Shaler, Pennsylvania, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The Shaler Area School District has announced a community forum to discuss its proposed initiative, ‘Building for Tomorrow’, which involves closing the Shaler Area Elementary School. Scheduled for September 29, the forum will cover the realignment of grades and the impact on the local educational landscape. This move aims to enhance student transitions and maintain a strong neighborhood identity among primary schools.
Shaler, Pennsylvania – The Shaler Area School District has announced plans for a community forum to discuss its proposed initiative titled “Building for Tomorrow”, which focuses on the closure of the Shaler Area Elementary School. The forum is set to take place on Monday, September 29, at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Shaler Area High School.
Key aspects of the proposal include the closure of the Shaler Area Elementary School located on Scott Avenue. The district seeks to sell the property for redevelopment, which will change the educational landscape for many students. Currently, the elementary school serves students in fourth through sixth grades.
Under the realignment plan, the fourth and fifth grades will be transferred to the district’s four primary schools: Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott. These primary schools now accommodate kindergarten through third grade. The sixth grade will be moved to Shaler Area Middle School, which currently houses seventh and eighth grades. This transition aims to create a seamless educational experience by allowing students to remain at the same school from kindergarten through fifth grade, thereby reducing the number of transitions during their schooling years and enhancing both learning and social development.
The plan also aims to preserve a neighborhood identity within the four primary schools, fostering community ties. Conversations regarding the closure of Shaler Area Elementary, along with Reserve Primary School, have sparked some opposition from residents, particularly concerning Reserve. Nevertheless, the district is dedicated to maintaining Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott as K-5 neighborhood elementary schools.
For the 2026-27 school year, no students will move to the elementary school, allowing rising fourth graders to remain at their neighborhood schools. Beginning June 2027, rising sixth and seventh-grade students will transition directly to the middle school. The proposed plan includes a phased approach to ensure smooth transitions, thereby providing stability for families and enabling the district to adequately prepare for instructional programming and staffing adjustments.
There will also be discussions about the future of the swimming pool located at the elementary school, with decisions required within the next two years. The options include assessing the pool’s cost and benefit, exploring potential new locations for a district pool, and considering rental arrangements for student-athletes. The pool at the elementary school will remain operational until the end of 2027.
For residents with inquiries or concerns regarding the plan, the district encourages them to reach out at 412-429-1200, ext. 2801. Additionally, a recording of the community forum on September 29 will be accessible on the district’s website for those unable to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where will the community forum be held?
The community forum will be held on Monday, September 29, at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Shaler Area High School.
What are the main changes proposed in the ‘Building for Tomorrow’ plan?
The plan proposes the closure of the Shaler Area Elementary School, the relocation of fourth and fifth grades to primary schools, and the transfer of sixth graders to Shaler Area Middle School, aimed at reducing transitions for students.
Will the swimming pool at the elementary school remain open?
Yes, the swimming pool will remain open through the end of 2027, with future decisions regarding its cost and usage to be made within the next two years.
How can residents share their questions or concerns?
Residents can call 412-429-1200, ext. 2801 for any questions or concerns regarding the plan.
Key Features of the ‘Building for Tomorrow’ Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Forum | September 29 at 6 p.m. in Shaler Area High School auditorium. |
| Elementary School Closure | Shaler Area Elementary to close and property to be sold for redevelopment. |
| Grade Realignment | Fourth and fifth grades to primary schools; sixth grade to middle school. |
| Neighborhood Schools | Maintain K-5 identity at Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott. |
| Swimming Pool | To remain open through 2027, evaluation by 2025. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- TribLive: Shaler Area Plan Calls for Closing Elementary School
- Wikipedia: Shaler Area School District
- TribLive: Board Hopefuls Vying for Seats in Shaler Area School District
- Google Search: Shaler Area School District
- TribLive Community: Monroeville Times Express
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pennsylvania
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
