05/27/2026
Yesterday I shared this letter with the PPS community. In advance of tonight's Board meeting, I wanted to share it here as well.
Date: May 26, 2026
To: Pittsburgh Public Schools Community
From: Gene Walker, President, Board of Public Education
Dear Pittsburgh Public Schools Community,
As the Board of Public Education continues reviewing the proposed
Future-Ready Facilities Plan ahead of Wednesday’s vote, I wanted to
take a moment to acknowledge the many voices that have
contributed to this conversation. Families, students, staff, advocacy
organizations, and community members have shared thoughtful
feedback, concerns, ideas, and personal experiences that continue to shape Board discussions.
I know these conversations are deeply personal for many in our
community. Our schools are more than buildings. They are places
where students learn and grow, where educators dedicate themselves to children every day, and where families and neighborhoods build connection and pride. I also understand that conversations about change can bring uncertainty, frustration, concern, and strong emotions.
At the same time, Board members also recognize the serious
challenges facing our District. Many schools are operating well below capacity, and that impacts the experiences we are able to consistently provide students across the city.
Low enrollment makes it difficult for schools to sustain the same level of course offerings, student supports, extracurricular opportunities, intervention services, and staffing available in larger, more sustainably enrolled schools. It also places strain on school staff, who are often working incredibly hard to meet a wide range of student needs across buildings with limited resources and staffing.
This is not simply a matter of funding. Even with continued
investment, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain strong and
consistent programming when enrollment is spread across too many underutilized buildings.
I believe there is also broad recognition that maintaining the status
quo is not sustainable for students over the long term. Too many
students still do not have consistent access to the opportunities,
experiences, and learning environments they deserve.
While Board members may have differing perspectives on the best
path forward, I believe there is shared agreement that meaningful
change is necessary to better support students now and into the
future.
At the same time, many important questions have been raised about implementation timelines, transportation, staffing, operational readiness, accountability, academic programming, and long-term sustainability. Those questions matter, and Board members continue to carefully consider them alongside the data, recommendations, and public feedback shared throughout this process.
The responsibility before the Board is significant. Any decision
regarding the Future-Ready Facilities Plan must consider both the
immediate and long-term needs of students and the District as a
whole. Should the plan move forward, implementation will require
continued transparency, accountability, community engagement, and refinement over time. Approval of the plan would not end these conversations. It would begin a long-term process that will continue to require collaboration among the Board, administration, staff, families, students, and community partners.
No matter where people stand on the proposed plan, I believe our
community shares the same goal: ensuring every Pittsburgh Public
Schools student has access to safe, supportive, high-quality learning
environments and the opportunities they need to succeed.
Thank you for the many ways you continue to support Pittsburgh
Public Schools and our students.
Sincerely,
Gene Walker
President, Board of Public Education
Pittsburgh Public Schools
