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Pittsburgh school board hears public testimony on 3 Rivers Wildflower Montessori charter application
Summary
At a Dec. 16 special hearing, parents, educators and community leaders largely urged approval of the 3 Rivers Wildflower Montessori charter to expand access to Montessori instruction; opponents warned that additional charters and current Pennsylvania funding rules can divert special‑education dollars and worsen district finances. The board will review the full application before deciding.
PITTSBURGH — On Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, the Pittsburgh School Board held a special public hearing on the 3 Rivers Wildflower Montessori Charter School application and heard more than a dozen speakers over roughly two hours before adjourning without a vote.
Stephanie Dobbs Lapine, founder and CEO of the proposed 3 Rivers Wildflower Montessori Charter School, opened the hearing with a seven‑minute presentation. "This application is not about ideology. It is not about competition. It is about access," Lapine said, arguing the charter would provide tuition‑free, Montessori microschools designed to serve diverse learners across Pittsburgh with fidelity to Pennsylvania academic standards and clear accountability measures.
Supporters included parents, current and former Pittsburgh Montessori students and community leaders who credited Lapine…
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