Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Linda Lane has outlined the process to determine recommendations for school closings and realignment for the 2012-13 school year.
Lane told the Board of Education's Budget Committee that as enrollment continues to fall the district cannot afford to pay for empty seats in school buildings....
"Every dollar we spend on underutilized bricks and mortar is one less dollar we have available to spend towards improving the life prospects of our students.”
Lane says they will now use the 2009 DeJong facilities report along with an academic performance assessment and budgetary analysis to develop a plan for further downsizing.
“Our commitment is to have an open dialogue with the community about the need to close schools.”
The superintendent said to determine schools to be recommended for closure, they've begun an internal review process of all schools based upon four equally weighted measures:
1) student Achievement- AYP; Student Growth
2) Student Enrollment- Enrollment vs. Capacity
3) Facility Condition- DeJong study rating
4) Operations Costs- Utilities, custodial, etc.
In 2009,the national consulting firm DeJong developed a long-term facilities plan for the district. In 2006, the district closed 22 under-utilized and low-achieving schools and in the last 4 years another 5 schools were shut down.
Lane says recommendations will be brought forward later this year and then there will be a public input period.
Student enrollment is 25,046 with an estimated 11,165 seats of excess capacity.
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Public Schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Public Schools. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
PPS Board Nets "B-" Average Grade
The Pittsburgh Public School Board has received an overall grade of B- on the latest “report card” issued by education nonprofit A+ Schools.
The Board performed best in the areas of transparency and conduct, and worst in terms of role clarity. It received middling grades for focus and competency.
A+ Schools Executive Director Carey Harris says this means while the Board is open and doesn’t argue much, it could be using its time more wisely.
“They sometimes tend to get into questions about these transactions, like, ‘Well, who is this person? What is their qualification? How many students will participate in this? What time of day is it,’ those sorts of details, which are sort of administrative task details, not necessarily policymaking discussions,” says Harris. “Our vision is really that this is a board that’s focused on the big picture.”
Harris says her group suggests the Board take a training course for policymakers to learn new ways of governing.
A+ Schools also recommends reforming some Board meeting procedures.
Harris says this report card can’t be compared to previous ones, because A+ Schools used a new reporting method for this evaluation. Harris says the new format was made in collaboration with both volunteers and the School Board itself, and imposes a higher expectation of the Board.
Harris says the next report card will probably be issued in September. More information on the report cards can be found at A+ Schools’ website.
The Board performed best in the areas of transparency and conduct, and worst in terms of role clarity. It received middling grades for focus and competency.
A+ Schools Executive Director Carey Harris says this means while the Board is open and doesn’t argue much, it could be using its time more wisely.
“They sometimes tend to get into questions about these transactions, like, ‘Well, who is this person? What is their qualification? How many students will participate in this? What time of day is it,’ those sorts of details, which are sort of administrative task details, not necessarily policymaking discussions,” says Harris. “Our vision is really that this is a board that’s focused on the big picture.”
Harris says her group suggests the Board take a training course for policymakers to learn new ways of governing.
A+ Schools also recommends reforming some Board meeting procedures.
Harris says this report card can’t be compared to previous ones, because A+ Schools used a new reporting method for this evaluation. Harris says the new format was made in collaboration with both volunteers and the School Board itself, and imposes a higher expectation of the Board.
Harris says the next report card will probably be issued in September. More information on the report cards can be found at A+ Schools’ website.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Charter School Okayed
The Pittsburgh School Board has voted in favor of the charter application for Propel Charter School - Northside after the District Charter Review Team recommended approval for the new charter school.
“We acknowledge the success of existing Propel schools and support schools that provide quality options for Pittsburgh families,” said Superintendent Linda Lane, Ed.D.
The Board originally rejected the proposal in February but Lane says Propel's renewed application shows a comprehensive curriculum and plan to meet the needs of all students.
The new charter, which will serve students in grades K-8, is scheduled to open this fall with grades K-4.
“We acknowledge the success of existing Propel schools and support schools that provide quality options for Pittsburgh families,” said Superintendent Linda Lane, Ed.D.
The Board originally rejected the proposal in February but Lane says Propel's renewed application shows a comprehensive curriculum and plan to meet the needs of all students.
The new charter, which will serve students in grades K-8, is scheduled to open this fall with grades K-4.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Transfer Tax Loophole?
There is some question about whether the recent $250 million sale of the U.S. Steel Tower is subject to the real estate transfer tax, which would amount to about $10 million for the city, the school district and the state.
The state Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the tax. Pittsburgh School District Solicitor Ira Weiss says some transactions are exempt from the transfer tax, but so far it looks like it should be paid, so they're asking the state to look into it. Apparently the tax is required if a new owner is recorded on the deed, which has not happened.
The U.S. Steel Tower is at 600 Grant Street and is now topped by the logo of UPMC, the largest tenant. Other major tenants are U.S. Steel and PNC Bank.
The state Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the tax. Pittsburgh School District Solicitor Ira Weiss says some transactions are exempt from the transfer tax, but so far it looks like it should be paid, so they're asking the state to look into it. Apparently the tax is required if a new owner is recorded on the deed, which has not happened.
