Planning for new schools

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

A new series of public forums beginning this spring will open a public dialogue about the community-building opportunities presented by the School District’s capital plan.

The Franklin Conference on School Design will look at the overall impact of this major school construction initiative on Philadelphia. The Franklin Conference will include public meetings starting with expert presentations on good school design and pedagogy. From a series of facilitated public discussions, citizens will develop planning principles and propose planning diagrams for the School District.

The first event is scheduled for March 28, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, in West Philadelphia. National experts in school design, planning, and pedagogy will speak and respond to questions. The event is free and a light supper will be provided.

The Franklin Conference is a program of the Penn Institute for Urban Research. RSVP to school@design.upenn.edu or 215-573-8720. Seating is limited.