Wilkinsburg schools to take out $3M loan

[gg]

Originally Posted by ML North

Right.

Okay, I was somehow reading that to be a reversal. Too early for a single malt, so my brain isn't greased very well yet.

[squarian]

Originally Posted by ML North

However, I'm just asking school district separatists who are not stakeholders on either side of the argument to explain their rationale for choosing one group of kids over the other.

Obviously I'm not on that side of the discussion, but I think you make a fine point, and I can only speculate as to why others take the view they do.

When the districts in question are Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg, the difference in size seems to make people assume that it's a question of suitor and besought: that Wilkinsburg would need to come to the issue cap in hand, asking for a favor.

It has been argued here (by BrianTH, I recall) that the merger would not be that one-sided: if Wilkinsburg's students, parents, and taxpayers have something to gain by a merger, PPS has something to gain out of the deal also.

My point is that the entire region has something to gain. Wilkinsburg as a community has made some progress lately - enough to justify a belief that it is not a hopeless case.

But to the extent that Wilkinsburg school district and its tax rates are a barrier to economic development in the borough (indisputable, I think), and to the extent that, for reasons of geography, transportation networks, etc., the economic development of Wilkinsburg is important to the prosperity of the wider region, then resolving the school district's problems is not just to the benefit of Wilkinsburg's kids (clearly, it is that), but also the region as a whole.

Of course, part of the answer is to work out not just who would benefit from change, but who exactly benefits from the status quo.

[PGHproud]

Update!

Wilkinsburg school board approves $3 million loan - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

[groar]

PPS does have something to gain from the deal - they have approached wilkinsburg about a merger and the school board voted to not even discuss it. Wilkinsburg has never approached Pgh, although they really should (and some of the newer board members support it)

[PGHproud]

Election for School Board Members this May!
Does anyone know who on the board supports the PGH merger, and who does not?

[sealie]

If I had to make a wild guess, I'd say the three people voting no are trying to make some kind of a statement. But no, I don't know anything, and I doubt anyone would ever come right out and say anything. I'd also expect the newer board members are less resistant to change than the old ones, but that's another wild guess.

[sealie]

I can't figure if this is an interesting development or window dressing, but the WSD is seeking input from people who live and work in Wilkinsburg now:
http://wesa.fm/post/wilkinsburg-scho...y-hopes-change

Also, Ferlo seems to be meeting with residents on that issue:
Ferlo hosts talks on 'unsustainable' Wilkinsburg education - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette