There was some discussion last night over what to do with the Wilkinsburg school building that will soon be vacant when students transfer to the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Section 780 of the PA Public School Code states “In the event of a permanent closing of a public school or substantially all of a school’s facilities, the board of school directors shall hold a public hearing on the question not less than three (3) months prior to the decision of the board relating to the closing of the school. Notice of the hearing shall be given in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date”.
Some ideas were offered, but it might be worthwhile to see if there is interest in offering the building to someone willing to open up a charter school. An article today noted the pent-up demand of families trying to get a coveted spot in one of the existing brick-and-mortar charters. 2,000 applicants for 800 spots at one charter provider, 473 applicants for 31 at another. And the hope for getting it rides on a lottery. The odds are quite steep based on another newspaper article on the topic three years ago. Families are looking for alternatives.
The state’s educational directory lists 23 brick-and-mortar charters schools in Allegheny County.
