State reviewing potential Duquesne-McKeesport school districts merger

A consolidation could provide relief for the embattled Duquesne district.

By KELLEN STEPLER
TribLive

The state Department of Education will conduct an “in-depth analysis” on potentially consolidating the Duquesne City and McKeesport Area school districts, according to a report obtained by TribLive.

A consoldation could provide relief for the embattled Duquesne district, which has been considered “financially distressed” for the past 26 years and operates one K-8 building with a student enrollment of 443.

The recommendation comes as the state concluded the first phase of a feasibility study assessing the education, financial, administrative and community impacts of potentially consolidating Duquesne with either the McKeesport Area, West Mifflin Area, East Allegheny or Pittsburgh Public school districts. Surveys were distributed in each of those communities in March.

Duquesne schools spokesman Jeremy Tepper was unable to comment on the recommendation. McKeesport Area officials didn’t immediately return a request for comment Wednesday afternoon.

Why consolidate?

The report notes that Duquesne is currently in good financial standing, including increasing its fund balance by about $4.5 million and decreasing its outstanding debt by $1.2 million since the 2021-22 school year. All bills are paid on time, and a recent audit indicates there were no weaknesses or significant deficiencies with district finances.

But despite those accomplishments, the report says, Duquesne faces structural challenges. The district faces persistent shortfalls and, if no corrective action is taken, its fund balance will be completely exhausted by the 2030-31 school year.

And Duquesne underperforms academically, despite efforts to make improvements. Less than 10% of Duquesne students scored proficient or advanced in state assessments in the 2024-25 school year.

Duquesne is in receivership, which is the most restrictive designation of financial recovery, requiring direct oversight of educational, financial, and operational functions, said Erin James, a spokeswoman for the Department of Education. In 2007, the district closed its high school for financial reasons.

In the past six years, seventh and eighth grade Duquesne students were able to return to the district, a win for the community and staff. But in May 2024, the state denied Duquesne’s plans to restart its high school because of finances. Duquesne Superintendent Sue Mariani told TribLive in March that the district needed to prove financial longevity, which is difficult to do with a small tax base.

The city’s population was about 5,000 as of July 2024. About 23% of its residents are in poverty, and 89% of students are considered economically disadvantaged.

A consolidation would mitigate some pressure in Duquesne’s budget, the report said, and provide the consolidated school district with financial stability to direct more funds to the classroom.

Duquesne would bring “a number of strengths” to its new partner, including additional students, staff and financial resources. A consolidated district would also provide greater support, access and opportunities to Duquesne students and families, the report said.

Why McKeesport?

The report said that, from a financial and operational perspective, there are fewer instances of financial issues if Duquesne were to join McKeesport. It cites McKeesport’s onsite career and technology education courses, and a planned renovation at the high school, as offering significant programming opportunities for Duquesne students.

McKeesport has increased its fund balance over the past five years, the report said, and its tax rates are lower than Duquesne’s, which would provide relief to taxpayers. McKeesport per-student spending was the lowest of the districts reviewed, which indicates there may be additional economies of scale for Duquesne, the report said. And McKeesport’s high school is the second- closest high school to Duquesne by mileage.

But a Duquesne-McKeesport consolidation wouldn’t be without challenges.

Survey results noted difficulties with safety and discipline among McKeesport students, and several responses cited rival gang relationships between the two communities. McKeesport has a high level of students with disabilities, and additional support would be needed to accommodate Duquesne students.

Duquesne’s student body would also double the population of English Language Learners in McKeesport, the report said.

Why not West Mifflin, East Allegheny or Pittsburgh?

When Duquesne closed its high school in 2007, its high school students had the option to attend either West Mifflin Area or East Allegheny high schools. 219 Duquesne students attended West Mifflin Area and 27 attended East Allegheny at the end of last school year.

But the report doesn’t recommend those districts as a partner for Duquesne.

Community survey results by the West Mifflin and East Allegheny communities contained negative sentiment for a potential consolidation more so than the other districts. East Allegheny administrators noted community tensions in integrating Duquesne high school students that persist.

West Mifflin has increased its fund balance over the past four years, but its tax rates are significantly higher than Duquesne’s, and its state subsidy formulas would result in fewer resources allocated to Duquesne students than they currently receive.

West Mifflin administrators said a new elementary school would be needed if Duquesne students joined, and East Allegheny officials reported that a new middle school would be required if Duquesne merged.

East Allegheny had a persistent negative fund balance, and it would need to stabilize its own finances before combining with Duquesne, the report said.

Pittsburgh Public Schools oversaw Duquesne in the 2006-07 school year. Pittsburgh Public’s survey results indicated it would be difficult to integrate Duquesne students as its school consolidation plan is underway.

Pittsburgh drew down its fund balance in the most recent audit, and its budget has forecasted negative results in future years, the report said. PPS also has the highest per-student spending of the group. Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill is the furthest high school of the group from Duquesne.

What’s next?

The Duquesne-McKeesport analysis will include a further evaluation of governance, finance, school facilities and safety, school climate and educational programs, said James, the education department spokeswoman.

The department is also working with Duquesne school leadership to establish an advisory committee through the next phase of the study. The committee will have representation from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Duquesne and McKeesport school districts; and include a process to incorporate public feedback.

The committee will review potential district governance, coordination and support for consolidation, safety and security, programming, staffing contracts, capital plans, local taxes, funding and budget planning.

Duquesne plans a school community forum in August.

The complete study, which will include findings and recommendations, will be done no later than March 1, James said.