News Summary The Shaler Area School District is hosting a community forum to discuss the proposed closure of Shaler Area Elementary School and the realignment of grades. The plan includes transferring fourth and fifth graders to primary schools and shifting sixth graders to the middle school. The forum aims to engage the community and address concerns about the changes, maintaining neighborhood ties and educational continuity for students. Shaler City, PA — Community Forum to Discuss Elementary School Closure and Grade Realignment Plans The Shaler Area School District has scheduled a community forum on Monday, September 29, at 6 p.m., to present its proposed “Building for Tomorrow” plan. The meeting will be held in the auditorium at Shaler Area High School. Key Details of the Proposed Education Reorganization The primary focus of the building plan involves the closure of Shaler Area Elementary School, located on Scott Avenue. The district intends to sell the elementary school property for redevelopment, with the aim of restructuring elementary education across the district. Currently, the elementary school serves students in grades four through six. Under the new plan: Fourth and fifth-grade students will be transferred to the district’s four primary schools, which are Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott. The primary schools presently accommodate kindergarten through third grade. The sixth-grade students will move to Shaler Area Middle School, which currently serves seventh and eighth graders. Goals and Benefits of the Grade Realignment The district’s goal with this realignment is to allow students to remain in the same school from kindergarten through fifth grade. This continuity aims to reduce transitions for students and promote better learning and social development. Additionally, the plan seeks to maintain a neighborhood identity within the four primary schools, fostering strong community ties and local involvement. Discussion of School Closures and Community Response Discussions regarding the closure of Shaler Area Elementary and Reserve Primary School have been ongoing, with some residents expressing opposition, particularly concerning Reserve Primary. The district remains committed to retaining Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott Primary Schools as K-5 neighborhood elementary schools. Timeline and Transitional Arrangements No students will be moved to elementary schools for the 2026-27 school year. Rising fourth graders this year will continue at their current neighborhood schools. Starting in June 2027, rising sixth and seventh graders will begin attending the middle school. The district plans a phased approach to facilitate these transitions, emphasizing student stability, instructional preparation, and staffing adjustments. Other Facility Considerations Part of the upcoming forum will address the future of the elementary school’s swimming pool. The district will need to decide within the next two years whether to maintain, relocate, or close the pool. Possible options include evaluating the costs and benefits of the current pool, exploring future locations for a district pool, and considering rental options for student-athletes. The pool at the elementary school will remain open through the end of 2027. Community Engagement and Further Information Residents are encouraged to participate in the community forum or reach out with questions by calling 412-429-1200, ext. 2801. Additionally, a recording of the September 29 forum will be made available on the district’s website for those unable to attend. This initiative reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to adapt to changing educational needs and community feedback, ensuring a smooth transition while preserving neighborhood involvement and educational quality. 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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