How Philadelphia can make fairer school decisions

Philadelphia is dealing with big choices about schools—some might close while others may need renewal. These aren’t just numbers on a page; buildings left empty and fewer students mean tough times for neighborhoods. But when schools shut down or charters lose approval, whole families feel it. Parents pick charter schools hoping for a better education for their kids. When renewal decisions aren’t clear, that trust gets broken fast. Right now, the city is trying to improve how it judges charter schools through a system called RiSE. That’s good, but until the rules are final, judging schools fairly is hard. Some kids show amazing progress that doesn’t show up in test scores. Others face policies that make it harder to enroll, which unfairly affects renewal chances. Big decisions shouldn’t happen until everyone agrees on what ‘good’ really means.Taking a pause on charter renewals makes sense for now. It’s not about avoiding responsibility—it’s about making sure the rules are solid before applying them. A fair system needs transparency so families aren’t kept in the dark. Everyone loses when stability is missing for kids. At the heart of this is equity. Low-income families often have fewer choices but work harder to find schools that fit. If renewals feel sudden or unclear, it hurts the students who need stability most. Philadelphia can do better—it should treat closures and renewals with the same care. A fair process benefits all schools, not just charters or traditional ones. The goal isn’t to pick winners or punish schools. It’s to help every student succeed. If the city focuses on clear rules, open communication, and real support for families, the school system can get stronger. That’s possible, but only with the right approach.