The state’s Department of Education is studying the future of the Duquesne City School District, which could include a consolidation with a nearby district.
Duquesne schools spokesman Jeremy Tepper said the district is “actively cooperating” in the study.
“The district remains committed to providing a high-quality educational experience for its students and families,” Tepper said.
Tepper referred questions about the study to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Erin James, spokeswoman for the department, said she could not immediately comment on the study.
Duquesne serves 460 students from kindergarten to eighth grade.
It’s been a series of ups and downs for the Duquesne district, especially over the past two decades.
In 2007, Duquesne closed its high school following longstanding financial issues. The district’s high school students either attend West Mifflin Area or East Allegheny high schools.
In 2012, Duquesne’s middle school program was cut because of the ongoing financial and academic issues.
Duquesne was put into financial recovery in November 2012. The state seized control of district finances and appointed a recovery officer to form a financial plan.
Seventh grade students returned to Duquesne at the start of the 2021-22 school year, a move approved by the state. Eighth grade students came back the following year.
But Duquesne’s efforts to return high school students has been unsuccessful. In March 2024, the state rejected the district’s plans to restart the high school program because of finances.
At the time, Duquesne administrators said the state rejected the high school plan because the district would not be able to support long-term revenue commitments required to operate a high school program.
This year, West Mifflin Area High School has 211 high school students from Duquesne, said West Mifflin Superintendent Jeffrey Soles.
West Mifflin Area has opened a survey to its school community as part of the state study regarding Duquesne’s future. East Allegheny, Pittsburgh Public and McKeesport Area school districts are also involved in the feasibility study assessing the educational, financial, administrative, and community impacts of consolidating Duquesne, Soles said.
“We will do whatever the state feels is appropriate to support Duquesne students,” Soles said. “We want to go through the process as a good steward with the state and a community partner with neighboring districts.”
East Allegheny, Pittsburgh Public and McKeesport Area officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The department of education will provide state legislators with its recommendation before June 30, Soles said.
Participating in the survey does not mean West Mifflin, or any district, has made a decision on consolidation, Soles said. If consolidation occurs, it wouldn’t take effect until the 2028-29 school year, he said.
“I commend the state doing a survey and getting feedback,” Soles said. “I support whatever (the department of education) recommends as far as what option is best for the students and families of Duquesne. If that happens to be us, that’s fine and not a problem. If it happens to be another district, we’ll support them.”