Are Pittsburgh Schools Closing or Not?!
Pittsburgh Public Schools spent two years and a quarter million dollars on a plan to save money and make the district more equitable — only for the school board to reject it in the 11th hour. The controversial plan would've closed and consolidated a bunch of schools and made other dramatic changes to address declining enrollment, a growing deficit, and student achievement gaps, but many worried it was happening on a rushed timeline. Now the district is back to the drawing board and considering a tax increase. Host Megan Harris is with James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools, to explain what happened, what comes next, and why the fate of our local schools should matter to everyone who lives here.
Want to learn more about the district, including its bright spots and successes? Read A+ Schools' latest report on PPS.
Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm
Learn more about the sponsors of this December 10th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Where To Get Pittsburgh’s Best Ice Cream
Pittsburgh's ice cream and soft serve shops are opening for the season! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit, an...
Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways
If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form...
Is Heinz Worth the Hype?
Heinz ketchup has a chokehold on Pittsburgh. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the brand on the table and in any g...
Your Guide to June 2026 in Pittsburgh
Summer in Pittsburgh means neighborhood festivals, yard sales, and so much more! This June, we're checking out movie series, signing up f...
'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Where would Pittsburgh be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just...
Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy
After almost three years of debates and hearings, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to close nine school buildings and make other...
The Weird Things You Can and Can't Do in a Pittsburgh Backyard
Want to get a little ambitious with your backyard this summer? Maybe you're thinking of getting a beehive or some chickens, or you've dec...
Why Pittsburghers Love Cleveland
Looking for a low-cost, easy getaway this summer? Look no further than Cleveland! From free art to giant pastrami sandwiches, there's a l...
The Best Indian Food in Pittsburgh
Love Indian food, but want to indulge beyond butter chicken and naan? You're in luck! City Cast contributor Aakanksha Agarwal is joining...
Lion McBaby Face, Catena’s Defeat & Inclusionary Zoning Returns
A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan...