THE ROAD TO BUILDING TRUST

Now more than ever, urban public education is under a microscope in a world where it's increasingly important to have more than a high school diploma to succeed. Media coverage hyper-focused on negative student behavior, less than stellar student achievement results, and increased choice available through charter and non-public school programs leave families unsure about their options

Unstable federal and state education funding has led to school districts' need to make tough decisions, i e , close schools, increase class sizes, and furlough staff According to the 2022 "EdChoice Schooling in America Survey,"

61% of Americans thought the education system was on the wrong track, and 34% thought it was headed in the right direction.

When parents were asked specifically, 52% thought the education system was on the wrong track, and 48% were in the right direction.

Charter and private school parents were most likely to name academic quality or reputation as a top-three factor in choosing a school.

From 2019 to 2020, all sectors saw an increase in the share of parents indicating a "safe environment" was a top reason they chose their school. Rates have since dropped toward prepandemic levels.

More than two-thirds of the public support school vouchers Overall support remains higher than pre-pandemic levels

The Pittsburgh Public Schools offers its students a variety of options and opportunities that make it marketable among a competitive field of options for families but with so many varying opinions, stakeholders must trust the DIstrict is committed to providing safe, welcoming educational environments where they and their children belong