Community rallies to save Gompers, Overbrook schools [photos]

Philadelphia public schools had the day off Monday, but parents and students of Samuel Gompers Elementary and Overbrook Elementary in West Philadelphia showed up anyway.

Gompers and Overbrook are two of 37 School District of Philadelphia schools slated for closure.

Superintendent William Hite made the announcement in December that he intends to close, relocate and merge several schools as part of the district's reconfiguration plan.

Parents at several other schools have already spoken out against the plan, arguing the changes will make for longer commutes, leave some neighborhoods without any schools, and force some students into rival neighborhoods.

Last week, the Philadelphia Student Union members dressed as zombies as they protested the closings outside district headquarters.