Another Big Turnout Expected Wednesday as North Allegheny School Board Considers Potential School Closings

If previous meetings are any indication, it's likely to be another packed house when the North Allegheny School Board  meets Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Carson Middle School , 200 Hillvue Lane.

At its Oct. 24 meeting, school board President Maureen Grosheider directed the administration to conduct even more research on the impact of closing one of the districts seven elementary schools.

That direction came after the board listened to to a nearly one-hour demographics and feasibility study presentation by Dr. Brian Miller, assistant superintendent of K-12 Education, and impassioned pleas by several parents.

"If we want to remain a leader in education, in southwestern Pennsylvania, what we should not be doing at a time when Allegheny county is seeing young, educated adults moving into the this area is closing an elementary school instead of preparing for and competing for growth in this district," said Tara Fisher, a North Allegheny parent. "As a North Allegheny graduate I think we are better than this and I encourage you, despite what the administration tells you about this proposal being possible, that you consider - is this the direction we want to head?” 

A consultant has recommended closing Peebles Elementary. Dr. Miller indicated to the board that such a decision would not increase class size nor impact the quality of programs now offered at North Allegheny elementary schools.

But after questions by several board members, Grosheider instructed the administration to consider redistricting plans under four different scenarios:

• The closure of Peebles Elementary.
• The closure of Hosack Elementary
• The closure of Bradford Woods Elementary.
• Keeping all seven current elementary schools open.

Parents also asked again for the formation of a community task force to take part in any decisions regarding school closings.

Grosheider indicated the board would respond to that request at Wednesday's meeting.

The board is grappling with a projected $8-million dollar deficit and little prospect of increased funding from Harrisburg.

For more information on parent's efforts to form a community task force, click www.saveNAschools.com. 

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