Overview
- The nine-member board voted 6-2 with one abstention on Wednesday to adopt the Future-Ready Facilities Plan that directs the closure of 12 schools and nine other district buildings.
- Pittsburgh officials say the plan responds to a fall from roughly 32,000 to 18,000 students over 20 years and targets run-down buildings that average about 90 years old.
- The district plans a phased rollout that includes opening two new schools and an early-childhood center, reconfiguring grades at other sites, and moving some students into new buildings by the 2027–28 school year.
- Nearly 100 people spoke at a public hearing opposing the plan, with parents warning of harms to students who have individualized education programs and advocacy group 412 Justice arguing the changes will disproportionately affect Black neighborhood schools.
- District estimates forecast short- and long-term savings that free money for reinvestment in programs and facilities, and the vote closes a chapter of study and a prior November 2025 board delay while leaving community equity concerns unresolved.