Press Event Today

MEDIA ADVISORY: Monday, June 16, 2008, 6:30pm, Press Conference
Pittsburgh Board of Education 341 S. Bellefield Avenue - Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Save Schenley Advocates "Speak Truth to Power"

CONTACTS: Tim Stevens: (412) 758-7898 and Kathy Fine (412) 361-7904
Visual for Press Conference: Large Poster with Report Card that show grades for the School District Administrators, School Board, Students, Parents and Community.


ADVOCATES DEMAND THAT SCHENLEY HIGH SCHOOL BE SAVED FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS AND THAT ALL SPENDING STOP UNTIL THERE IS A PLAN FOR COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL REFORM.

Pittsburgh—A cross-section of Schenley High School advocates representing, parents, students, alumni, community leaders will gather for a Press Conference in front of the Pittsburgh Board of Education Building in Oakland at 6:30pm. Speakers will address issues regarding the lack of a comprehensive plan, safely dealing with asbestos concerns; Green Building, Alternative fiscal and academic plans, transparency, other Reform Proposals and the demand that Superintendent Roosevelt and reform chief Derrick Lopez refrain from writing and saying to other community people we respect, that the Schenley advocates are "the opposition". They have used this tactic to divide the Pittsburgh Public School community along racial and class lines which is a shameful way to push through their high school reform agenda.

Following the press conference at the 7pm Public Hearing where there are currently 65 speakers scheduled which is a strong indication of how important these issues still are. Many Schenley advocates will be asking that the school board "Vote No" to close Schenley on June 25th, demand more information from the administration and take more time to evaluate a complete and comprehensive plan addressing all high schools, all buildings, all programs and enrollment.

Schenley advocates will continue their relentless and noble quest to "Save Schenley" and to improve high school reform for all children, Tuesday, June 17th at 6:00 P.M. where they petitioned and secured the right to have a Public Hearing held before Pittsburgh City Council. City residents are urged to sign up to speak by calling 412-255-2138. Saving Schenley and having good comprehensive high school reform IS a citywide issue and concern that will have a dramatic effect on our quality of life for many years to come.

Schenley advocates are urging the Pittsburgh community to show their support by coming out in full force for these hearings.