School Safety and Beyond

Schools were never just a place to sit and learn math and literacy skills. Schools are at the center of a child and family’s life, as well as the community and educators embracing them. We know that not all schools are equitable or provide a safe place for students to grow and develop in the way they need. The triple crisis we are facing of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability and systemic racism at every level has beamed a bright spotlight on this truth.

While Pittsburgh Public Schools has made great strides toward creating equitable schools, the quest for education justice in our schools is a never-ending process, and we must continue to push forward in this work to ensure that all students, regardless of their race, gender or neighborhood, are provided with a high-quality education that sets high aims for student and staff safety, ensures equity in resources and prioritizes social-emotional well-being.

This report is intended to take a critical look at past efforts and identify proposals to strengthen and build upon. Supported by national and local research as well as Pittsburgh students and educator experiences, these solutions include: 

1. Implementing a Robust, Citywide Pre-Arrest School Police Diversion Program
2. Strengthening and Expanding Restorative Justice Programs
3. Fulfilling the Promise of Community Schools
4. Increasing Mental Health Supports and Trauma Awareness
5. Expanding Specialized Instructional Support Personnel
6. Investing in Pittsburgh’s Teacher Diversity Pipeline
7. Guaranteeing High-Quality Early Childhood Education for Every Student
8. Promoting Career and Technical Education