The Pittsburgh Public Schools have announced their proposed Facilities Re-organization Plan for 2012-13 (NOT the school year about to start, but NEXT year). That plan is District-wide, but affects several Northside schools. The highlights:
– Morrow K-5 in Brighton Heights expands to include Rooney to create a K-8 (Morrow housing K-4, Rooney 5-8)
– Manchester and King Schools, both at risk of closing, remain OPEN.
– Northview Elementary closes and the kids in that attendance zone are assigned to either Morrow/Rooney or King.
– Oliver High School closes, and Perry becomes the sole Northside High School
– The Special Education program in McNaugher School moves into the Oliver Building, and the McNaugher Building closes.
You can read the details of the plans here (Roll over the Aug 4 headline and it will give you links to several documents):
http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/14311011271424833/site/default.asp
Community will have several opportunities to speak to this plan. Make your voices heard at one or more of these meetings:
– Mon Aug 22 at 6:00 PM, Special Public Hearing before the School Board
o At District’s main office, 341 S Bellefield Ave, Oakland in Conf Rm A
o Speakers are limited to 3 minutes and MUST register to speak by calling 412-622-3600 NO LATER THAN NOON of the day of the hearing.
o You can submit written copy of your statement if you wish – bring 15 copies if you can.
o The District has several rules for speakers – see them here: http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/14311059122535553/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=55269&14311059122535553Nav=|&NodeID=1500
o There is no give and take or questions– you just make your statement
o If you cannot attend, you can submit comment in writing by email to publichearing@pghboe.net or by fax to 412-622-3624 before 5 PM on Aug 22.
– Thurs Sept 15 at 6:00 PM, Community Forum, 6:30 – 8 PM
o At King School gymnasium, Northside (across the park from AGH)
o District staff will give a short briefing on the proposed changes, and then public can give comments or ask questions.
o No need to register in advance. Just show up.
o This is a chance to ask questions and there will be more opportunity for discussion than before the School Board.
o If you can’t make the Northside Forum on 9/15, you could attend the Southwest Forum on Sept 13 (Greenway School conference ctr) or East Forum on Sept 22 (Reizenstein School cafetorium). Both are also at 6:30-8 PM.
– Mon Sept 19 at 6:00 PM, Special Public Hearing before the School Board
o At District’s main office, 341 S Bellefield Ave, Oakland in Conf Rm A
o Same rules for speakers as in the Special Public Hearing on Aug 22 (see above). You MUST REGISTER to speak by calling 412-622-3600 before NOON on the day of the hearing.
– Mon Oct 24 at 6:00 PM, Regular Public Hearing before the School Board
o Same location and rules as above. MUST REGISTER to speak, call 412-622-3600.
– Mon Nov 21 at 6:00 PM, Regular Public Hearing before the School Board
o Same location and rules as above. MUST REGISTER to speak call 412-622-3600.
Two other dates to note:
– Sept 26 at 5:30 PM, the District will announce the proposed Attendance Zones for this new building configuration at a special meeting of the School Board. No public comment will be taken then, but the School Board members may ask questions of District staff.
– Nov 22, the earliest date when the School Board can vote on the Re-Organization Plan. The Board has a Legislative Session scheduled for that day (a Tue instead of the usual Wed because of the Thanksgiving holiday).
Troy Hill Pittsburgh 