The U.S. Steel Tower is at 600 Grant Street and is now topped by the logo of UPMC, the largest tenant. Other major tenants are U.S. Steel and PNC Bank.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Superintendent Recommends 74% Cut In Capital Spending
Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Linda Lane will submit a greatly pared down 2011 capital budget to the School Board this evening. Lane says this revised spending plan is part of the District’s continued efforts to operate more efficiently and reduce operating costs.
“In this difficult fiscal climate, it makes absolutely no sense for the district to borrow and spend $60 million on capital projects. I have reviewed our spending plan with staff and believe that these reductions are necessary to maintain fiscal discipline, while still allowing for required investments in our facility maintenance."
Lane says for the time being, they will only borrow for the most basic facility needs like fixing roofs, windows and boilers as well as safety issues.
Late last year the board approved a 2011 capital budget called for borrowing and spending more than $60.3 million on projects at district facilities. Lane's proposal calls for reducing the spending to approximately $14.9 million. This cut will trim the district's annual debt service for 2012 from $65.3 million to $61.7 million.
The revised capital budget would eliminate all or most of the funding for 16 projects including major renovations at Arlington K-8, Oliver High School, Northview K-8 and the Peabody school building.
“In this difficult fiscal climate, it makes absolutely no sense for the district to borrow and spend $60 million on capital projects. I have reviewed our spending plan with staff and believe that these reductions are necessary to maintain fiscal discipline, while still allowing for required investments in our facility maintenance."
Lane says for the time being, they will only borrow for the most basic facility needs like fixing roofs, windows and boilers as well as safety issues.
Late last year the board approved a 2011 capital budget called for borrowing and spending more than $60.3 million on projects at district facilities. Lane's proposal calls for reducing the spending to approximately $14.9 million. This cut will trim the district's annual debt service for 2012 from $65.3 million to $61.7 million.
The revised capital budget would eliminate all or most of the funding for 16 projects including major renovations at Arlington K-8, Oliver High School, Northview K-8 and the Peabody school building.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Restructuring in Superintendent's Executive Team
Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Linda Lane has reorganized her management team. Lane says since she became superintendent in January she's been looking to make the district more efficient and more effective in providing service to students. “I also know that in this time of limited resources we must continue to tighten our belt and reduce our costs. I am confident that this reorganization accomplishes both of those goals.”
Lane says the streamlining will reduce costs by $141,000, although 5 of the 8 executives will receive salary increases to reflect their additional duties. "I know that we have a great team here at Pittsburgh Public Schools already, and I believe that this reorganization will maximize our executive team’s core competencies.” The savings will come from the elimination of 5 vacant positions including Deputy Superintendent, Superintendant Assistant for Special Projects, Academic Specialist, Chief of Talent Management, Senior Program Officer for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development.
The administrative changes involve:
• Jeanine French, formerly Assistant Superintendent of K-8 Schools, will serve as Chief of School Performance with responsibility for School Management, Student Services, Research Assessment and Accountability and special education. Salary Increase of $13,822
• Jerri Lippert, retains title of Chief Academic Officer and assumes added responsibilities including Career and Technical Education and joint responsibility for special education with the Chief of School Performance: Salary Increase of $8,251
• Christiana Otuwa, formerly Assistant Superintendent Accelerated Learning Academies will serve as Assistant Superintendent Secondary Schools: Salary Increase of $5,251
• Peter Camarda, currently Executive Director of Budget Development and Management, has been named Acting Chief Operating and Finance Officer: Salary Increase of $10,909
• Jody Spolar, formerly Chief of Performance Management, has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer: Salary Increase of $10,500
Three executive staff members have had their roles changed.
• Derrick Lopez, formerly Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, will serve as Assistant Superintendent for Strategic Initiatives with responsibility for design and implementation of school reforms, school realignment, charter school review and reducing the racial achievement disparity.
• Lisa Fischetti, Chief of Staff, assumes added responsibility for the Office of Teacher Effectiveness .
• Nancy Kodman, formerly Executive Director Strategic Initiatives, will serve as Executive Director Academic and Operations Integration.
Lane says the streamlining will reduce costs by $141,000, although 5 of the 8 executives will receive salary increases to reflect their additional duties. "I know that we have a great team here at Pittsburgh Public Schools already, and I believe that this reorganization will maximize our executive team’s core competencies.” The savings will come from the elimination of 5 vacant positions including Deputy Superintendent, Superintendant Assistant for Special Projects, Academic Specialist, Chief of Talent Management, Senior Program Officer for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development.
The administrative changes involve:
• Jeanine French, formerly Assistant Superintendent of K-8 Schools, will serve as Chief of School Performance with responsibility for School Management, Student Services, Research Assessment and Accountability and special education. Salary Increase of $13,822
• Jerri Lippert, retains title of Chief Academic Officer and assumes added responsibilities including Career and Technical Education and joint responsibility for special education with the Chief of School Performance: Salary Increase of $8,251
• Christiana Otuwa, formerly Assistant Superintendent Accelerated Learning Academies will serve as Assistant Superintendent Secondary Schools: Salary Increase of $5,251
• Peter Camarda, currently Executive Director of Budget Development and Management, has been named Acting Chief Operating and Finance Officer: Salary Increase of $10,909
• Jody Spolar, formerly Chief of Performance Management, has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer: Salary Increase of $10,500
Three executive staff members have had their roles changed.
