Philadelphia School Board Approves $225M Preliminary Budget Cuts

The cuts would eliminate 220 building substitute positions and 130 vacant central office roles.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:40pm

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The Philadelphia Board of Education has passed a preliminary budget that cuts spending by $225 million for the next fiscal year. The plan calls for the closure of 18 schools and the modernization or reconfiguration of dozens of others. Students, parents, and teachers voiced concerns about the impact of these changes, particularly on school closures and high school reconfigurations.

Why it matters

The budget cuts and school changes are part of the district's effort to eliminate a $300 million structural deficit by 2030. However, the proposed changes have faced pushback from the community, who are concerned about the impact on students, especially those in underserved neighborhoods.

The details

The preliminary budget calls for eliminating approximately 220 building substitute positions and reassigning 340 school-based positions, as well as cutting 130 vacant central office roles. However, if a proposed $1 tax on rideshares is implemented, 240 school-based positions could be saved.

  • The Philadelphia Board of Education passed the preliminary budget on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • The $4.5 billion spending plan will be presented to Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council and be subject to public hearings before the board's final vote in late May 2026.

The players

School District of Philadelphia

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

Tony Watlington

The Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia.

Mike Herbstman

The Chief Financial Officer of the School District of Philadelphia.

Cherelle Parker

The Mayor of Philadelphia.

Ellison Minarik

A 6-year-old student who expressed concerns about the school closure plan.

Jade Colon

A student at John B. Stetson Middle School, which is slated to be repurposed.

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What they’re saying

“We can't walk to Hackett because it's too far. Some of my friends may not have good attendance because they don't have cars.”

— Ellison Minarik, Student

“Even with success and growth being shown, you, as the board, are still deciding to throw something with so much potential away.”

— Jade Colon, Student

“We will have to make additional reductions in each year after this. Going from the $225 million [in fiscal year 2027], each subsequent year would need an additional $40 million.”

— Mike Herbstman, Chief Financial Officer, School District of Philadelphia

“We will move forward with our recommendation to eliminate approximately 220 building substitute positions and reassigning those 340 school-based positions, as well as cutting 130 central office roles that are currently vacant.”

— Tony Watlington, Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia

What’s next

The $4.5 billion spending plan will be presented to Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council and be subject to public hearings before the board's final vote in late May 2026.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia School District's preliminary budget cuts aim to address a structural deficit, but the proposed school closures and staffing changes have faced significant pushback from the community, who are concerned about the impact on students, especially in underserved neighborhoods. The final budget will be shaped by public input and negotiations with city leaders.