Pittsburgh area schools face shortfalls, potential closures
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Illustration: Rebecca Zisser / Axios
Most Pittsburgh-area schools have just started the school year or will start early next week.
The big picture: Several school districts are facing a changing landscape with budget deficits looming thanks to federal cuts, declining property assessments, school and building closures in the city, and shifting policies like cell phone bans.
📚 Zoom in: There are dozens of school districts in the region. Check when classes begin for yours here.
💰 State of play: School districts receive the majority of their funding from local property taxes, which have been shrinking thanks to changes in property assessments. Some districts had enough reserves to cover their deficits, while others have had to make cuts or raise taxes.
- Hempfield Area School District is facing a nearly $3 million deficit and is eyeing a tax increase to cover it.
- Chartiers Valley School District is looking at a $9 million deficit and made staffing cuts in response.
- Fox Chapel School District had a $4.2 million shortfall and recently raised its property tax rate to fill the gap.
🌉 Pittsburgh Public, the region's largest school district, is facing major financial headwinds and will recommend closing 12 schools starting after this school year.
- The plan has not yet been fully approved, but parents and students can check which schools are on the chopping block here.
📵 Smartphone bans have been instituted by some area school districts, but most still allow students to use phones in class.
- Some districts ensure phones are stored in lockers during class, but allow them at lunch, like Chartiers Valley, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Fox Chapel, Peters Township, and Penn-Trafford.
The bottom line: Expect policies and financial situations to continue to shift as Allegheny County confronts a property reassessment and a statewide school smartphone ban is considered.