# Plum Borough School District
## Overview

The Plum Borough School District is a midsized, suburban public school district serving the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania suburb of Plum. The district encompasses approximately 28 square miles (73 km$^2$) and serves a resident population of 27,131 people, according to 2020 federal census data. As of 2023, the district's enrollment stands at 3,895 students, with nearly 600 employees, including 232 teachers, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.

## Schools

The district operates five schools, each serving different grade levels and providing comprehensive educational programs tailored to student needs:
* Plum Senior High School (Grades 9–12) – Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, college prep programs, and extracurricular activities to prepare students for post-secondary success.
* Plum Middle School (Grades 7–8) – Focuses on the transition from elementary to high school, offering STEM programs, honors courses, and various sports and clubs.
* Holiday Park Intermediate School (Grades 5–6) – Bridges the gap between elementary and middle school with a focus on leadership development and foundational academic skills.
* O'Block Elementary School (Grades K–4) – Provides a nurturing environment that fosters early learning and development in reading, mathematics, and social-emotional skills.
* Pivik Elementary School (Grades K–4) – Emphasizes individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and community involvement in the early grades.

## Recent Developments

The district continues to evolve and improve through strategic leadership and investments:
* Superintendent Leadership: Dr. Rick Walsh, a Plum graduate, was appointed in 2023 and is focused on curriculum development, safety, and technological integration.
* Financial Growth: Moody's Investors Service upgraded the district's credit rating in 2024, reflecting a strong financial position.
* Safety Enhancements: The district implemented the Centegix CrisisAlert System to improve emergency response capabilities.

## Community and Living in Plum Borough

Plum Borough offers residents a welcoming and vibrant community that strongly emphasizes family values, safety, and quality of life.
* Safe and Family-Friendly: The borough is known for its low crime rates and strong community engagement, making it an ideal place for raising children.
* Affordable Living: Housing in Plum Borough is more affordable than in neighboring Pittsburgh, with access to excellent schools and local amenities.
* Recreation & Parks: Residents enjoy parks, trails, and recreational facilities such as Boyce Park, Plum Creek Park, and Larry Mills Park, which offer hiking, biking, and outdoor activities year-round.
* Convenient Location: Just 13 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Plum Borough provides easy access to job opportunities, cultural institutions, and higher education facilities such as the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

## Academic Excellence

Plum Borough School District is committed to academic excellence, offering a robust curriculum that prepares students for success in college, careers, and beyond. The district provides:
* Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors Courses – Students can earn college credit and take challenging coursework to prepare for higher education.
* STEM & Career Readiness Initiatives: These initiatives emphasize hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
* Dual Enrollment Programs – Partnerships with local colleges allow students to earn college credits while still in high school.
* Award-Winning Academic Programs – Recognized for high graduation rates, student performance, and innovative teaching methods.

## Special Education & Student Support Services

The district prioritizes accessibility and inclusion, ensuring every student has the support needed to thrive academically and socially:
* Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans — Customized plans for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education.
* Mental Health & Counseling Services – School counselors and licensed professionals provide emotional and academic support.
* Gifted Education Program – Advanced coursework and enrichment opportunities for high-achieving students.
* Career & Transition Services – Job training, career exploration, and life skills programs for students with special needs.

## Extracurricular Activities & Athletics

Plum Borough School District offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, fostering leadership, teamwork, and creativity among students:
* Music & Performing Arts – Award-winning band, choir, and theater programs.
* Academic Clubs – Robotics Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Environmental Club, and more.
* Athletics – The district competes in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) and offers a range of sports:
* Fall Sports: Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball.
* Winter Sports: Basketball, Rifle, Swimming and Diving, Wrestling.
* Spring Sports: Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball.
* Club Sports: Indoor Track, Ice Hockey, Bowling, Crew.

## Plum Digital Learning Academy

The district provides flexible online learning options through the Plum Digital Learning Academy (PDLA), which allows students to tailor their education while maintaining access to district resources and extracurricular activities. Features include:
* Self-Paced & Hybrid Learning – Options for full-time virtual learning or a blended schedule with in-person classes.
* AP & Dual Enrollment Opportunities – Access to college-level coursework.
* Extracurricular Participation – PDLA students can still join school sports, clubs, and events.
* College & Career Readiness – Specialized career pathways and post-secondary preparation programs.

## Notable Alumni

Plum Borough School District has produced graduates who have excelled in various fields, including professional sports, entertainment, science, business, and public service. Many alumni have gone on to achieve national and international recognition.
Pat McAfee – Former NFL punter for the Indianapolis Colts, sports analyst, comedian, and host of The Pat McAfee Show. McAfee also played football at West Virginia University.
R. J. Umberger – Former NHL forward, played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was a standout hockey player at Ohio State University.
Scott McGough – Professional Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Johnny Costa – Renowned jazz pianist and long-time musical director of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Josh Croup – Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and television news anchor.
John Maday – Aerospace engineer at NASA, contributing to spacecraft navigation and propulsion systems.
Shea Hoffmann Murtaugh – Founder of a successful marketing agency and recognized business leader in the Pittsburgh area.
Kathleen Dudas Bostick – International business executive with over 35 years of experience in software, localization, and transportation industries.
Renee DeMichiei Farrow – Entrepreneur, small business advocate, and recipient of multiple business awards.
Toni G. Verstandig – Chair of the Aspen Institute's Middle East Program and Senior Vice President at the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace.
Cheryl Gatons – Elite marathon runner, qualified for the Olympic trials, and represented the U.S. in the World Marathon Championship.
These distinguished alumni demonstrate the district’s commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, and leadership development, inspiring future generations of Plum Borough students to reach their highest potential.