Recovery Plan

District Recovery Plan

Authority and Purpose

On October 11, 2000, Eugene W. Hickok, then Secretary of Education, certified Duquesne City School District as a distressed school district pursuant to section 691 of the Public-School Code, which has been repealed. The School District was managed under a Board of Control, which had its first legislative action meeting on November 27, 2000. From 2000 until 2012, the District continually remained subject to a declaration of financial distress and operated under the Board of Control, when it was designated as a severe financial recovery school district. Consistent with the subsequent Financial Recovery Act 141 of 2012, the School District was placed in Receivership and a Financial Recovery Plan was implemented on April 2, 2013. Should any ambiguity exist between the original Financial Recovery Plan of 2013, the Duquesne City School District Financial Recovery Plan of 2025 shall take precedence. That Recovery Plan can be viewed by clicking here.

School District Benefits of Receivership

Assignment of Receivership of the School District in 2013 was a result of fiscal instability and poor academic performance, considering all aspects of financially distressed operations. The benefits of Receivership have preserved, protected, and enhanced the value of assets through a variety of assistance including, but not limited to, an advance of state subsidies, a transitional loan, targeted grants, and professional development programs funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Under Receivership, the School District has been able to be more efficient and expeditious to secure, manage, and stabilize assets from further deterioration. Equally important, liabilities and contested financial matters have been eliminated. District policies and procedures have been implemented and restrictions enacted for proper accounting by effectively managing cash flow, debt service, and timely payment of all financial obligations. Receivership has provided an intense level of intervention for student achievement growth and achievement, professional development, and financial accountability – a triangular relationship for continuous school improvement.

The various Court appointed Receivers and the PDE-assigned Chief Recovery Officers for the Duquesne City School District have been an integral part of the Financial Recovery Plan, as amended. Each has collaborated through interactive dialogue with key stakeholders of the School District, the PDE, Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), and Public Financial Management (PFM).

Each fiscal quarter since 2013–2014, the Duquesne City School District has been in good financial standing. There have been no unpaid or contested invoices; and, all payroll, benefit expenditures, debt service obligations and tuition payments have been made in a timely manner.

The Single Audit Report of June 30, 2024, indicates there is no threatened or pending litigation against the Duquesne City School District. Further, the School District is unaware of any other unasserted claims or assessments involving the School District.

Status of Continuing Operations

Concerted efforts for continuous school improvement of curriculum, instruction, and assessment are an integral part of the Duquesne City School District delivery system for educational programs and services based on collaborative and professional working relationships among the administration, faculty, and support staff. Financial sustainability, transparency, and accountability – including updates of projections as part of the Annual Budget planning and approval process – are also an integral part of continuous efforts for school improvement.

On March 4, 2025, Petition for the Extension of Receivership and Appointment of a Receiver was filed by PDE with the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. The District Solicitor filed a Motion with the Court to consider and approve the 2025 Duquesne City School District Financial Recovery Plan (FRP). The Court held a Public Hearing on March 26, 2025, in the Duquesne K-8 Auditorium at 4:30 PM, for the purpose of Extension of Receivership and Appointment of a Receiver. On March 28, 2025, the Honorable Alan D. Hertzberg issued Court Orders that extended Receivership three years, April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2028; approved the re-appointment of the Court-Appointed Receiver; and approved the School District’s Financial Recovery Plan

Court-Appointed Receiver

The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Education for the Department of Education, appointed William H. Kerr, Ed. D. as Receiver for the Duquesne City School District, effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028.

Governance and Administration

Dr. Sue A. Mariani, Chief School Administrator, is supervised by Dr. William H. Kerr, who was reappointed as the Court-Appointed Receiver, effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2028. Dr. Kerr reports to the Duquesne City Board of School Directors, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), and the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Dr. Kerr reports to Judge Alan D. Hertzberg and to Dr. Carrie Rowe, Secretary of Education, via Dr. Gina Colarossi, Special Advisor to the Secretary.

The Duquesne City Board of School Directors consists of the following members:

1. Board President Sonya Gooden

2. Board Vice President Rosia Reid

3. School Director Jocelyn Brown

4. School Director Candice Butler-Davis

5. School Director Burton Comensky

6. School Director Laura Elmore

7. School Director Calvina Harris

8. School Director Connie Lucas-Kemp

9. School Director Cedric Robertson

Under Act 141 of 2012, the Court-appointed Receiver is assigned the responsibility and authority of the elected Board of School Directors in almost all matters, including academic, financial, and school operation oversight. Through a collaborative, professional working relationship with the elected Board and all key stakeholder, the primary goal is to do what is best for Duquesne City students educationally and what is fiscally responsible for its citizens.

Select the following link to review the provisions of: Act 141 of 2012

Select the following link to review FAQ regarding Act 141: Act 141 Frequently Asked Questions

Select the following link to review the Court-Appointed Receiver Statement, updated August 2023: Receiver Statement 2023-2024

Mission Statement

Duquesne K-8 school will provide rigorous instruction and personalized learning opportunities for all learners. We will foster academic achievement and be intentional in supporting all social and emotional needs. We will provide career readiness opportunities that will connect to real world experiences and capitalize on each students’ strengths. We will maximize student success in all learning environments through our vested partnerships and our school community. We aim to empower and cultivate excellence in which adults and students will grow. We will meet the needs of our school community through positive relationships that will inspire trust, emotional safety and respect while providing high quality instruction and tailored learning experiences.