Shaler Area plan calls for closing elementary school, changing where some grades are housed

The Shaler Area School District has prepared a plan that calls for closing the district’s elementary school and changing where some grade levels are housed.

The district announced Thursday that it will present the plan, called “Building for Tomorrow,” during a community forum beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, in the auditorium at Shaler Area High School.

According to the district’s announcement, the plan calls for closing Shaler Area Elementary School on Scott Avenue in Shaler and selling the property for redevelopment.

The elementary school now houses students in fourth through sixth grades.

Under the plan, fourth and fifth grades would be moved to the district’s four primary schools — Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve and Scott — which now house kindergarten through third grade.

Sixth grade would be relocated to Shaler Area Middle School, which now houses seventh and eighth grades.

The model would allow students to remain in one school from kindergarten through fifth grade, reducing transitions and supporting learning and social development, the announcement states.

It also would maintain a neighborhood identity within each of the four primary schools, preserving community ties.

The board previously discussed closing the elementary school and also Reserve Primary School, which some of that township’s residents have opposed.

“A key part of this plan is a firm commitment to maintaining Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve and Scott primary schools as K–5 neighborhood elementary schools,” the announcement from Superintendent Bryan O’Black and school board President James Tunstall said. “We know that families deeply value having accessible, community-based schools where students can build lasting friendships and teachers can form strong relationships with families over many years.”

The announcement states that at the end of the current school year, no students would move to the elementary school for the 2026-27 school year. Rising fourth graders would remain at their neighborhood schools.

Beginning in June 2027, rising sixth and seventh grade students would move directly to the middle school.

“This phased approach ensures a smooth transition for students, provides stability for families and allows the district to plan thoughtfully for instructional programming, staffing and facilities,” the announcement states.

The announcement notes that a decision will need to be made over the next two years on the future of the swimming pool at the elementary school, which is the school district’s only swimming pool.

Options include evaluating the cost and benefit of maintaining a swimming pool in the district, considering future locations for a district pool and exploring rental options for student-athletes, similar to those used for golf and bowling teams.

The swimming pool will remain open through the end of 2027, the district said.

District residents with questions are encouraged to call 412-429-1200, ext. 2801. A recording of the Sept. 29 presentation will be made available on the district’s website for those unable to attend.