The commission required changes to the school, even though the renovation plan already was out for bids following its review by the school board. The alterations, later approved by the commission, involve different kind of windows for the front of the building, moving a front-door ramp for the handicapped so it will be less visible from the street, and fewer changes to the school's greenhouse. He says Pittsburgh is recognized for having well-maintained schools. Our investment in our system's infrastructure may be coming back to bite us. They are adamant it will hurt the city if we raise taxes.
Many grade schools are overcrowded, while middle and high schools have empty classrooms.
The school district is debating a plan to redraw school boundaries and use empty spaces in the secondary schools for younger students. School officials have asked the commission for 90 days to review the 41 nominated schools and prepare arguments against preserving some of the schools. The city law establishing the commission may well face two future legal challenges, he continues. Several Catholic schools also have been nominated as landmarks, raising the separation of church and state issue. And the commission, in the Westinghouse review, indicated historical significance has precedence over aiding the disabled.