The majority of public speakers Tuesday urged the board members of Pittsburgh Public Schools to vote against a proposal that would close nine school buildings and realign many others, saying it would cause disruption for students.
They also questioned how, exactly, it would be implemented and stressed that many community questions and concerns remain unanswered.
The plan — which the school board will vote on Wednesday — calls to close the Student Achievement Center, Friendship PreK-5 (Montessori), Schiller 6-8, Manchester PreK-8, Fulton PreK-5, Miller PreK-5 and Woolslair PreK-5 at the end of next school year.
Spring Hill PreK-5 and Morrow would close at the end of the 2028-29 school year once renovations to Northview PreK-5 would be complete.
In addition, several schools would shift to different buildings, and nearly all elementary-level magnet programs would be phased out.
Of the 91 people who signed up to speak at Tuesday’s public hearing, less than 10 were in favor of the plan.
Naomi Chambers, a Miller parent, said the proposal was “unjust and harmful.” She noted the Miller community, among others, has dealt with uncertainty over the past two-and-a-half years with their school on the chopping block.
PPS officials considered a school closure plan in November but voted it down. In January, they decided to reconsider it.
“I’ve had moments when I questioned if I was being neglectful by leaving my children in Miller knowing the district has largely turned its back on Miller,” Chambers said. “Please give us more time so that, as a community, we can help come up with solutions that work for all of us.”
Sarah Zangle, another parent, brought a group of Woolslair third grade students to the podium, highlighting the school moves each student would make in the upcoming years if the plan moved forward.
“The community knows what it needs — it’s not this,” Zangle said. “Create a plan that truly puts equity first. Keep these kids at the center of decisions and we’ll go in a positive direction. We all need these kids to achieve their highest potential.”
Some speakers directly called out the impact individual schools have: Woolslair students spoke to strong STEAM programming and the school. Fulton student inclusion efforts drive families to Highland Park, said parent Shannon Striner. And Marimba Milliones, president and CEO of the Hill Community Development Corporation, spoke to Miller’s African-Centered programs and planned growth of 800 housing units in the Hill District.
But some speakers called on the community to trust Superintendent Wayne Walters, advocating the plan would provide more opportunities for all district children and that PPS has to address its declining enrollment.
Former teacher and school board member Sylvia Wilson said the proposal would support students and make opportunities more equitable across the district. She voted in favor of the proposal when it was considered in November.
“I can not understand why the reality of providing excellent opportunities for all students is not being recognized,” Wilson said. “I stress that facing the overall financial and educational challenges must be considered. We can not wait for that disastrous situation that surely would occur, one that will put this school district, the education of our students, in serious jeopardy.”
Earlier in the day, Board President Gene Walker wrote a letter to PPS families, which said he understands conversations around the plan are personal for community members. At the same time, the board must recognize shrinking enrollment, funding challenges and the need for consistent programming across the district, Walker wrote.
“Any decision regarding the Future-Ready Facilities Plan must consider both the immediate and long-term needs of students and the district as a whole,” Walker’s letter read, in part. “Should the plan move forward, implementation will require continued transparency, accountability, community engagement and refinement over time. Approval of the plan would not end these conversations.”
But many speakers said those community engagement sessions were inaccessible, poorly advertised or that PPS has not take feedback into consideration.
Parent Jenna Burdette compared the process to her child’s school assignments. The district holds its students to standards where they must consider multiple options, show their work and incorporate feedback to become a flexible problem solver.
“Over the last two years, families have been asking so many questions, and instead of answers, we’re told, ‘We’ve got to do something,’ ” Burdette said. “We, as a community, we’re not foolish. We know we need to do something. We’re asking why this plan is the something we need to do.
“When the district declines to consider multiple options, show their work, take their feedback and improve what they submit, public trust is eroded.”
Before the hearing, educational advocacy group 412 Justice held a rally against the plan. They called on PPS to develop a plan that is more transparent, equitable and includes more community input. Other concerns ranged from transportation, to special needs services and losing community resources, particularly in underserved communities.
“Please don’t close my school,” said Woolslair student Nina Louise Dagavarian. “If you do have to close schools, be really … sure it’s the right thing for everyone. Let’s bring kids back to our public schools. People need to be excited, not scared.”