Harrisburg Schools Propose Controversial Middle School Closures

Public raises concerns over overcrowded classrooms and lack of student support following proposed consolidation.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:35am

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The Harrisburg School District held a public hearing to discuss proposals to close two of the district's middle schools, Marshall Academy and Rowland Academy. The closures have sparked concerns from local leaders and the public about the impact on class sizes and student support, with some arguing the changes will lead to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of resources for struggling students.

Why it matters

The proposed school closures are part of the district's ongoing efforts to restructure its middle school system, which has faced challenges with declining enrollment and resource constraints. The public reaction highlights the tensions between the district's goals and the community's concerns about the potential consequences for students, especially those who may need more individualized attention and support.

The details

Under the proposals, Marshall Academy is already in 'inactive status' and has not enrolled new students since the 2023-24 school year, with students instead being absorbed into the Marshall Math Science Academy or enrolling at other schools. Rowland Academy, which currently only has 8th grade students, is set to close at the end of the 2026-27 school year as approved by the district's previous receivership. The board will vote on the Rowland closure during a June meeting.

  • The Harrisburg School District held a public hearing on the proposed middle school closures on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Rowland Academy, which only has 8th grade students this school year, had an enrollment of 353 students during the 2024-25 school year.
  • Rowland Academy is set to close at the end of the 2026-27 school year, as approved by the district's previous receivership.
  • The board will vote on the Rowland closure during a June 2026 meeting.

The players

Harrisburg School District

The public school district serving the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which is proposing the closure of two middle schools as part of its ongoing efforts to restructure its middle school system.

Jocelyn Rawls

A Harrisburg City Council member who has children in the school district and spoke at the public hearing, expressing concerns about overcrowded classrooms and the lack of support for students.

Annie Hughes

A member of the Harrisburg School Board who raised concerns about the average class size at Camp Curtain, where 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students would be consolidated following the proposed closures.

Melanie Cook

A Harrisburg resident who expressed concerns about having all middle school students under the same roof, citing a previous unsuccessful attempt by the district to restructure in a similar way.

Sheila Turner

The parent of a student at the Marshall Math Science Academy, who shared concerns about the impact of combining regular and application-based students.

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What they’re saying

“Every student who is not accepted to an application program is thrown in Camp Curtain, and they know exactly what is thought of them. And they act as such.”

— Jocelyn Rawls, Harrisburg City Council member

“I am sick of these overcrowded classrooms and these teachers doing it on their own.”

— Jocelyn Rawls, Harrisburg City Council member

“You take children that need help, and there is no help for these children that need help. And then you expect them to be a good child or try to get their education. They're just pushed to the curb.”

— Sheila Turner, Parent of a Marshall Math Science Academy student

“I have seen the major, major difference in that school [Marshall Math Science Academy] when they combined regular students and application students together.”

— Sheila Turner, Parent of a Marshall Math Science Academy student

What’s next

The Harrisburg School Board will vote on the proposed closure of Rowland Academy during a June 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

The proposed middle school closures in Harrisburg have sparked concerns from the community about the potential impact on class sizes, student support, and the equitable treatment of all students, regardless of their academic performance. As the district continues to restructure its middle school system, it will need to carefully balance its goals with the needs and concerns of students, parents, and the broader community.