• Derrick Lopez, formerly Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, will serve as Assistant Superintendent for Strategic Initiatives with responsibility for design and implementation of school reforms, school realignment, charter school review and reducing the racial achievement disparity.
• Lisa Fischetti, Chief of Staff, assumes added responsibility for the Office of Teacher Effectiveness .
• Nancy Kodman, formerly Executive Director Strategic Initiatives, will serve as Executive Director Academic and Operations Integration.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Promise Scholarships Going Up
The Board of Directors of The Pittsburgh Promise has approved doubling the potential dollar amount of scholarships from the current maximum of $20,000 per student over 4 years to a maximum of $40,000 beginning with the class of 2012.
Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril says they committed four years ago to the doubling of the maximum amount...
"We stipulated that the additional 20 thousand would be given to those who provide evidence of...this if the language of the agreement...'mastery of subject matter.' So, we're ready now to say alright folks show us the proof of mastery."
To qualify for the first $20,000, the student must be a resident of Pittsburgh, graduate a city high school with at least a 2.5GPA and have a 90% attendance record.
To receive the second $20,000, the student must score "advanced" on the PSSA reading, math and writing tests. Ghubril says if they don't score "advanced," the students can still qualify for the addition scholarship money by scoring 600's on their SAT's in reading, math and writing.
Ghubril says in the first 3 years of The Pittsburgh Promise, they've given scholarships to more than 2,400 students who are "performing at (delightfully) high levels."
Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril says they committed four years ago to the doubling of the maximum amount...
"We stipulated that the additional 20 thousand would be given to those who provide evidence of...this if the language of the agreement...'mastery of subject matter.' So, we're ready now to say alright folks show us the proof of mastery."
To qualify for the first $20,000, the student must be a resident of Pittsburgh, graduate a city high school with at least a 2.5GPA and have a 90% attendance record.
To receive the second $20,000, the student must score "advanced" on the PSSA reading, math and writing tests. Ghubril says if they don't score "advanced," the students can still qualify for the addition scholarship money by scoring 600's on their SAT's in reading, math and writing.
Ghubril says in the first 3 years of The Pittsburgh Promise, they've given scholarships to more than 2,400 students who are "performing at (delightfully) high levels."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Community Group Evaluates Board of Education
The Pittsburgh Public School Board received an overall ‘B’ report card from A+ Schools Board Watch. The program uses volunteers who have observed public school board meetings for the past year to issue grades in areas such as transparency, role clarity, conduct, focus and mission.
The Board Watch began two years ago and this year issued Pittsburgh Public Schools their best overall grade yet.
A+ Schools Executive Director Carey Harris says the most recognizable result of the school boards growth is the increased public turnout for meetings.
“We’ve seen that we’ve probably pulled out over 300 people coming to school board meetings over the last two years that otherwise wouldn’t have been there so more people in the public and the community are paying attention to the school board governance and realize how important it is for outcomes of the children and the district as a whole,” Harris says.
She said she was excited for the improvement in the school boards organization and transparency but believes the group could do a better job recognizing role clarity.
"It's really about serving their role as policy makers; setting and monitoring policies that improve the district's outcomes. They always are responding to packets with 60 to 70 agenda items that are basically transactional, and we'd like them to spend less time doing that and more time on the big picture for the district."
The school board received its first A- in Transparency, a C+ in Role Clarity, a B- in focus and mission, a B in conduct, and a B- in competency. The overall grade rose from a B- in 2009 to a B in 2010.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Review Team Recommends 1 Charter Application
The final decision is up to the Pittsburgh Board of Education, but a special committee is recommending they reject three of four applications to operate charter schools. The board's charter review team gave qualified approval for the Urban Pathways K-5 College Charter.
Urban Pathways currently operates a grades 6-12 charter school in downtown Pittsburgh and CEO Linda Clautti says the proposed K-5 school will provide a great transition for students.
Clautti says their goal is to get children to value education early on beginning in kindergarten...
"We get kids now in the 6th grade and they're on 3rd or 4th grade reading levels and math levels. There is so much time spent on remediation that if we could get them and they're already on or near grade level, then they're going to benefit academically and graduate on time."
The review team requested a professional development plan from Urban Pathways before the school opens. Clautti says they don't know what the the teachers need till they arrive, observe them and get their input.
However, the committee recommends the board not approve the charter application of the Propel Charter School-Northside...saying it lacked a comprehensive curriculum for all grade levels. The review team did acknowledge the success of existing Propel Charter schools in other districts.
The committee also gave a negative recommendation to the Leadership Academy for Math and Science Pittsburgh Charter School because it didn't have a proposed location nor a comprehensive curriculum. The review team recommended rejection of the application by the Three Rivers Charter School for Public Service because it didn not submit a a comprehensive curriculum plan and would not provide students with expanded choices in educational opportunities to what the district already offers.
The board will vote on all four charter applications this evening.
Urban Pathways currently operates a grades 6-12 charter school in downtown Pittsburgh and CEO Linda Clautti says the proposed K-5 school will provide a great transition for students.
Clautti says their goal is to get children to value education early on beginning in kindergarten...
