The board voted to approve a plan that will close 12 schools and 9 buildings in the city’s public school system.
During a Wednesday meeting, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to approve a plan that will close 12 public schools and nine buildings across the school system.
The board voted 6-2 to approve the plan. One member of the nine-person board abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest.
The “Future-Ready Facilities Plan” will take place in phases beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.
The plan aims to address declining enrollment and redistribute resources across remaining schools. Students will be relocated across the city.
The schools that will be closing under the plan are: Allegheny 6-8, Arsenal PreK-5, Fulton PreK-5, King PreK-8, Linden PreK-5, Manchester PreK-8, Miller PreK-5, Milliones 6-12, South Brook 6-8, South Hills 6-8, Spring Hill K-5 and Woolslair PreK-5.
The plan has been widely criticized by parents and students in the district. An advocacy organization became involved, saying the plan disproportionately impacts Black students.
In November of 2025, the board voted down the plan. The plan then passed this week when it was reconsidered.
According to school board president Gene Walker, enrollment has dropped significantly from 32,000 to 18,000 students over the past two decades. Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Wayne Walters said about 15 schools have an enrollment of 200 students or less.
In support of the plan, Walters said in a news release, “This plan is about far more than buildings. It is about creating equitable opportunities, strengthening academic experiences, and ensuring every student has access to learning environments that support success in college, career, and life.”
“The District estimates the plan could avoid more than $100 million in future facility costs while allowing for more than $103 million in investments in modernized learning spaces over the next seven years,” the news release said.
Pittsburgh City Controller Rachael Heisler issued a statement on Wednesday night saying that “closing school facilities will not address the district’s long-term financial challenges in a meaningful way.”
