# Plum Borough School District

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 3,579 students, with nearly 600 employees, including 232 teachers, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.
The district operates five schools:
* Plum Senior High School (Grades 9–12)
* Plum Middle School (Grades 7–8)
* Holiday Park Intermediate School (Grades 5–6)
* O'Block Elementary School (Grades K–4)
* Pivik Elementary School (Grades K–4)
The Plum Borough School District is bordered by seven other school districts: Penn Hills School District, Gateway School District, Riverview School District, and Allegheny Valley School District (across the Allegheny River). The district is also bordered by three school districts in neighboring Westmoreland County: Franklin Regional School District, Burrell School District, and New Kensington-Arnold School District.

## Notable Alumni

Plum Borough School District has produced graduates who have excelled in various fields, including sports, entertainment, public service, and business. Notable alumni include:
* Pat McAfee – Former NFL punter for the Indianapolis Colts, sports analyst, and host of *The Pat McAfee Show*.
* R. J. Umberger – Former NHL forward, played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets.
* Scott McGough – MLB pitcher, currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
* Josh Croup – Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and news anchor.
* John Maday – NASA aerospace engineer contributing to spacecraft navigation and propulsion systems.
* Johnny Costa – Renowned jazz pianist, best known as the musical director for *Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood*.
* Shea Hoffmann Murtaugh – Founder of a successful marketing agency and recognized business leader.
* Kathleen Dudas Bostick – An international business executive with over 35 years of experience in software, localization, and transportation industries.
* Renee DeMichiei Farrow – Entrepreneur, small business advocate, author, 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 graduates reflect Plum Borough School District’s commitment to excellence across academics, athletics, arts, and community service.

## Portrait of a Graduate Initiative

In the 2024–2025 academic year, the Plum Borough School District launched its Portrait of a Graduate initiative, a community-driven vision aimed at defining the key skills and attributes students need to succeed after high school. This initiative involved over 80 students, parents, educators, and community leaders who identified competencies that students should exemplify to be prepared for the evolving world beyond high school. The initiative ensures that instruction at every level is focused and strategic, providing students with a unified experience that equips them with the skills needed to achieve their ambitions.

## Recent Developments

* Leadership: Dr. Rick Walsh, a 1987 Plum High School graduate with over 30 years of experience in public education, was appointed as superintendent in 2023. His leadership focuses on curriculum development, strategic district-wide initiatives, safety planning, technology integration, and supporting the whole child.
* Financial Stability: In October 2024, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the district’s credit rating from A3 to A2, reflecting the district’s improved financial position, growing local economy, and steady student enrollments.
* Safety Enhancements: The district implemented the Centegix CrisisAlert System, providing staff with wearable badges that can trigger immediate alerts in emergencies, enhancing the safety and security of students and staff.

## Special Education Programming

Plum Borough School District provides exceptional special education services, ensuring all students receive individualized support in an inclusive environment. Programs emphasize co-teaching, differentiated instruction, and specialized interventions** to meet diverse learning needs.
Services and Supports
* Inclusive & Specialized Instruction – Co-taught and self-contained classrooms tailored to student needs.
* Autistic Support & Life Skills – Structured programs focusing on communication, social skills, and independence.
* Emotional & Behavioral Support – Counseling, social-emotional learning, and therapeutic interventions.
* Transition & Career Readiness – Job training, career exploration, and community partnerships for post-secondary success.
* Related Services – Speech, occupational, and physical therapy, plus assistive technology.
Plum Borough School District prioritizes **inclusion, accessibility, and post-secondary success**, ensuring students with disabilities are **exceptionally prepared for life beyond school**.

## Plum Digital Learning Academy

The Plum Digital Learning Academy (PDLA) is Plum Borough School District’s flexible online learning program, designed to provide students with a customized, high-quality education while maintaining access to district resources and extracurricular activities.
Program Features
* Personalized Learning – Self-paced courses with teacher support tailored to individual student needs.
* Hybrid & Fully Online Options – Students can choose between full-time virtual learning or a blended schedule with in-person classes.
* District-Aligned Curriculum – PDLA follows Plum's rigorous academic standards, ensuring seamless transitions between virtual and traditional classrooms.
* Extracurricular Access** – PDLA students remain eligible for sports, clubs, and school events while learning remotely.
* Career & College Readiness – Dual enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP), and career pathways prepare students for post-secondary success.
PDLA offers a flexible, innovative alternative for students seeking a personalized, technology-driven education while remaining connected to the Plum Borough School District community.

## Extracurricular Activities

Students have access to a variety of clubs, activities, and sports. The district's football team competes in the "5A" classification under the PIAA system, and the district operates a chapter of the National Honor Society.

### Athletics

The district is part of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) and offers:
Fall Sports:
* Cheerleading
* Cross Country (CoEd)
* Football (7–12)
* Soccer (Boys and Girls)
* Tennis (Girls)
* Volleyball (Girls)
Winter Sports:
* Basketball (Varsity Boys and Girls, 9th Grade teams)
* Rifle (CoEd)
* Swimming and Diving (Boys and Girls)
* Wrestling
Spring Sports:
* Baseball (Varsity and 9th Grade teams)
* Softball
* Tennis (Boys)
* Track and Field (Boys and Girls)
* Volleyball (Boys)
Club Sports:
* Indoor Track
* Ice Hockey
* Bowling
* Crew