In 2017, the Erie School District made a major shift by converting East High School and Strong Vincent High School into middle schools to address budget challenges.
Now, six years later, district leaders are taking a fresh look at that decision. The Erie School Board has approved a resolution that begins the process of reevaluating how the district’s schools and grade levels are structured.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the board directed the superintendent to review the current grade configuration and determine whether it makes sense to consider a realignment plan. The resolution calls for an assessment of whether the district’s existing setup is practical, effective, and aligned with long‑term goals.
Board members are proposing a comprehensive study—likely led by an outside consultant—to examine possible options, financial impacts, and what reopening or restructuring high schools could mean for students and staff. The study would also take a closer look at overcrowding concerns at Erie High School.
Leaders emphasized that the process will be slow and deliberate, with the next steps now resting with the superintendent.
Mayor Daria Delvin, a former school board member, attended the meeting and said she plans to work with the district as the review moves forward.
Superintendent Dr. Natalyn Gibbs stressed that the resolution is simply the start of an evaluation, saying, “The resolution passed today does nothing more than ask us to review if our current school and grade configuration is working toward that success and to make recommendations for changes only if and when appropriate.”