"We get kids now in the 6th grade and they're on 3rd or 4th grade reading levels and math levels. There is so much time spent on remediation that if we could get them and they're already on or near grade level, then they're going to benefit academically and graduate on time."
The review team requested a professional development plan from Urban Pathways before the school opens. Clautti says they don't know what the the teachers need till they arrive, observe them and get their input.
However, the committee recommends the board not approve the charter application of the Propel Charter School-Northside...saying it lacked a comprehensive curriculum for all grade levels. The review team did acknowledge the success of existing Propel Charter schools in other districts.
The committee also gave a negative recommendation to the Leadership Academy for Math and Science Pittsburgh Charter School because it didn't have a proposed location nor a comprehensive curriculum. The review team recommended rejection of the application by the Three Rivers Charter School for Public Service because it didn not submit a a comprehensive curriculum plan and would not provide students with expanded choices in educational opportunities to what the district already offers.
The board will vote on all four charter applications this evening.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Lane Set to Take Superintendent Post
Pittsburgh Public Schools Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, Assessment and Accountability, Linda Lane, takes over as Superintendent Monday and she knows she has a lot of work to do. Lane says she will be making sure many of the programs implemented by outgoing Superintendent Mark Roosevelt continue on the right course. She says that includes the Empowering Effective Teachers Program. “There is a lot of work to do around that,” says Lane, “we’ve got multiple initiatives, some of them are highly complex… execution of that at a high level is going to take a lot of time and attention from everyone.”
The 60-year-old Lane was given a three-year contract and she says they will be “critical” years for the district. “We are mid-stream here’” says Lane. She says she wants to find new ways to make contact with parents. “If you go to a city league basketball game you are going to have families jamming the gym. They are already there, so are there ways we can engage people at things they are already there for instead of expecting that they are going to come in for meetings that we just send home a flyer saying ‘please come on Thursday night at 6:00,’” says Lane. “My strategy has always be to go where they are.”
Lane says another goal will be to get all students ready to take advantage of the Pittsburgh Promise, which offers scholarship money to students going on to higher education or career training. To do that she says she needs the help of the entire community. Lane says, “Our students need the support of everyone in the community not just their families. So for any organization, agency and individual in the city of Pittsburgh, I just would ask for their support and encouragement for our students to let them know, yes, they can dream big and work hard and be promise ready.”
Lane succeeds Mark Roosevelt who has been superintendent for just more than five years. He is leaving Pittsburgh to become president of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Roosevelt hired Lane in 2007. Her new contract will pay her $200,000 a year first year, with the possibility of $15,000 more in the second and third years based on performance.
The 60-year-old Lane was given a three-year contract and she says they will be “critical” years for the district. “We are mid-stream here’” says Lane. She says she wants to find new ways to make contact with parents. “If you go to a city league basketball game you are going to have families jamming the gym. They are already there, so are there ways we can engage people at things they are already there for instead of expecting that they are going to come in for meetings that we just send home a flyer saying ‘please come on Thursday night at 6:00,’” says Lane. “My strategy has always be to go where they are.”
Lane says another goal will be to get all students ready to take advantage of the Pittsburgh Promise, which offers scholarship money to students going on to higher education or career training. To do that she says she needs the help of the entire community. Lane says, “Our students need the support of everyone in the community not just their families. So for any organization, agency and individual in the city of Pittsburgh, I just would ask for their support and encouragement for our students to let them know, yes, they can dream big and work hard and be promise ready.”
Lane succeeds Mark Roosevelt who has been superintendent for just more than five years. He is leaving Pittsburgh to become president of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Roosevelt hired Lane in 2007. Her new contract will pay her $200,000 a year first year, with the possibility of $15,000 more in the second and third years based on performance.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
No Tax Hike In Pittsburgh School Budget
The Pittsburgh School Board has approved a 2011 operating budget of $540.9 million. That's 2.95% or $15.5 million more that this year's spending plan. For a 10th straight year, there will be no tax hike in the Pittsburgh School District.
Deputy Superintendent Linda Lane will administer the 2011 budget when she becomes superintendent January 1.....
“We have continued to make the difficult decision necessary to increase student achievement while reducing costs without raising taxes on City residents. We will also reach out to our leaders in Harrisburg to inform them about our progress here in Pittsburgh and the importance of state education funding to our continued success.”
Lane says major areas of increased spending are medical costs, up $3 million; salaries, up $3.7 million; special education, up $2.7 million; and transportation, up $2 million.
To balance the 2011 spending plan, the district will have to use about $8.7 million from its reserve funds.
Lane says they anticipate financial challenges because Federal Stimulus Funds, used by the state to meet the needs of school districts, will dry up in 2011, and at the same time employee benefits and charter school payments are increasing while the District’s local revenues remain flat.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Pgh School District Hires Within
By an 8-1 vote, the Pittsburgh Board of Education has approved the hiring of Dr. Linda Lane to succeed Mark Roosevelt as superintendent effective January 1st.
Roosevelt is leaving at the end of the month to become the new president of Antioch College in Ohio.
