Feasibility Study
The District collaborated with HHSDR Architects, a Pittsburgh-based firm, to develop a comprehensive Feasibility and Facility Study to determine future plans for the School District. The Feasibility and Facility Study focuses on the primary and elementary school buildings as well as additional projects in the District based of the age of the buildings and structural needs.
The feasibility study prioritizes:
- Commitment and vision for the future and mission of the district
- Enhancing and updating facilities
- Air conditioning
- Right-sizing footprint
- Providing state-of-the art facilities for our children to learn
- Evaluating operational efficiencies
- Coupling with fiscal commitments and facilities management
- Developing and expanding our short-term and long-term plan for facilities
- We have 7 schools. Scott Primary and Shaler Area High School are in good condition. All remaining schools require significant work.
- Communicating needs, desires and the need to change mindsets.
Currently the Shaler Area School District approximately 3770 students with noticeable enrollment declines over the last 10 years and projected to continue. Additionally, our existing buildings have unused classrooms and capacity for future growth. For more information on historical enrollment trends and future projections please click below:
Proposed Timeline
- September 2025 – Internal staff presentations and feedback sessions
- September 29 – Community Forum Presentation – SAHS Auditorium
- October 2025 – Public presentation at a Committee of the Whole or Education Committee Mtg.
- November 2025 – Board consideration and formal approval of reconfiguration plan
- Winter–Spring 2026 – Community town halls and informational sessions regarding transition
- 2026–27 School Year –
- Final year of operation for SAES
- Implementation of full K–5 model in four renamed elementary schools
- Sixth-grade transition to Shaler Area Middle School
- Launch of closure hearing process (3-months prior to full closure of SAES) per PA Department of Education guidelines.
Additional Considerations
Swimming Pool Considerations
- Over the next year, a decision will need to be made regarding the future of the swimming pool at SAES.
- Options may include:
- Evaluating the cost-benefit of maintaining a swimming pool in the district.
- Considering future locations for a district pool, and
- Exploring rental options for student-athletes, similar to the arrangements currently used for our golf and bowling teams.
- Please note that the swimming pool will remain open and available for use through the end of 2027.
Attendance Boundaries
- Adjustments may need to be considered to balance enrollment and capacity. This will not initially occur and will commence with a Kindergarten class yet to be determined.
Lease/Rented Space
- Adjustments to rented space to Pre-K Counts
