16 Pittsburgh Public Schools Could Close In Massive Consolidation Plan

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Public Schools directors are mulling perhaps the most dramatic reconfiguration of schools in the district's history.

Under a plan by the Massachusetts-based education consulting firm Education Resource Strategies, declining enrollment and an increasing budget deficit would be addressed by closing 16 schools and change grade levels in another 14. Additionally, six magnet schools would be phased out and five new programs would open in existing buildings.

"We are pleased to see that the consultant is respecting our community engagement process and bringing forward a base scenario for consideration," Superintendent Wayne N. Walters said. "This recommendation clearly aligns with our community’s priorities, and ERS will continue to gather feedback before submitting a final proposal next month."

Under the proposal, the following schools would close:

• Carrick High School

• Roosevelt K-5

• South Hills 6-8

• South Brook 6-8

• Whittier PreK-5

• Spring Hill K-5

• Schiller 6-8

• Manchester K-8

• Allegheny 6-8

• Arsenal PreK-5

• Milliones 6-12

• Woolslair PreK-5

• Fulton PreK-5 (relocated to Dilworth building)

• Lincoln PreK-5

• Weil PreK-5

• Linden PreK-5

Schools whose grade configurations would change

• Brookline PreK-8 to Brookline PreK-5

• Carmalt PreK-8 to Carmalt 6-8

• Langley K-8 to Langley K-5

• Arlington PreK-8 to Arlington 6-8

• King PreK-8 to King 6-8

• Morrow PreK-8 to Morrow K-5

• CAPA 6-12 to CAPA 9-12

• Westinghouse 6-12 to Westinghouse 9-12

• Sunnyside PreK-8 to Sunnyside PreK-5

• Colfax K-8 to Colfax 6-8

• Greenfield PreK-8 to Greenfield PreK-5

• Mifflin PreK-8 to Mifflin PreK-5

• Sci Tech 6-12 to Sci Tech 9-12

• Obama 6-12 to Obama 9-12

A final recommendation will be provided for board consideration in September, following another round of community engagement in August and early September. District officials said this will be an opportunity for students, staff, families and the community to learn more about the proposed plan and to provide input that will inform the final recommendation.

The final recommendation will address key aspects of school portfolio changes, including attendance zones, transportation policies, magnet enrollment policies and financial considerations.

School directors are expected to vote on a final consolidation plan early in 2025. The consolidation would occur at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.