For the last 4 years, Lane has served as Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability and was a key member of the planning team that led the district to receive a $40 million grant d for teacher enhancement from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The lone "no" vote came from Board Member Mark Brentley, who said he wasn't voting against the individual but against the process. He wanted a nationwide search for a new superintendent.
But School Board President Sherry Hazuda says they are confident that Lane has the necessary experience "to take the work we have started to the next level. She began her career in education as a classroom teacher and because of this knows what we need to do to support our teachers and principals to ensure we reach our district's vision of 'Excellence for All'."
Under her 3 year contract, Lane's salary will start at $200,000, with automatic $5,000 annual pay hikes and the opportunity for yearly $10,000 merit increases.
Roosevelt is leaving at the end of the month to become the new president of Antioch College in Ohio.
For the last 4 years, Lane has served as Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability and was a key member of the planning team that led the district to receive a $40 million grant d for teacher enhancement from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The lone "no" vote came from Board Member Mark Brentley, who said he wasn't voting against the individual but against the process. He wanted a nationwide search for a new superintendent.
But School Board President Sherry Hazuda says they are confident that Lane has the necessary experience "to take the work we have started to the next level. She began her career in education as a classroom teacher and because of this knows what we need to do to support our teachers and principals to ensure we reach our district's vision of 'Excellence for All'."
Under her 3 year contract, Lane's salary will start at $200,000, with automatic $5,000 annual pay hikes and the opportunity for yearly $10,000 merit increases.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Public Meeting on New PPS Superintendent
Education watchdog group A+ Schools is hosting a community discussion today on how to choose a new superintendent for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
A+ Schools Executive Director Carey Harris says the meeting will ensure the public has a chance to weigh in on the selection process. Harris says the event includes speeches by national education experts, a community discussion, and a poll of what qualities the new superintendent should have.
Harris says her group hopes to submit the poll results to the School Board on Friday.
After current superintendent Mark Roosevelt recently announced his resignation effective December 31, the School Board faces the task of either choosing a new head or naming an interim leader before year's end.
Harris says in a preliminary survey, some residents disagree with Roosevelt's policies, but many support his reforms. Harris says that includes the Empowering Effective Teachers campaign, which changes the way teachers are hired, evaluated and paid.
The community meeting is set for 6-8 p.m., Thursday, November 11. You can register online at A+ Schools' website.
A+ Schools Executive Director Carey Harris says the meeting will ensure the public has a chance to weigh in on the selection process. Harris says the event includes speeches by national education experts, a community discussion, and a poll of what qualities the new superintendent should have.
Harris says her group hopes to submit the poll results to the School Board on Friday.
After current superintendent Mark Roosevelt recently announced his resignation effective December 31, the School Board faces the task of either choosing a new head or naming an interim leader before year's end.
Harris says in a preliminary survey, some residents disagree with Roosevelt's policies, but many support his reforms. Harris says that includes the Empowering Effective Teachers campaign, which changes the way teachers are hired, evaluated and paid.
The community meeting is set for 6-8 p.m., Thursday, November 11. You can register online at A+ Schools' website.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Roosevelt to Leave Pgh Public Schools
After more than five years as Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent, Mark Roosevelt told the School Board today that he will resign this year.
Roosevelt will leave the position December 31 and plans to become the next president of Antioch College in Ohio. Roosevelt says he is the only finalist for the job.
As superintendent, he oversaw many changes in Pittsburgh’s education policy, including the establishment of the Pittsburgh Promise, a $100 million higher education scholarship fund for Pittsburgh Public Schools graduates.
Last year, Roosevelt helped secure grants totaling $77.4 million to support a teacher effectiveness program. The district achieved Adequate Yearly Progress for the first time in its history in 2009.
The former Massachusetts politician also worked closely with John Tarka, head of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, to complete a five-year contract that rewards effective teaching.
Roosevelt says he doesn’t think he’s leaving his work unfinished.
“You could make that argument at any point, when any superintendent leaves any job in urban America, right? The business, the work is never done. This is not a job you can declare victory in, and say, ‘Whoa! We’re at the finish line!’ Not going to happen. Not the nature of the work.”
School Board President Theresa Collaizzi says Roosevelt will leave a legacy in Pittsburgh. Collaizzi says the Board must now discuss how to choose the district’s next superintendent.
Roosevelt will leave the position December 31 and plans to become the next president of Antioch College in Ohio. Roosevelt says he is the only finalist for the job.
As superintendent, he oversaw many changes in Pittsburgh’s education policy, including the establishment of the Pittsburgh Promise, a $100 million higher education scholarship fund for Pittsburgh Public Schools graduates.
Last year, Roosevelt helped secure grants totaling $77.4 million to support a teacher effectiveness program. The district achieved Adequate Yearly Progress for the first time in its history in 2009.
The former Massachusetts politician also worked closely with John Tarka, head of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, to complete a five-year contract that rewards effective teaching.
Roosevelt says he doesn’t think he’s leaving his work unfinished.
“You could make that argument at any point, when any superintendent leaves any job in urban America, right? The business, the work is never done. This is not a job you can declare victory in, and say, ‘Whoa! We’re at the finish line!’ Not going to happen. Not the nature of the work.”
School Board President Theresa Collaizzi says Roosevelt will leave a legacy in Pittsburgh. Collaizzi says the Board must now discuss how to choose the district’s next superintendent.
Roosevelt to Leave???
Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt holds a news conference this afternoon at which he is expected to announce his resignation. Roosevelt came to Pittsburgh in 2005 and last October signed a new five year contract with a base annual salary of $225,000.
The Post-Gazette is reporting that Roosevelt is likely to become the president of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The paper says he is to meet with college officials next week but would likely remain on as Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent through the end of this year.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Roosevelt has dealt with declining enrollment and budget problems by initiating a restructuring of the district. 22 schools were closed. He also helped establish the Pittsburgh Promise college scholarship program for city public high school grads. Last year the district won av $40 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for teacher training.
The Post-Gazette is reporting that Roosevelt is likely to become the president of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The paper says he is to meet with college officials next week but would likely remain on as Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent through the end of this year.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Roosevelt has dealt with declining enrollment and budget problems by initiating a restructuring of the district. 22 schools were closed. He also helped establish the Pittsburgh Promise college scholarship program for city public high school grads. Last year the district won av $40 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for teacher training.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Pittsburgh Schools Reconfiguration Okayed
The Pittsburgh school district Excel reconfiguration plan has the final approval of the school board. Superintendent Mark Roosevelt says implementation of the reforms will enable the district to transform some of the most underperforming high schools into schools that advance student achievement. Most of the changes will begin with the start of the 2011-12 school year. The Board approved the closing of Peabody High School effective June 2011. Students from the International Studies Obama 6-12 School will relocate to the Peabody building starting with the 2012 school year. Two 6-12 single gender academies will open in the Westinghouse building in Homewood next year. Peabody students may choose to attend either the single gender academies at Westinghouse or Milliones University Prep in the Hill District. Oliver high school will be reconfigured as an early college model program. The Homewood Early Childhood Center will move to the Crescent facility. The reconfiguration vote was 8-0 with Mark Brentley abstaining.
The Excel program was first introduced in 2006 as a five-year roadmap for improving the academic performance of all high school students in the Pittsburgh Public schools. But one of the components is a Teacher Academy. Yesterday's school board vote also approved the academy to be based at Brashear High School and King Pre-K-8. Over the past three years many aspects of the plan have been launched. District officials say the implementation of the next phase of the Excell plan will allow city schools to meet requirements of the U.S. Department of Education's requirements for federal and state allocations.
The board also approved an evaluation of Superintendent Roosevelt's performance and gave him a $15,000 raise to $240,000 annually.
The Excel program was first introduced in 2006 as a five-year roadmap for improving the academic performance of all high school students in the Pittsburgh Public schools. But one of the components is a Teacher Academy. Yesterday's school board vote also approved the academy to be based at Brashear High School and King Pre-K-8. Over the past three years many aspects of the plan have been launched. District officials say the implementation of the next phase of the Excell plan will allow city schools to meet requirements of the U.S. Department of Education's requirements for federal and state allocations.
The board also approved an evaluation of Superintendent Roosevelt's performance and gave him a $15,000 raise to $240,000 annually.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
School District’s Academic Results Are In
Pittsburgh Public Schools received the positive overall results on the 2010 Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSA), but failed to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).
According to a press release from the district, PSSA scores show students have improved in both Reading and Mathematics, receiving proficiency on 10 of 14 exams with more than a 2 percent increase on 8 of 14 exams. They’ve also moved up to the advanced level on 10 of 14 exams, with a 3 or more percent increase on 6 of 14 exams.
Grades 6-8 have showed the most success, achieving proficiency at each grade level on both Reading and Mathematics.
Last year, the District achieved AYP for the first time in history. However, this year, both 3-5 and 6-8 grade spans have failed to achieve that goal. To obtain AYP, both grade spans much make all 18 targets in both Mathematics and Reading. This year, the District met all 18 targets in Mathematics, but failed to meet one target in Reading in 3-5 and 6-8 grade spans. Results show that in both grade groups, the only group to fail the Reading target was students with an Individualized Education Program plan, or special education students. On a positive note, though the District did not make AYP overall, the number of schools that made it increased to 72%, or 43 out of 60 schools.
In the press release, Superintendent Mark Roosevelt says, “Although we are disappointed that the District just missed making AYP, we are very pleased that considerably more of our schools did make it. The progress we are seeing, particularly in grades 6-8, confirms that bold, aggressive change is necessary in order to improve student achievement.”
Grade 11 students’ PSSA results have been low for the past few years, and with campaigns such as Excellence for All, Roosevelt has been aiming to improve those scores. However, at the high school level, 2010 PSSA high school results remain at a standpoint with a 2.4 point increase in Reading and a 0.3 point decrease in Mathematics proficiency, reiterating that changes must be made.
The District plans to provide the Board and public with a full presentation of the 2010 PSSA results at the Board's Education Committee Meeting today, August 17.
To view the complete listing of district-level PSSA results, click here.
According to a press release from the district, PSSA scores show students have improved in both Reading and Mathematics, receiving proficiency on 10 of 14 exams with more than a 2 percent increase on 8 of 14 exams. They’ve also moved up to the advanced level on 10 of 14 exams, with a 3 or more percent increase on 6 of 14 exams.
