The new Pittsburgh Public Schools board is once again taking up a controversial plan to close seven schools.  

At Pittsburgh Manchester K-8, one of the schools that could close, the hallways are mostly empty, and the building is full of classrooms that are seldom or never used. There are only nine kids in the entire second grade, seven students in the sixth grade and 13 in the eighth. The building has a capacity for 541 students but is home to only 129.

“That is a textbook example of an underutilized building, and we have about 15 schools currently that are below 200,” said Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters.

Manchester is one of seven schools and a total of nine underused buildings that would be closed under the district’s Future-Ready Facilities Plan. On the North Side, the plan calls for closing both Manchester and Schiller 6-8, consolidating those students at Martin Luther King and the Allegheny Traditional Academy. 

Walters says the plan will save the district about $8 million a year on staff salaries, utilities and maintenance costs — money which would provide more resources and better educational opportunities in these merged schools.  

“We have limited resources right now. We have a deficit, but certainly making this move will provide some savings, some savings for us to really implement the quality programming we need in this Future-Ready Facilities Plan,” Walters said.

After nearly two years of study, the board voted the plan down last November, delaying its implementation, which was planned for the 2026-27 school year. Even if the new board approves it now, it won’t go into effect until the 2027-28 school year. 

But in kicking the can down the road, the old board bent to parents and community groups like 412 Justice, who said the plan disproportionally impacted Black neighborhood schools. They’ve called for further study. 

“It’s about the plan. It’s not about keeping buildings open. It’s just that we’re not confident in the district’s ability to move 6,000 students with all these unanswered questions,” said Angel Gober with 412 Justice.   

But school board president Gene Walker says time has run out. Walker was unsuccessful in convincing the old board, but says the new members are keenly aware of the costs of overcapacity. Enrollment has dropped from 32,000 to 18,000 students over the past two decades, and the board can’t justify spending a significant chunk of its $731 million budget on half-empty schools.  

“I think we’re going to be able to get it through this time,” Walker said.  

Walters said if the plan doesn’t go through, the district could be in trouble. 

“I think we’re going to be forced to answer some really challenging questions about our future as a district,” Walters said. 

The board will discuss the plan on Wednesday night in anticipation of a final approval vote next week. The board president believes the board will do what the district says is the right thing. 

Pittsburgh’s notoriously fickle weather seemed to have finally decided what it wants to do, and it wants to make us sweat.

With temperatures expected to near record highs this week, we’re thinking about summer, even if it isn’t officially here yet. If the heat also has you thinking ahead, take a look at this roundup of ways you can get outside this summer, whether you want to cool off in the shade or soak up some sun.

1: Visit Shore Thing

During its inaugural season last year, Pittsburgh’s premier floating events platform, located on the Allegheny River between the Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol bridges, welcomed more than 50,000 visitors. On May 22, it opens for its second year, and it already has a full lineup of events and activities on the schedule.

Upcoming events include Riverlife Chalk Fest on May 30-31, YogaRoots On Location each Sunday and a live music series every Thursday beginning June 4. 

The riverside platform, composed of 10 steel barges, will be open six days per week through mid-October, offering Pittsburghers a chance to soak up some sun on one of the city’s famed rivers.

2: Check out Sandcastle Waterpark 

Located on the Monongahela River near the Waterfront in Homestead, Pittsburgh’s only waterpark opens for the season on May 23. The park boasts more than 20 slides and attractions, plus a recently renovated Boardwalk area that offers a variety of food and drink options. 

Drop from the top of Bombs Away or give it a swirl on Dragon’s Den. Experience the thrills of misters, waterfalls and even total darkness on Blue Tubaluba, or take a 400–foot plunge on Thunder Run. For a more relaxing chance to take in the natural scenery, Cliffhangers’ “sky ponds” let you do just that.

As part of an opening day sale, you can snag a ticket for $29.99 — 50% off the regular price. These tickets are valid any one day through July 5. For more ticket options or season passes, check out Sandcastle’s website.

3: Catch a movie after dark.

Once the steamy sun goes down, head to one of Pittsburgh’s city parks for a movie night. The annual Dollar Bank Cinema In The Park series begins in early June and features films such as “Hamnet,” playing June 10 at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park; “The Wiz,” playing in Brookline Memorial Park on June 18; and “Hamilton,” showing at McPride Park on June 29.

For a full list of parks, movies and showtimes, visit the city’s website and keep an eye on its social media.

4: Splash around Pittsburgh’s pools — or maybe work at one.

In early May, city officials announced that, for the first time, city pools will have chairs and loungers; nearly 300 have been purchased for pools citywide. When pools open for the season on June 15, the loungers will be available in designated areas based on deck space and pool attendance numbers. 

City pool season passes are available now for purchase at the Oliver Bath House on the South Side and can be purchased at all outdoor pool locations starting on opening day. Passes are valid through May of 2027 and will run you $30 for adults, $20 for adults over age 60, $60 for a family of four and free for children under 15 who live in the City. 

Free passes are also available for disabled veterans, active duty military and activated reservist guard members.

The city is also recruiting lifeguards to staff its pools this summer. If you’re interested, officials invite you to fill out this form.

5: Learn a new outdoor activity with L.L. Bean

Each year, the outdoorsy retailer hosts a range of discovery courses and lessons across the city from May throughOctober. With most classes starting on or around May 23, you can learn archery, fly fishing, paddle boarding or kayaking, or even view the Perseid meteor shower on the water with a guided kayak tour in August.

Most of the activities take place in North Park, which covers more than 3,000 acres of land in the city’s northern suburbs. For more information, visit L.L. Bean’s website.