Several PPS parents, students rally against proposal to close schools WPXI [Video]

PITTSBURGH — Several parents, students and community members rallied in front of the PPS Administration building Monday chanting, “Closed minds close schools.”

They want their message to get across to administrators with Pittsburgh Public Schools. They’re demanding more answers as to what the facilities utilization plan means for students.

“We’re not hearing the transparency,” said a woman with 412Justice, an education rights group.

Some parents said there is still a lot of confusion about what the plan entails even after going to several town halls.

“It’s all about finances and buildings and there’s really nothing in there with what’s going to happen with our kids,” said PPS parent Jessie Merlin.

The plan takes a look at a number of schools operating at a capacity of 50% or less. As enrollment continues to decline and the school district’s massive budget gap grows, administrators have repeatedly said school closures are possible but …