Grades 6-8 have showed the most success, achieving proficiency at each grade level on both Reading and Mathematics.
Last year, the District achieved AYP for the first time in history. However, this year, both 3-5 and 6-8 grade spans have failed to achieve that goal. To obtain AYP, both grade spans much make all 18 targets in both Mathematics and Reading. This year, the District met all 18 targets in Mathematics, but failed to meet one target in Reading in 3-5 and 6-8 grade spans. Results show that in both grade groups, the only group to fail the Reading target was students with an Individualized Education Program plan, or special education students. On a positive note, though the District did not make AYP overall, the number of schools that made it increased to 72%, or 43 out of 60 schools.
In the press release, Superintendent Mark Roosevelt says, “Although we are disappointed that the District just missed making AYP, we are very pleased that considerably more of our schools did make it. The progress we are seeing, particularly in grades 6-8, confirms that bold, aggressive change is necessary in order to improve student achievement.”
Grade 11 students’ PSSA results have been low for the past few years, and with campaigns such as Excellence for All, Roosevelt has been aiming to improve those scores. However, at the high school level, 2010 PSSA high school results remain at a standpoint with a 2.4 point increase in Reading and a 0.3 point decrease in Mathematics proficiency, reiterating that changes must be made.
The District plans to provide the Board and public with a full presentation of the 2010 PSSA results at the Board's Education Committee Meeting today, August 17.
To view the complete listing of district-level PSSA results, click here.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Parents, Students to Address School Reform Plan
A community meeting in Homewood tonight will address Pittsburgh Public Schools’ plan to reconfigure high schools in the East End.
Students and parents will have the opportunity to ask questions about the school reformation after a brief presentation by school district staff. Pittsburgh’s School Board will take the comments and questions into consideration when voting on the reconfiguration plan, called “Excel 9-12.”
If adopted, the proposal would close East Liberty’s Peabody High School. The displaced Peabody students would be relocated to either University Prep High School or to one of two single-gender, 6th-12th grade academies housed in Homewood’s Westinghouse High School. The international studies magnet school, Pittsburgh Obama, would be relocated to the former Peabody building.
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools Derrick Lopez says federal regulations mandate that public school students have a choice between co-educational and single-gender schools.
“We’re going to give kids the opportunity to choose, should the board adopt this plan, during their 8th grade year and during their 6th grade years. Next year, for example, at Peabody, we’re going to have opportunities for students at the school to select whether they go to the University Prep school or whether they go to the Westinghouse academies in 2011-12. We will talk with every single student,” says Lopez.
Executive Director of A+ Schools Carey Harris says her group is “agnostic” about the proposed single-gender academies at this point. Harris says the Excel plan is not just about the East End.
“We actually think the plan we saw impacts the whole district because it includes plans for Oliver. It would be sort of a dropout recovery program, so I believe it would be a place for students who had dropped out to get their degree,” says Harris.
Harris says she’s concerned that closing Peabody would divert too many students to schools like University Prep, but Lopez says the magnet schools are currently under-populated and even a large influx would not overburden them.
Lopez says the district doesn’t know yet what would be done with the former Obama school building.
The community meeting will begin at 5:30 tonight at the Westinghouse High School Library in Homewood.
Students and parents will have the opportunity to ask questions about the school reformation after a brief presentation by school district staff. Pittsburgh’s School Board will take the comments and questions into consideration when voting on the reconfiguration plan, called “Excel 9-12.”
If adopted, the proposal would close East Liberty’s Peabody High School. The displaced Peabody students would be relocated to either University Prep High School or to one of two single-gender, 6th-12th grade academies housed in Homewood’s Westinghouse High School. The international studies magnet school, Pittsburgh Obama, would be relocated to the former Peabody building.
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools Derrick Lopez says federal regulations mandate that public school students have a choice between co-educational and single-gender schools.
“We’re going to give kids the opportunity to choose, should the board adopt this plan, during their 8th grade year and during their 6th grade years. Next year, for example, at Peabody, we’re going to have opportunities for students at the school to select whether they go to the University Prep school or whether they go to the Westinghouse academies in 2011-12. We will talk with every single student,” says Lopez.
Executive Director of A+ Schools Carey Harris says her group is “agnostic” about the proposed single-gender academies at this point. Harris says the Excel plan is not just about the East End.
“We actually think the plan we saw impacts the whole district because it includes plans for Oliver. It would be sort of a dropout recovery program, so I believe it would be a place for students who had dropped out to get their degree,” says Harris.
Harris says she’s concerned that closing Peabody would divert too many students to schools like University Prep, but Lopez says the magnet schools are currently under-populated and even a large influx would not overburden them.
Lopez says the district doesn’t know yet what would be done with the former Obama school building.
