School Board Affirms Investment in Accelerating Opportunity
Response to July 28, 2026 City Council Press Conference regarding the Board of Education’s April 30th resolution regarding the implementation of Accelerating Opportunity: Facilities Master Plan.
MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — The coming school year will mark the beginning of the transition planning process for Accelerating Opportunity, a Facilities Master Plan that will modernize 169 school buildings, expand academic and extracurricular offerings, and retire aging facilities that no longer meet today’s educational needs.
During this time, the School District will work closely with key stakeholders, particularly students, families, staff, and community members in affected school communities, to prepare for any changes ahead. Transition planning will address academic continuity, staffing, transportation, student services, timelines, safety, and legacy recognition for affected schools.
We are confident that Dr. Shakeera Warthen-Canty, a highly respected educator whose extensive leadership experience makes her well suited for this role, will lead this work with thoughtfulness, transparency, and care as the District advances its commitment to provide high-quality learning environments and opportunities for every student.
For transparency and fairness to impacted school communities, any conversations regarding the Board of Education’s April 30th resolution on the Facilities Master Plan’s implementation must occur through the formal transition planning process.
The Board values City Council’s partnership and remains committed to engaging stakeholders throughout the plan’s implementation. As the process moves forward, the Board will continue reviewing community feedback and the District’s recommendations when making any decisions.
Accelerating Opportunity is an investment in public education. When we invest in public education, we are investing in the future—both for our students and for Philadelphia as a whole.
— Board President Reginald L. Streater, Esq.
CONTACT: Wanda Motley Odom
wodom@philasd.org