Realignment Plan Approved for Pittsburgh Public Schools

PITTSBURGH November 22, 2011 – Pittsburgh Public School Board approved a  for the 2012-13 school year that addresses the district’s under-enrolled classrooms that result in unnecessary costs to taxpayers.

The board approved the opening of one new K-8 school in the Langley facility; the closure of seven schools and seven facilities for the start of the 2012-13 school year; the expansion of Pittsburgh Morrow from a PreK-5 to a PreK-8 school; the reconfiguration of Pittsburgh Westwood from a K-8 to a K-5 school; the relocation of McCleary Early Childhood Center into Pittsburgh Arsenal PreK-5, and of Pittsburgh McNaugher into the Oliver facility.

“No one is ever happy about closing schools. These are very difficult decisions to make, but while difficult, they are necessary as we remain committed to building a strong, sustainable public school district in Pittsburgh,” said Superintendent Lane. “This School Board has demonstrated their commitment to making the difficult decisions necessary to solidify Pittsburgh’s future as one of America’s premier school districts, student-focused, well-managed, and innovative.”

New K-8 School in Langley Facility

Students from Pittsburgh Langley High School will attend school at Pittsburgh Brashear High School. The Teaching Academy magnet, located at Langley, will move to Pittsburgh Brashear.  Additionally, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program Machine Operations will relocate to Pittsburgh Brashear beginning with the 2012-13 school year.  

Faced with a projected $100 million deficit by 2015, the preliminary 2012 budget relies on the implementation of these strategies in order to decrease the District’s funding gap. The Board will vote on the 2012 Budget at its Special Legislative Meeting on December 7, 2011.