By Ebony R. Pugh, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters and District leadership presented a comprehensive feasibility report on Feb. 25. Developed at the Board’s request in response to recommendations from Education Resource Strategies in October, the report proposes a strategic restructuring plan to optimize school configurations, improve resource allocation, and enhance educational opportunities for all students.
Walters emphasized the district’s commitment to “transforming the landscape of education” across PPS.
“Tonight’s report is not merely an evaluation of physical spaces or enrollment numbers,” he stated. “It is a call to reimagine our educational practices to ensure that every student, regardless of background or neighborhood, benefits from expanded opportunities and experiences.”
The report was developed following an analysis of key challenges, including declining enrollment, aging facilities, and underutilized spaces. It highlights the importance of restructuring the district’s school system, as outlined in the Draft Facilities Utilization Plan presented last April, to create a clear and scalable pathway for student success””establishing K-5 foundational elementary schools, developmentally supportive 6-8 middle schools, and traditional 9-12 high schools.
Restructuring School Configurations
The Leadership Team supported transitioning six K-8 schools (Brookline, Greenfield, Langley, Mifflin, Morrow, and Sunnyside) to K-5 models, converting three PreK-8 schools (Arlington, Carmalt, and Colfax) into dedicated 6-8 middle schools, and shifting three 6-12 schools (Westinghouse, Obama, and SciTech) to 9-12 high schools. These changes will enhance building utilization, standardize academic pathways, and improve student programming.
Expansion of Obama 6-8 IB Program at Arsenal 6-8
The team further supported expanding the Obama International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program at Arsenal 6-8. While underutilization remains an issue, additional space can be used for tutoring, mental health services, after-school programs, and community partnerships. The team will work closely with the legal department to assess the best approach to ensure program continuity.
Transition of PreK-5 Magnets to Neighborhood Schools
The report recommended transitioning Allegheny PreK-5, Dilworth PreK-5, and Liberty PreK-5 from full magnet programs to neighborhood schools to strengthen local school models while aligning with community feedback.
Full Magnet Schools
CAPA: The District recommends maintaining CAPA at its current downtown location due to significant facility investments. However, further exploration is needed to assess the feasibility of operating CAPA as two separate schools within the same facility while preserving program continuity. Additionally, magnet enrollment procedures will be reviewed to ensure equitable access, particularly for middle school students.
Montessori: The report supports maintaining Montessori PreK-5 as a full magnet program and relocating it from the Friendship facility to Linden due to the $20 million in renovations needed at Friendship. The move will support the Montessori model’s unique instructional approach, which includes multi-age classrooms, self-directed learning, and Montessori-certified educators.
Closure of 14 Schools and 10 Facilities
Due to declining enrollment, underutilization, and aging infrastructure, the report recommends closing 14 schools:
Allegheny 6-8, Arsenal PreK-5, Fulton PreK-5, King PreK-8, Linden PreK-5, Manchester PreK-8, Miller PreK-5, Milliones 6-12, Schiller 6-8, Spring Hill K-5, Woolslair PreK-5, Roosevelt K-5, South Brook 6-8, and South Hills 6-8.
Additionally, the closure of 10 facilities is recommended, making them available for alternative purposes:
Baxter (Student Achievement Center), Conroy, Friendship (Montessori), Fulton, King, McKelvy (Miller), Morrow (Primary), Schiller, Spring Hill, and Woolslair.
Some facilities, such as South Brook, South Hills, and Roosevelt, may be repurposed for other District programs, while others, such as Fulton and King, face significant challenges making closure the most viable option.
Next Steps and Community Involvement
The Board of School Directors will be asked to vote to initiate a state-required public commentary period and schedule a mandatory public hearing on proposed building closures.
Community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the public commentary period, ensuring final decisions reflect stakeholder needs.
Pending Board approval, changes will be implemented in phases to minimize disruption and allow for detailed planning.