Shaler Area High School, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The Shaler Area School District will host a community forum to discuss its proposals for significant changes in elementary schools, including the potential closure of Shaler Area Elementary School. Parents and community members are invited to share their thoughts on the district’s plan, which aims to realign grades for a more cohesive educational experience. The forum will take place at Shaler Area High School, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with school officials about the future of their local educational institutions.
Shaler Area School District to Host Community Forum on Elementary School Plans
The Shaler Area School District is set to hold a community forum on Monday, September 29, at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Shaler Area High School. The meeting will unveil the district’s proposal titled “Building for Tomorrow”, which includes significant changes to several elementary schools.
The most notable aspect of the plan is the proposed closure of Shaler Area Elementary School, situated on Scott Avenue in Shaler. The district aims to sell the property for redevelopment. Currently, this elementary school serves students in fourth through sixth grades.
Under the proposed realignment, fourth and fifth grades will transition to the district’s four primary schools: Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott, all of which currently cater to kindergarten through third grade. Meanwhile, sixth graders will be moved to Shaler Area Middle School, currently accommodating seventh and eighth graders.
This realignment aims to provide a more cohesive learning experience by allowing students to stay in the same school from kindergarten through fifth grade. This initiative is intended to reduce the number of transitions students face during their early education, thereby enhancing both learning and social development.
Maintaining a neighborhood identity is also a priority for the district, which seeks to nurture community connections within the four primary schools. Discussions about the closures of Shaler Area Elementary and Reserve Primary School have occurred, with some local residents expressing concerns over the proposed changes at Reserve.
The Shaler Area School District is dedicated to retaining Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott Primary Schools as K-5 neighborhood elementary schools. It has been confirmed that no students will be moving to the elementary school in the 2026-27 school year, ensuring that rising fourth graders can remain at their neighborhood schools.
Starting from June 2027, students rising to the sixth and seventh grades will transition directly to the middle school. The school district has planned a phased approach to implement these changes smoothly, ensuring stability for families while preparing for necessary instructional programming and staffing.
Additionally, a decision regarding the future of the swimming pool at the elementary school is projected within the next two years. The district is considering the pool’s cost and benefits, potential new locations for district swimming facilities, and rental options for student-athletes. However, the pool facility will remain operational until the end of 2027.
Residents with questions can contact the district office at 412-429-1200, ext. 2801. For those unable to attend the September 29 forum, the meeting will be recorded and made accessible on the district’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the community forum being held?
A: The community forum is scheduled for Monday, September 29, at 6 p.m.
Q: Where will the forum take place?
A: The forum will be held in the auditorium at Shaler Area High School.
Q: What is the main purpose of the forum?
A: The forum will present the district’s proposed plan for the closure of Shaler Area Elementary School and the realignment of grades.
Q: What grades are affected by the proposed changes?
A: The proposed plan affects students in fourth through sixth grades.
Q: Will students moving to the middle school occur immediately?
A: No students will be moved to the elementary school for the 2026-27 school year, and transitions to the middle school will occur for rising sixth and seventh graders in June 2027.
Key Features of the Proposed Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Community Forum Date | September 29, 2024, at 6 p.m. |
| Closure of School | Shaler Area Elementary School |
| Grade Realignments | 4th and 5th grades to primary schools; 6th grade to middle school |
| Remaining Schools | Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott Primary Schools |
| Swimming Pool Management | Decision to be made in next two years; open until end of 2027 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- TribLive: Shaler Area Plan Calls for Closing Elementary School
- Wikipedia: Shaler Area School District
- TribLive: Board Hopefuls Vying for Seats in Shaler Area School District
- Google Search: Shaler Area School District
- TribLive Community: Monroeville Times Express
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pennsylvania
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