-centered. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the School Transition Office.
In partnership,
Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia