Parents of students at Peebles Elementary School asked North Allegheny School Board members Wednesday to keep their school open.

A consultant recommended last month that the district close Peebles in order to cut costs and use other McCandless schools to their full capacity. McCandless' population is remaining stable, not growing.

But parents from Peebles and Hosack Elementary schools told board members that McCandless has what other municipalities in the district do not -- affordable homes for young families. Several said they purchased their homes specifically because Peebles is a small neighborhood school.

"My consulting advice to you is to not close a top performing, recently-renovated school in a stable part of the district," said Tara Fisher. "McCandless counts for over 50 percent of district's enrollment."

The parents suggested that the district instead consider outsourcing its transportation department to a private contractor.

First Published: September 13, 2012, 2:00 a.m.