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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Marc Gergely |
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Gergely proposes one year notice for school closures
HARRISBURG, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Marc Gergely, D-Allegheny, today announced that he is introducing legislation that would require Pennsylvania school boards to give more notice to staff, students and communities before closing high schools.
The lawmaker said he is proposing the bill in response to the public outcry following the closing of Duquesne High School last year.
"When a school is closing, the number one priority should be transitioning students in a way that does not affect their education," Gergely said. "Giving students, families and teachers only 60 days' time to prepare, as was the case in Duquesne, is asking too much."
Under Gergely's proposal, school boards would have to provide written notice to school staff of the decision to close a school at least one year in advance, rather than the existing 60-day notice requirement. School boards would also have to notify the state Department of Education of their decision.
Additionally, school boards would be responsible for notifying the public about a school's closure through publication in local newspapers. Currently, there is no law requiring public notification.
Gergely said neighboring districts that take in students from schools that close need a year to ensure they have enough materials and resources to accommodate the new students. Last year, displaced students from Duquesne High School were sent to both East Allegheny and West Mifflin schools.
"People from each school involved in this merger contacted my office distraught over the disruption in learning this might cause students," Gergely said. "Even after the students were settled, feedback continued to pour in about how this transition could have gone more smoothly. Those comments and concerns prompted me to draft this proposal."
Gergely said his proposal would also give displaced school staff additional time to find other employment or alternative career options.
The proposal is currently being circulated among House members for co-sponsors.
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