Historic Kensington Middle School Faces Closure Immediately After Centennial Celebration
Russell H. Conwell Middle School, a cornerstone of the Kensington community in Philadelphia, recently marked a major milestone: its 100th anniversary. However, the festivities have been abruptly overshadowed by the School District of Philadelphia’s announcement that the historic institution is slated for closure.
The district has identified Conwell as one of 20 schools recommended for shutting down as part of a sweeping 10-year, $2.8 billion facilities master plan. Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. unveiled the proposal, which aims to address citywide declining enrollment and aging infrastructure. Under the current plan, Conwell would close its doors, and its student body would be reassigned to the Academy for the Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin, located on East Ontario and Richmond streets.
Deep Roots in a Changing Neighborhood
For the Kensington neighborhood, Conwell is more than just a building; it is a “safe haven” in an area often grappling with significant social and economic challenges. The school has served generations of families, creating a tight-knit environment where staff members are viewed as extended family.
“Conwell is not only a school to us. The teachers are their aunts and uncles,” said Ashley Jenkins, a parent with deep ties to the school. Jenkins, who has two sons who graduated from Conwell and another currently enrolled, expressed disbelief at the proposal. “I can’t imagine losing Conwell.”
Community and Official Opposition
The announcement has triggered immediate and fierce objections from community members, alumni, and elected officials who argue that the closure will destabilize a vulnerable population.
City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, who chairs the education committee and is himself a Conwell alumnus, has publicly opposed the plan. “I definitely would never be supportive of Conwell closing,” Thomas stated, highlighting the personal and community value of the institution.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, whose district includes the school, echoed these sentiments, asserting that “Conwell should not be on that list.” Opponents argue that closing a high-functioning community anchor like Conwell contradicts the goal of supporting students, as it disrupts established support systems and forces children to commute outside their immediate neighborhood.
Background on the District’s “Rightsizing” Plan
The proposed closure of Conwell is part of the first large-scale school consolidation effort in Philadelphia since 2012. The district’s facilities master plan seeks to “rightsize” operations by closing buildings that are under-enrolled or in poor condition while modernizing others.
Officials state that the decision is driven by data regarding building utilization and the costs associated with maintaining older structures. The plan also includes the potential closure of nearby Stetson Middle School, further compounding anxiety in the Kensington area. Superintendent Watlington has emphasized that the plan is designed to improve academic offerings by consolidating resources, but for the families of Russell H. Conwell Middle School, the proposal represents the end of a century-long legacy of community stability.
The Board of Education is expected to vote on the recommendations in late February, leaving the community a narrow window to advocate for the survival of their centennial school.
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