Pittsburgh Public Schools board approves closures, realignment plan

The Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted 6-2 with one abstention Wednesday to approve a realignment plan that shutters nine school buildings and shifts many others, despite public pushback.

“It’s always been about, ‘How do we position our district to not only perform for the young people that we have today, but also be ready to perform for the young people that would be in our trust for years to come?’ ” board President Gene Walker said. “While these changes are difficult, for me, the decision has not been.”

In addition to Walker, board members Dwayne Barker, Yael Silk, Eva Diodati, Tracey Reed and Tawana Cook Purnell voted in favor of the plan.

Devon Taliaferro and Emma Yourd voted against. Erikka Grayson abstained.