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Friday, January 17, 2003

By Carmen J. Lee, Post-Gazette Education Writer

The task force charged with making recommendations for improving the Pittsburgh Public Schools has decided to finish its research and deliberations before releasing any findings.

Mayor Tom Murphy's Commission on Public Education had originally planned to release interim findings around the beginning of this year but now has asked the mayor for permission to withhold its report until the work is complete.

"The commission believes it would not be constructive to present half-formed ideas, incomplete proposals or findings and conclusions that were not fully considered," said Eloise Hirsh, the commission's director. "The members of the commission are committed to producing a report that is thoughtful, thoroughly researched and sound in its conclusions and recommendations."

She added that the task force also would prefer to deliver a full report that would include public input and final research findings by the Rand Corp. and the Pennsylvania Economy League, which are serving as consultants.

Murphy spokesman Craig Kwiecinski said the mayor was pleased with the task force work and understood the need for more time "given the complexities of the issues."

The commission is slated to finish its work in late March and have a draft report available for public comment in April. Subcommittees have been reviewing three areas: funding and financial management; leadership and governance; and student performance, achievement and accountability.

Murphy formed the 38-member commission last summer in response to a decision by three foundations, The Heinz Endowments, the Pittsburgh Foundation and the Grable Foundation, to withhold nearly $4 million in grants to the district.

Foundation officials said ongoing disputes among school board members and between some board members and Superintendent John Thompson had caused their organizations to lose confidence in the district's leadership.

For more information about the commission and its work, go to www.educationcommission.org.

Carmen Lee can be reached at clee@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1884.