PPS Community Proposal
NOTE: Not an endorsement
This website is run by Education Rights Network, a campaign of 412 Justice.
The PPS Community Proposal was created by Sarah Zangle (a PPS parent) and other community members.
Education Rights Network has not endorsed the Community Proposal. However, we are making this information available to encourage community discussion.
About the Community Proposal
WHAT
A community-driven proposal for changing the PPS portfolio, offered up as an alternative to the F.U. Plan
WHO
Lead coordinator: Sarah Zangle (a PPS parent)
Coordinators: Jazlynn Worthy (a PPS parent), Mike Cummins (a PPS parent)
STATEMENT FROM THE TEAM
We just witnessed the final recommendations from the consulting firm, Education Resource Strategies (ERS). Their final proposal for the Facilities Utilization Plan is being promoted as a way to improve “equity, excellence, and efficiency.” There are widespread and consistent concerns from the Pittsburgh community that it does not accomplish these goals.
Pittsburghers want a plan that accurately identifies the district’s current strengths and challenges, and proposes effective ways to amplify those strengths and address those challenges. We need a plan that is informed by community wisdom, backed by up-to-date data and evidence, and supported by a systematic evaluation of how changes would impact student outcomes.
Over the past month, a group of parents, community leaders, and other Pittsburghers have joined together to create a draft of a community-led proposal.
We developed this community-led proposal with an emphasis on getting ideas and input from people in communities most impacted by the potential changes — especially those who historically have been least heard, and most harmed, by school closures and disinvestment. We have not been able to reach all of these critical voices yet, due to the short timeline, and without any of the resources afforded to the paid consultants. However, we are confident that this draft strongly represents the collective wisdom of our community and a deep commitment to creating an equitable, vibrant, and sustainable PPS.
We share Dr. Walters’ vision of being the “best urban school district in the country.” Let’s make this a reality by creating a path forward together.