By Ebony R. Pugh, Pittsburgh Public Schools  

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors voted June 25 to open the state-required public comment period for the proposed building closures outlined in the District’s Future-Ready Facilities Plan. As part of its approval, the board has required that the Superintendent deliver an Implementation Plan, prior to a Board vote on a final plan later this year.  

Both Woolslair Elementary and the Friendship School are slated for closure under the plan.

The public comment period, mandated by Pennsylvania’s Public School Code, marks a critical step in the development of the final Future-Ready plan. It provides students, families, staff, and community members with the opportunity to formally share their feedback on the proposed closures and help shape the District’s path forward.  

“We understand that any conversation about school closures is difficult””and for many, deeply personal,” said Wayne N. Walters, superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools. “This plan is not about abandoning our neighborhoods. It is about investing in our students. We must ensure that every child, in every zip code, learns in a safe, well-resourced, and equitable environment. Doing nothing is not an option when students are already being left behind by outdated and inequitable systems. We welcome public feedback and remain committed to building a future ready plan, together.”  

The Future-Ready Facilities Plan aims to address long-standing challenges – such as declining enrollment, aging infrastructure, and underutilized buildings – by strategically investing in modernized learning environments and streamlining the District’s portfolio of schools from 54 to 44. Proposed changes include school consolidations, revised feeder patterns, grade reconfigurations, and targeted capital investments to support high-quality instruction.  

The current plan reflects changes made in direct response to community feedback on recommendations presented by District consultant ERS and the District’s initial feasibility report. Based on input from families, students, staff, and stakeholders, the district:  

  • Reduced the number of proposed school closures from 14 to 12,  
  • Reduced the number of facility closures from 10 to 9.  
  • Reduced the number of proposed new school buildings from three to two.  
  • Expanded the number of English Language Development Center from 11 to 17  

Since the release of its Future-Ready Facilities Plan, the District announced refined attendance zone maps, ensuring greater accuracy and transparency in the planning process.  

Public Comment Period  

Throughout the public comment period, the Board will host a series of public hearings on proposed building closures. To ensure the District is prepared to support students, staff, and families should the Board approve a final plan, PPS will also gather community input to inform transition planning. In addition to feedback on the current draft, families and stakeholders will be invited to participate in surveys, community conversations, and face-to-face engagements across various neighborhoods. This input will help guide the development of support, activities, and resources to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition for all impacted school communities.  

“Our decision to maintain the status quo for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year was intentional,” said Walters. “It was made to ensure we had ample time to work in partnership with families, staff, and community members to plan thoughtful transitions that minimize disruption and center student success. We remain committed to developing a final plan shaped by stakeholder input.”  

Public Hearing dates and details about upcoming engagement opportunities will be shared on the District’s website and announced once dates are finalized. Families can also explore proposed feeder patterns using the mock “Find My School” tool, view the full draft plan, including phasing, and proposed attendance zone maps by visiting the Future-Ready Plan website at www.pghschools.org/futurePPS.  

Following the public comment period, the administration will present a final recommendation to the Board for consideration later this year.