Pittsburgh Public Schools at half capacity; consolidation vote on hold after backlash

The Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) board has postponed voting on a recent consolidation proposal, which had been criticized over a shortage of details provided to the community.

“Without the information that the parents and community members have been begging for, then they actually could’ve left like thousands of students, or at least 1,200 students, stranded without a school to go to,” parent Valerie Webb-Allman told the local ABC affiliate.

The district suggested closing several schools after the ERS consulting group presented a feasibility study to the school board in February.

“The statement said PPS educates approximately 20,000 students in a facility footprint designed to serve 40,000,” WTAE-TV reported. “Five schools are said to have fewer than 149 students; 16 are with fewer than 249.”

‘Never going to be easy to choose to close schools’

Moving the vote will give PPS time to provide an updated feasibility report offering financial analysis, a transportation plan and a review of capital needs, according to the district.

This comes after hundreds of parents and community members attended the board’s March 24 meeting to urge caution and more research before implementing school closures.

“The ERS plan is lacking in data, particularly when it comes to demographics, transportation costs, capital improvements, plans, and long-term costs,” Martha Riecks, a parent, testified at the meeting.

“Considering the creation of this plan was driven by concerns about our budget deficits, you’d think we’d be looking at some financial estimates.”

Parents such as Andy Kubis warned “rushing into a vote” could produce “devastating consequences” for the city, noting the district had not fulfilled the group’s recommendation to hire a demographer.

“It’s never going to be easy to choose to close schools,” said Mark Weaver, another parent, in addressing board members. “I believe it’s your job to figure out what to do, whether it’s the original ERS plan, the updated plan that was rolled out, or even this parent proposal.”

The board acknowledged community frustration at the meeting.

“The work that we’ve been doing up to this point – a lot of it is really hard, and it certainly is not and has not been perfect,” said Gene Walker, the board’s president. “We and I share many of the same concerns that many have expressed, and some will express tonight, but I believe this board is committed to ensuring that all information is provided.”

As previously reported by The Lion, dwindling enrollment and budget issues are spurring decisions to consolidate or close schools nationwide. 

One Indiana lawmaker has even introduced legislation converting some underperforming schools into charters.

“They’re only educating 30% of the kids, and they’re getting 100% of the dollars,” said Robert Enlow, EdChoice president and CEO. “There’s a dramatic and systemic problem with districts who can’t even attract one out of two of their students.”

Rep. Jake Teshka, R-North Liberty, wrote the bill. The existing system is penalizing parents whose children attend charter schools yet still pay property taxes to their resident district, he said.

“Their property taxes are funding a school system they don’t attend. This is an important conversation to have.”