Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

PFT Congratulates Chris Rabb on Winning the 3rd Congressional District Primary

PFT President Arthur Steinberg speaks at a rally opposing school closures. Rep. Chris Rabb is to his right.

PHILADELPHIA (May 20, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary result:

“The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers congratulates Rep. Chris Rabb on his primary election victory. While not endorsed by the Executive Board, our endorsement of another candidate was in no way a statement against Rep. Rabb’s record of service and consistent support for public education funding and worker empowerment. Public school students and working people in the 3rd Congressional District

PHILADELPHIA (May 18, 2026) – Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Monday expressed outrage at the School District of Philadelphia's failure to put students' health first:

"After reminding the administration of its own extreme heat policy this morning, the School District chose to keep students and staff in uncomfortable and dangerously hot conditions in schools that lack functional air conditioning. Today's high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit was forecast days ago, and outside temperatures today exceeded the 85-degree safety threshold at noon. Yet the

PFT's analysis of school buildings to be closed under the District's Facilities Master Plan.

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2026) – The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) on Tuesday released analysis and alternative recommendations for public schools that are scheduled to close starting in 2027.

Led by PFT Director of Environmental Science Jerry Roseman and informed by input from PFT members, the reports found inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the School District of Philadelphia's stated rationales for closing public schools.

At a press event at Overbook Elementary on Tuesday, the PFT and school leaders pointed to strong community ties and walkability for young students as

AFT President Randi Weingarten shared thoughts on campaigning with up-and-coming PSRP leaders.

The AFT PSRP leadership conference last month came chock-full of advice from activists on how to optimize campaigns, whether they focus on organizing, politics, a living wage or community service. PSRP co-chairs Carl Williams and Sarah Wofford led the proceedings. Williams is president of the Lawndale (Calif.) Federation of Classified Employees, a former school custodian and president of California’s classified members. Wofford is an accounting specialist for Rogue Community College and president of the Oregon School Employees Association. Eighteen AFT locals sent paraprofessionals and school-related personnel to Chicago April 10-12 for the conference.

Board of Education meeting during which the Board escaped to Zoom rooms because of fierce opposition to the closure of 17 schools.

PHILADELPHIA (April 30, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the Board of Education vote – over fierce community opposition – to close 17 schools as part of the School District of Philadelphia's Facilities Master Plan:

"The Board of Education's decision to rubber-stamp with a 6-3 vote the District's underbaked and unpopular Facilities Master Plan is arrogant, anti-democratic, and reckless. No one knows what our school buildings need to become safe, healthy spaces for learning better than our members. Elected officials whose communities became education deserts after the last mass school closures – giving rise to blight, dumping, and crime – know the lasting, often tragic, consequences to be paid when the city fails to invest in young people.

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Mayor Cherelle Parker has proposed a $1 rideshare tax to save 340 public education jobs that will otherwise be cut. Amid a nationwide educator staffing shortage, we cannot allow even deeper cuts to classrooms.

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PFT Congratulates Chris Rabb on Winning the 3rd Congressional District Primary

PFT President Steinberg Calls Out District for Failing to Declare Heat Emergency

PFT Releases Building Condition Analyses of Schools Targeted for Closure

PSRP activists swap advice on campaigning

PFT President Steinberg Calls Out Board of Education, District for Rushing School Closures

Ask City Council to Pass the $1 Rideshare Tax to Fund Our Schools!