Councilmember At-Large Dr. Nina Ahmad sent a second letter to the School District of Philadelphia calling for a pause to proposed actions in the School District’s Facilities Master Plan that would impact Lankenau Environmental Magnet High School.
Councilmember Ahmad continues to urge the School District to reconsider its decision to close the school, citing a planning process that has not been sufficiently public and that fails to account for student impact, equity, and transparency.
In her second letter to the District, the Councilmember stated, “It is noteworthy that Lankenau, with a minority enrollment of 98%, with 100% of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, produces environmentally conscious, college-bound scholars or those who have an established post-secondary plan. The school also boasts a graduation rate of 100%, a notable achievement. Lankenau is evidence of what Philadelphia’s youth can achieve…”
With successful schools like Lankenau slated for closure, Councilmember Ahmad expressed serious concerns about how the School District is evaluating the viability of the eighteen schools proposed for closure in the Facilities Master plan.
The Councilmember continues to urge the District to slow down, publish complete and transparent information to the public, and to work directly with students, families, educators, and neighbors on alternatives that strengthen schools and stabilize enrollment.
To obtain copies of the letter, please contact: [email protected]
Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad serves as an At-Large member of the Philadelphia City Council. A scientist by training, she centers equity and inclusion in her work, championing policies that improve maternal health, combat human trafficking, protect the environment, and promote the health and well-being of children across Philadelphia.
