Wilkinsburg, Pittsburgh School Districts Unveil Cross-District Partnership Plan

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Wilkinsburg School District is working with Pittsburgh Public Schools on a cross-district partnership.

The plan would close Wilkinsburg High School and send more than 200 Wilkinsburg students from grades 7 through 12 to Pittsburgh Westinghouse 6-12 Academy.

If approved, the merger would begin in the 2016-17 school year.

In a press release, Pittsburgh Public School Superintendent Dr. Linda Lane said:

"After learning of the challenges facing the Wilkinsburg School District, and out of care and concern for its students, we felt it was our responsibility as educators to determine if we could create a cross-district partnership that serves both districts well and provides a better educational program for Wilkinsburg's seventh through twelfth grade students. It was important that we ensured that any agreement brought before our Board does not adversely impact our service to Pittsburgh's children and at minimum has a cost neutral impact on our budget."

Wilkinsburg students would also be able to enroll in city magnet schools based on availability.

Officials with the school districts say combining the enrollments has the potential to increase educational offerings at Pittsburgh Westinghouse.

In the press release, Wilkinsburg School District official Dr. Daniel Matsook said:

"All students should have access to educational opportunities regardless of their zip code. We are grateful for the willingness of the Pittsburgh Public Schools to work with us to create a plan to serve Wilkinsburg's students. We feel confident that today's proposal creates a win-win for both districts."

Both school districts plan to vote on the proposal next month. For more information, visit the Pittsburgh School District's website here.

A community meeting is planned for Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pittsburgh Westinghouse.

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