City Council to review school board appointment process after closures vote

Philadelphia City Council will examine the school board’s governance model following backlash over a controversial facilities plan that includes closing 17 schools.

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, council members approved a resolution to review how the Philadelphia Board of Education is structured, raising questions about whether the current system serves students and families.

“We’re very united. I have a deep appreciation for my colleagues in their passion and care for children,” Councilmember Isaiah Thomas said.

The resolution comes a week after the school board approved a $3 billion facilities master plan. The proposal calls for closing 17 schools, merging six others and modernizing 169 buildings across the district.

Council members took issue not only with the plan itself, but with how the decision was made. The school board approved the measure in a 6-3 virtual vote last Thursday, despite vocal opposition from members of the public and City Council.

“I’m disappointed. I’m sad. And I’m angry that the school board saw fit to go in the dark and vote against our young people and our communities,” Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said.

At the center of the debate is how school board members are selected. The current model, established in 2016, gives the mayor authority to appoint members, who are then confirmed by City Council.

“The goal is to examine what we’re doing as it relates to school governance; to figure out what is the best method of school governance,” Thomas said. “I think everybody can agree that an appointed board that are all volunteers is not ideal.”

Council leaders say Philadelphia’s system is unique in Pennsylvania and are considering alternatives, including a fully elected or hybrid board.

“We’re looking forward to a very robust process around what a different type of school board will look like in the immediate future and so, that’s what the hearing’s going to be all about,” Council President Kenyatta Johnson said.

The school board told NBC10 on Thursday that it remains focused on acting in the best interest of all students, including making difficult decisions to strengthen the district and ensure long-term sustainability.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.