PITTSBURGH — Parents, community members and even students showed up Monday night to try to change school board members’ minds about the future of Pittsburgh Public Schools.
“Let’s keep schools open that are teaching everyone,” said PPS student Nina Louise Dagavarian.
Nearly 130 people signed up to speak out against the plan to close more than a dozen schools. Many people spoke to try to save Pittsburgh Conroy, the district’s only dedicated special education center.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Parents of kids enrolled at Pittsburgh Conroy continue to speak out against restructuring plans
“Our students may not always have a voice of their own, but I sure do,” said Pittsburgh Conroy teacher Randi Green.
Teacher Donnese Tyler advocated for the Student Achievement Center (SAC).
“Close the building if you must but closing the program instead of relocating it as suggested by ERS is a big mistake and an even bigger disservice to our students,” Tyler said. “No, you should not close SAC, especially if PPS’ motto is, ‘Students first. Always, in all ways.’ Thank you.”
PPS plans to close 14 schools while reconfiguring a dozen others and opening three new ones.
School board members have said changes are needed because of low enrollment, underutilized space and a massive $23 million budget gap.
Channel 11 sat down with Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters last week who said the decision is ultimately up to the board.
“I think there’s agreement with the board that change needs to happen,” Dr. Walters said. “We have not changed our footprint in over 13 years. Since then, we’ve lost about a quarter of our population, and so that creates some challenges for us financially, but it also creates some inequities when we have very small schools, and we can’t provide the same access and opportunities that other schools enjoy.”
Monday night, parents questioned how schools could be closed without all the data needed to make those important decisions.
“Changes may be necessary in the district but until there is an updated feeder zones, bussing plans, financial analysis and the demographer’s report, how can we gamble on our children’s education?” asked parent Vanessa Dagavarian.
Parent Andy Kubis agreed.
“New attendance zones, the feasibility of transportation and the basic price tag,” Kubis said. “Why are we rushing into a vote that could have devastating consequences for the city?”
School Board President Gene Walker opened the meeting letting parents know they share the same concerns and are working to get all the information needed to make an appropriate decision.
“We’re committed to listening, changing when appropriate and responding responsibly,” Walker said.
The school board will vote on Wednesday to start the process to close the 14 schools. Changes for students and teachers are not expected to start until after the 2025-2026 school year.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
©2025 Cox Media Group
