New clothes, school supplies and a new school are on the agenda for the former students of the high school in the Duquesne City School District.

Duquesne students may choose between the West Mifflin Area or East Allegheny school district to finish their education. In 2000, the Duquesne School District was declared distressed, which forced it to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the state Department of Education.

Duquesne's tax rate is the second highest in Allegheny County. For years, the district has been known for low test scores. There weren't many levels of foreign language classes, music classes, AP courses, or any extracurricular activities besides a few sports teams.

Christina Seaton, a 17-year-old senior, said she was very disappointed about the closing of her alma mater. She has attended Duquesne for five years and was a member of the basketball team. She worries about being accepted in a new school and said she just wants to "fit in."

Seaton will attend the East Allegheny School District along with some friends, but does not wish to continue her basketball career there for the time being.

On the other hand, Daja Tarver, a 15-year-old sophomore at West Mifflin Area High School, said she and other students in her district aren't happy about the decision made to transfer Duquesne students to their schools. She and others fear the transfer will foment trouble among the two factions.

As a member of West Mifflin's step team, Tarver feels that if Duquesne students decide to join the team, "it may be for the good or the bad."

First Published: August 3, 2007, 6:30 p.m.