St. Hubert community vows to fight school closure announcement

As soon as word came the the Blue Ribbon Commission has recommended St. Hubert High School for closure, the community began an effort to fight back.

The commission, which made recommendations Friday that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia close or consolidate 48 schools, tapped the Torresdale Avenue all-girls high school for closure at the end of the school year. Students and administration were given the news at noon Friday ahead of the commission’s afternoon news conference.

Not long after, word was posted on the school’s Facebook page:

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When asked Friday if schools would be allowed to appeal their fates, Archbishop Charles Chaput said factual errors in the BRC’s report would be given consideration. That was all it took for the rallies, Facebook campaigns, YouTube videos and Zazzle accounts to pop up in support of keeping the 70-year-old school open. There’s an active petition on Change.org.

Below, watch video of the announcement as it was made to the students Friday afternoon.

Such a large crowd is expected at the 7:30 p.m. alumnae meeting tonight that it’s been moved from the alumnae house to the school building.

The BRC has also recommended that seven Northeast grade schools consolidate. They’ll get new names in the process.

We invite you to share your photos from the closing schools.

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