Philadelphia, January 30, 2026
The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is urging the School District of Philadelphia to switch to remote learning due to dangerous conditions following a severe winter storm. The union cited treacherous commutes, freezing temperatures in classrooms, and significant plumbing issues as key concerns. Despite these pleas, the district remains committed to in-person classes. Recent heavy snow and subzero temperatures have exacerbated the situation, highlighting ongoing infrastructure problems in the city’s aging school buildings.
Philadelphia
Teachers Union Urges Remote Learning Amid Dangerous School Conditions
The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) formally requested the School District of Philadelphia to switch to remote learning for Friday, January 30, 2026, citing widespread dangerous conditions in school buildings and hazardous commutes for students and staff. Despite the union’s appeal, the district plans to proceed with in-person classes.
Details of Dangerous Conditions
The plea from the teachers union, made on Thursday, January 29, 2026, highlighted numerous issues affecting student and staff safety. Treacherous commutes were reported due to significant snowfall and bitterly cold temperatures across the city. Inside school buildings, conditions included unshoveled sidewalks and steps, along with entrances obstructed by large snow piles. Many classrooms experienced freezing temperatures, with some thermostats recording as low as 49 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Further concerns involved broken plumbing in several school facilities, notably a “massive flood” at Vare-Washington Elementary School caused by burst pipes. It was also reported that disabled students at Penrose Elementary faced the indignity of unshoveled wheelchair ramps. Educators stated that they resorted to shoveling snow themselves due to the lack of cleared pathways. The union emphasized that a significant portion of the district’s school buildings are old, with an average age of 75 years, contributing to persistent issues with heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and plumbing.
District’s Response and Recent Schedule
The School District of Philadelphia has decided to continue with in-person instruction on Friday, January 30, 2026, despite the PFT’s request. This follows a return to in-person learning on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Prior to this, schools were closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, and held virtual learning sessions on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in response to a major winter storm that affected the region.
Both Thursday and Friday were scheduled as half-days to accommodate report card conferences. The winter storm, which occurred from January 24 to January 26, 2026, brought 8 to 12 inches of heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures to the Philadelphia area. A snow emergency was declared in Philadelphia beginning Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers request?
- The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers requested the School District of Philadelphia to switch to remote learning for Friday, January 30, 2026.
- When was this request made?
- The request was made on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
- Why did the union request remote learning?
- The union cited widespread dangerous conditions in school buildings and hazardous commutes for students and staff due to a major winter storm.
- What were some of the dangerous conditions reported?
- Reported dangerous conditions included treacherous commutes, unshoveled sidewalks and steps, entrances blocked by large snow piles, freezing classrooms (some as low as 49 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), broken plumbing, and unshoveled wheelchair ramps for disabled students.
- How did the School District of Philadelphia respond to the request?
- Despite the union’s appeal, the School District of Philadelphia plans to proceed with in-person classes on Friday, January 30, 2026.
- What was the school schedule leading up to Friday, January 30, 2026?
- Schools returned to in-person learning on Thursday, January 29, 2026, after being closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, and having virtual learning days on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and Wednesday, January 28, 2026, due to a weekend snowstorm.
- What were the weather conditions earlier in the week?
- A major winter storm occurred from January 24 to January 26, 2026, bringing 8 to 12 inches of heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures to the Philadelphia area. A snow emergency was declared starting Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Key Features of School Conditions and Union Plea
| Aspect | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Plea for Remote Learning | Requested by Philadelphia Federation of Teachers for Friday, January 30, 2026 | Philadelphia |
| Timing of Plea | Made on Thursday, January 29, 2026 | Philadelphia |
| Commute Hazards | Treacherous commutes due to snow and bitter cold | Philadelphia |
| Building Access Issues | Unshoveled sidewalks and steps, entrances blocked by large snow piles | Philadelphia |
| Classroom Temperatures | Freezing, some as low as 49 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit | Philadelphia |
| Plumbing Issues | Broken plumbing, including a “massive flood” at Vare-Washington Elementary School | Philadelphia |
| Accessibility Concerns | Disabled students faced unshoveled wheelchair ramps at Penrose Elementary | Philadelphia |
| District’s Decision | School District of Philadelphia planned for in-person classes on Friday, January 30, 2026 | Philadelphia |
| Previous School Schedule | Closed Monday, virtual learning Tuesday and Wednesday, in-person Thursday after weekend snowstorm | Philadelphia |
| Recent Weather Event | Major winter storm from January 24 to January 26, 2026, with 8 to 12 inches of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures | Philadelphia region |
| School Building Age | Average age of school buildings is 75 years, contributing to infrastructure issues | Philadelphia |
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