School District of Philadelphia Unveils 2025 Reopening Plan—New Start Times, Calendar Shifts & What Parents Need to Know

The School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) have reached a tentative three-year contract just hours before 197,000 students return to class for the 2025-26 school year. Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. and PFT president Jerry Jordan announced the deal late Sunday night, averting a potential strike that had loomed over the first day of school. The previous agreement was set to expire on August 31, but union leaders had authorized job action after Labor Day if negotiations stalled. A ratification vote is expected this week. Key points of the tentative pact • Average raises of 4% in year one and 3% in each of the next two years • A $2,000 retention bonus for veteran teachers and support staff • Expanded mental-health counseling in every K-8 school • Commitment to install modern HVAC systems in at least 30 additional buildings by June 2027 SEPTA service cuts complicate reopening Even with labor peace, the district faces a transportation crunch. Phase 1 of SEPTA’s route reductions took effect August 24, eliminating 32 bus lines and shortening 16 more, a move that could affect roughly 52,000 students who rely on public transit. District officials say they are coordinating with charter bus vendors and rideshare companies to provide temporary shuttles near the hardest-hit stops. Families can check updated route maps through the district’s new “RideReady” portal or by calling the hotline at 215-400-4BUS. What parents should know for Day 1 1. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. for all K-8 schools and 7:30 a.m. for most high schools. 2. Free breakfast and lunch remain universal; menus are posted on the district website. 3. Students who arrive more than 30 minutes late because of transit disruptions will receive an excused tardy slip. 4. The first bell is a half-day; after-school programs begin Tuesday. Facility upgrades continue Over the summer, crews removed asbestos in six buildings, replaced 11 aging boilers, and installed air-conditioning in 134 additional classrooms city-wide. The capital plan allocates $430 million this fiscal year for safety, lead-paint abatement, and new playground equipment in West Philadelphia and Kensington. Academic focus for 2025-26 Superintendent Watlington said the district will “double down” on early literacy and algebra readiness. All K-2 teachers received training in evidence-based phonics curricula, and every ninth grader will take a diagnostic math assessment by September 15. The district is also expanding its popular Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, adding cybersecurity, green construction, and culinary arts cohorts at five high schools. Next steps in contract approval • PFT members vote: Wednesday, August 27, 4 p.m. • School Board special meeting: Thursday, August 28, 6 p.m. • If both parties ratify, new salaries take effect retroactive to July 1 2025. Why it matters The last strike in Philadelphia occurred in 1981. By securing labor stability and addressing transportation hurdles, the School District of Philadelphia aims to keep classrooms open, boost attendance, and improve academic outcomes in a pivotal post-pandemic year.