Public testimony split as Pittsburgh SD hears 3 Rivers Wildflower Montessori charter application

Stephanie Dobbs Lapine, founder and CEO of the proposed 3 Rivers Wildflower Montessori Charter School, asked the Pittsburgh SD board on Dec. 16 to approve her application to create a tuition‑free, high‑fidelity Montessori option for city families.

"This application is not about ideology. It is not about competition. It is about access," Lapine said in her seven‑minute presentation, describing a phased enrollment plan, conservative budgeting and explicit accountability measures for academic and financial performance.

Supporters — parents, a student and community leaders — described positive classroom experiences with Lapine and urged the board to allow the charter to open. Parent Dave Carlton said he trusted Lapine as a teacher and credited her with his child's academic gains. Student Belle Carson, speaking as a fifth‑year Montessori pupil, said she wants a full‑time Montessori elementary experience and asked the board to vote yes. Parent Sierra Maloney and others described Lapine as a motivating teacher who supported students' social‑emotional growth.

A licensed clinical social worker, Dana Warren, told the board Montessori practices support trauma‑informed, whole‑child development and long‑term family well‑being. Reverend Richard White recounted personal experience with Montessori instruction and urged the board to consider neighborhood benefits that come from alternative public models.

Several speakers urged caution. Carrie Thompson, a parent, said she supports expanding Montessori options but opposed opening new charters, arguing the district should direct resources to in‑district programs and address practical barriers such as pre‑K busing that limit access. Michael Cummings likewise urged the district to expand Montessori within Pittsburgh SD rather than approve competing charters.

Shannon Stryner warned the board about Pennsylvania charter funding rules and special‑education funding mechanics, saying, "Charters are paid a flat special education tuition rate based on district averages, not on the actual needs of the student," and that charters are not legally required to keep those funds in a separate special‑education bucket. She said that dynamic can leave higher‑need students in district schools and create long‑term fiscal pressure.

Emily Sawyer, who submitted full remarks in writing, said she admired Lapine personally but remains opposed to charters overall; she used her time to call for systemic culture change in the district, citing a 2023 equity audit and urging operational reforms before pursuing additional charter approvals.

Board president Jean Walker apologized for a mistaken start time posted on the district website, thanked speakers and said the board will review the full application and debate its merits before making a decision. The hearing was adjourned; the board's next legislative session was announced for the following evening.

What happens next

The board did not vote at the hearing. Members said they will review the application record and discuss the proposal at upcoming meetings before issuing any decision. Written testimony and the hearing video will be posted to the district website.

Sources and attributions

Quotes and attributions in this article come from public testimony at the Pittsburgh SD special public hearing on Dec. 16, 2025. Speakers quoted include Stephanie Dobbs Lapine (founder/CEO, 3 Rivers Wildflower Montessori Charter School); Dave Carlton (parent); Belle Carson (student); Dana Warren (licensed clinical social worker); Shannon Stryner (parent/advocate); Emily Sawyer (commentator).