Philadelphia School District Revises Facilities Plan, Spares 2 Schools from Closure

Community support leads to Russell Conwell Middle School and Motivation High School being removed from proposed closures.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Philadelphia School District has revised its $2.8 billion facilities master plan, now proposing to close 18 schools across the city instead of the original 20. Most notably, Russell Conwell Middle School and Motivation High School have been removed from the closure recommendations after receiving strong community support to remain open.

Why it matters

The proposed school closures have been a contentious issue in Philadelphia, with families and communities fighting to keep their neighborhood schools open. This revision to the facilities plan shows the district is responsive to community feedback and willing to adjust its plans based on local input.

The details

Under the original plan, Conwell Middle School would have merged with Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin, a commute families raised concerns about. The district has now decided to use Elkin Elementary as a feeder for Conwell, keeping students within walking distance. Motivation High School will merge with Paul Robeson High School, becoming 'Motivation-Robeson,' and continue operating at the Motivation site, which has 'significantly better' building infrastructure than Robeson.

  • The Philadelphia School District unveiled changes to the final version of its facilities master plan recommendations at Thursday's school board meeting.
  • Superintendent Tony B. Watlington's original plan proposed closing 20 schools across the city.

The players

Philadelphia School District

The public school district serving the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Tony B. Watlington

The superintendent of the Philadelphia School District.

Russell Conwell Middle School

A middle school in Philadelphia that was originally proposed for closure but has been removed from the plan.

Motivation High School

A high school in Philadelphia that was originally proposed for closure but has been removed from the plan.

Paul Robeson High School

A high school in Philadelphia that will merge with Motivation High School to become 'Motivation-Robeson.'

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What they’re saying

“With Motivation High School, there's adequate space … and the building infrastructure is appropriate for us to do that.”

— Tony B. Watlington, Superintendent (whyy.org)

“The environmental theme at Lankenau can fit nicely with the W.B. Saul agricultural campus. There are some connections with regard to the curriculum.”

— Tony B. Watlington, Superintendent (whyy.org)

What’s next

The revised facilities master plan will now go to the school board for final approval.

The takeaway

This revision to the Philadelphia School District's facilities plan demonstrates the power of community advocacy and the district's willingness to adapt its proposals based on local input. It highlights the ongoing challenges and debates around school closures and the need to balance district-wide priorities with the unique needs and identities of individual schools and neighborhoods.