News Summary The Shaler Area School District will hold a community forum to discuss the proposed ‘Building for Tomorrow’ plan, which includes the potential closure of Shaler Area Elementary School. The district aims to inform residents about significant changes to local education and school facilities, including realignment of grades to enhance educational experiences. Community members have expressed concerns regarding these changes, and input is encouraged during the forum. Shaler, PA — The Shaler Area School District is set to hold a community forum on Monday, September 29, at 6 p.m. to discuss its proposed plan, titled “Building for Tomorrow.” The forum will take place at the auditorium of Shaler Area High School and aims to inform residents about significant changes that could affect local education and school facilities. One of the main components of this proposal involves the closure of Shaler Area Elementary School, located on Scott Avenue. The district plans to sell the property for redevelopment, which has raised concerns among some community members regarding the future of educational facilities in the area. The elementary school currently accommodates students in fourth through sixth grades, and the relocation is intended to enhance educational experiences for younger students. Under the new plan, fourth and fifth grades will be transferred to the district’s four primary schools: Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott, which currently serve students in kindergarten through third grade. Additionally, students in sixth grade will move to Shaler Area Middle School, which currently serves seventh and eighth graders. This realignment is designed to allow students to remain in one school from kindergarten through fifth grade, significantly reducing the number of transitions and promoting social and educational development. The educational reconfiguration strives to maintain a neighborhood identity within the primary schools, thereby fostering stronger community ties among families. While the proposal does seek to retain essential K-5 neighborhood schools, discussions have already taken place regarding both the closure of Shaler Area Elementary and the future status of Reserve Primary School. Resistance has emerged from some residents concerning the closure of Reserve, indicating a divided community response to these changes. Importantly, the district has assured parents that no students will be moving to the elementary school for the 2026-27 school year. Rising fourth graders will continue to attend their neighborhood schools, ensuring stability during the transition period. Beginning June 2027, sixth and seventh graders will directly move to middle school, streamlining the transition process for incoming students. This phased approach is designed to ensure a smooth transition for families, providing time for the district to prepare for necessary instructional programming and staffing as these changes are implemented. Additionally, the Shaler Area School District is committed to keeping Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott Primary Schools operational as local neighborhood elementary schools. Another important element to be considered in the future is the fate of the swimming pool at Shaler Area Elementary School. A decision regarding its status will need to be made in the next two years. Options may include evaluating the cost and benefits of maintaining the pool, identifying potential locations for a new district pool, and exploring rental arrangements for student-athletes. The existing swimming pool will remain open through the end of 2027, providing continued access for community members until a decision is made. Residents are encouraged to attend the community forum to voice their concerns and ask questions regarding the proposed changes. For those unable to attend, a recording of the forum will be available on the district’s website. Questions regarding the plan or the forum can be directed to the district office at 412-429-1200, ext. 2801. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Edgewood Elementary Delays Back-to-School Start Date 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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