The community meeting will begin at 5:30 tonight at the Westinghouse High School Library in Homewood.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Pittsburgh Promise Says It Is Working
In its first two years of awarding scholarships the Pittsburgh Promise has given away $8 million to nearly 17-hundred students attending 46 different schools in Pennsylvania. Another 750 students are expected to grab a scholarship this year. Pittsburgh Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril says in those same two years the percentage of kids graduating from Pittsburgh public schools has increased to rates that are nearing the average rate for schools in Pennsylvania suburbs. If 95 Pittsburgh Public School seniors finish their course work this summer the graduation rate for 2009-2010 will stand at 71%. Ghubril says a recent study by CEOs for Cities shows Pittsburgh’s economy would grow by $1.8 billion annually if the percentage of residents with a college education grew by one percent from the current 27.6%. “That is an extra 16,500 college educated people, which the Pittsburgh Promise can deliver in the next ten years,” says Ghubril, “which does not seem terribly aspirational to me.” Pittsburgh Foundation President Grant Oliphant says he became interested in the Pittsburgh Promise because it had big goals. “They made this not just about a ‘scholarship,’ but about the kids, and how we transform the future of a community by helping all of our kids to do better in school,” says Oliphant.
On the money front, Ghubril says fundraising for the Pittsburgh Promise is doing well. The goal is to raise $250 million over ten years. That would allow the program to pay out funds to current students and still sustain the program for the next “32 to 36 years.” Last year $11.3 million was added to the fund through private, corporate and foundation giving. UPMC has committed $100 million to the Promise in the form of a $1.00 for every $1.50 raised grant.
Listen to much of Saleem Ghubril's 2009-2010 Pittsburgh Promise Report Card.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Board Considers Reconfiguration of Pittsburgh Schools
Pittsburgh's Board of Education is being asked to consider a new city school realignment. Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt submitted the plan to the board last night. Board Member Thomas Sumpter says he is “quite pleased” with the plan.
"Excel 9-12" is a 5-year plan that was introduced in 2006 aimed at improving the academic performance of all high school students in the city public schools. The Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12 School opened in the Hill District in 2008; the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) 6-12 began in 2009 as did the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy.
Roosevelt says an advisory committee report in April indicated the projected enrollment decline in the eastern neighborhoods means that the area cannot continue to support three feeder high schools: Pittsburgh Peabody, Pittsburgh Westinghouse and Pittsburgh Milliones.
The latest proposals call for the closing of Peabody High School in East Liberty. Pittsburgh Obama 6-12, which is the international studies magnet school, will be moved into the Peabody building. Sumpter says the district is trying to get the best use out of the assets it has as enrollment drops.
Grades 6,7 and 8 would be added to Westinghouse making it a 6 through 12 school. The school would also be transformed into two, single gender academies. Roosevelt says each academy would be led by its own administrative team, faculty and staff tailored to meet the needs of both schools.
Starting in 2011, Peabody students would either go to Westinghouse or to Milliones 6-12, which is the university prep school. Sumpter says he wishes the city could open more schools to give students more choice and more neighborhood options but that is just no t possible given the reality of the city’s population changes.
The plan also calls for developing a site for a K-8 and 9-12 Teacher Academy as part of the Empowering Effective Teachers plan. The teaching academies would be in existing schools where some of the district’s best teachers will coach new and experienced teachers with the goal of improved teacher and student performance.
The public is invited to submit written comments by clicking the Facilities Reconfigurations button on the homepage. The next public hearing is July 12. Speakers must sign up prior to noon the day of the hearing. Sumpter says he does not expect much to change between now on the final vote. “This is something that people and organizations have been coming together on, the east end, there is a couple of advisory groups out in that area. Just like last night, even thought it was presented to the board there was not a big turnout from the public because I think the pretty much understand where we are going and pretty much accept it,” says Sumpter.
"Excel 9-12" is a 5-year plan that was introduced in 2006 aimed at improving the academic performance of all high school students in the city public schools. The Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12 School opened in the Hill District in 2008; the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) 6-12 began in 2009 as did the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy.
Roosevelt says an advisory committee report in April indicated the projected enrollment decline in the eastern neighborhoods means that the area cannot continue to support three feeder high schools: Pittsburgh Peabody, Pittsburgh Westinghouse and Pittsburgh Milliones.
The latest proposals call for the closing of Peabody High School in East Liberty. Pittsburgh Obama 6-12, which is the international studies magnet school, will be moved into the Peabody building. Sumpter says the district is trying to get the best use out of the assets it has as enrollment drops.
Grades 6,7 and 8 would be added to Westinghouse making it a 6 through 12 school. The school would also be transformed into two, single gender academies. Roosevelt says each academy would be led by its own administrative team, faculty and staff tailored to meet the needs of both schools.
Starting in 2011, Peabody students would either go to Westinghouse or to Milliones 6-12, which is the university prep school. Sumpter says he wishes the city could open more schools to give students more choice and more neighborhood options but that is just no t possible given the reality of the city’s population changes.
The plan also calls for developing a site for a K-8 and 9-12 Teacher Academy as part of the Empowering Effective Teachers plan. The teaching academies would be in existing schools where some of the district’s best teachers will coach new and experienced teachers with the goal of improved teacher and student performance.
The public is invited to submit written comments by clicking the Facilities Reconfigurations button on the homepage. The next public hearing is July 12. Speakers must sign up prior to noon the day of the hearing. Sumpter says he does not expect much to change between now on the final vote. “This is something that people and organizations have been coming together on, the east end, there is a couple of advisory groups out in that area. Just like last night, even thought it was presented to the board there was not a big turnout from the public because I think the pretty much understand where we are going and pretty much accept it,” says Sumpter.
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