To: Mayor Cherelle Parker, Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr., and the School District of Philadelphia Board of Education.

The Issue:

The School District of Philadelphia has announced a plan to close Overbrook Elementary School, a historic landmark that has served our community since 1906. Despite the building operating at 78% site utilization with a student body of eager scholars, the District intends to convert our beloved school into administrative office space for the West Region.

This plan would scatter our 219 students across four different schools throughout West Philadelphia. Because all our students are currently walkers, this relocation creates a massive transportation hurdle for families and destroys the close-knit, supportive environment our children rely on.

Why Overbrook Elementary Matters- A Community Anchor:

For over a century, this building has been a staple of Overbrook (a registered landmark). We aren't just a "school district asset"; we are a family. 

The Trust for Public Land Project:

Our students have spent months helping design a new playground and green space to replace our "concrete jungle." Closing the school would abandon this progress and rob our children of the outdoor space they were promised. Donors have already committed, and it we were scheduled to break ground in June 2026. This would have truly made our landmark a staple of the community, as our families would have a peaceful outdoor space to utilize.

Proven Viability:

At 78% site utilization, Overbrook is a thriving school. Our students want to be here, and our parents trust this staff. Other schools that are being recommended to close are below 50%. If this is a major deciding factor; we are unsure why we are on the list.

Our Demands:

We, the undersigned parents, neighbors, and community leaders, demand that the School District of Philadelphia:

Halt the closure of Overbrook Elementary School immediately. Commit to renovating the building for its intended purpose: educating children, not housing, or offices.
Support the completion of the Trust for Public Land playground project to provide our students with the modern outside green space and facilities they deserve.
 
Take Action:

Join Us on February 19th- We are fighting back! We invite all families, neighbors, and supporters to a Community Rally & Meeting to voice our opposition and share our vision for Overbrook’s future to the School District of Philadelphia's Master Facilities Plan leaders.

When: February 19th, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Overbrook Elementary School
Note: Dinner and beverages will be provided for families. No student should miss a meal, and no parent should be unable to attend due to a lack of resources.
 
PLEASE HELP US BY ALSO SIGNING THIS PETITION TO KEEP OVERBROOK ELEMENTARY FULLY OPERABLE AS A K-8 SCHOOL!