SUPERINTENDENT’ S
M E S S A G E
BY DR. AMY M. BURCH
HONORING THE PAST rentwood Borough SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
For generations, Elroy and Moore Elementary schools have been at the heart of Brentwood Borough. They are places where traditions were born, where friendships took root and where dedicated educators shaped the lives of countless students. The pride we share in our schools reflects the strength and character of this community.
After thoughtful planning and careful consideration, the Board of School Directors voted in May to close Elroy and Moore schools and are scheduled to open a new, unified Brentwood Elementary School designed to serve all Brentwood Borough students for the 2026- 2027 school year.
I want to acknowledge that this decision carries deep emotion. These schools hold memories that cannot be replaced. Band concerts, fun classroom lessons, talent shows, field days, first days of kindergarten and the steady presence of teachers and staff who have given so much of themselves to our children. We honor those traditions and the extraordinary educators who built them. Their impact will not end with the closing of these buildings but will instead be carried forward with every student they inspire at our new elementary school.
This transition is not about leaving our past behind, it is about bringing our best traditions with us and building upon them. The new school will give us opportunities we have never had before: modern learning spaces, enhanced resources and the ability to bring our students and staff together under one roof to collaborate, connect and grow.
Most importantly, the spirit of Brentwood Borough will remain unchanged. The relationships, the commitment in striving for excellence, and the sense of community that defines us will continue to guide everything we do. Our teachers and staff will remain the foundation of that spirit, and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way as we make this transition together.
Change is never easy, but it also brings possibilities. Together, we have the chance to create a school that reflects both where we have been and where we are going. It will be a place where every child in Brentwood Borough can thrive.
Thank you for your continued support, your trust and your dedication to our students.
ELROY AND MOORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HISTORICAL TIMELINE
1912 – The first Moore School opens in a two-story building on East
Willock Road. 1912 – The Moore School is damaged by a fire on November 1. 1914 – A general citizens meeting is held on August 10 with 64 attendees who vote to compel the Baldwin Township School Board to build a new school; with the ground-breaking later in the year for a new Moore Elementary School.
1914, 1941 & 1997 – Moore Elementary is designated a Historic Landmark by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
1915 – Brentwood Borough and the Brentwood Borough School District are incorporated. The first school board meeting held November 17 with William R. McShane serving as Board President.
1916 – Brentwood Borough School Board takes over the Moore School from Baldwin Township School District in July. A flag-raising ceremony had been held on the grounds of the school on Memorial Day.
1916 – Moore Elementary School opens in September with four classrooms and approximately 100 students. The original teaching staff was comprised of: Wilda J. Cooke( grades 3-4), Sarah McChesney( grades 1-2), Martha Wolfe( grades 5-6) and Mabel Moore. Hazel S. Parcell is the principal.
1917 – School Board authorizes purchase of 2.25 acres on Elroy Avenue from the estate of William Bennett for the building of a new school at the intersection of East Francis and Elroy Avenues.
24 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
1918 – Increasing school population forces the use of one room in the Borough Municipal Building for classes. Martha Wolfe’ s Moore students move to the Municipal Building.
1919 – Two rooms in the McGibney School in Baldwin( Churchview
Avenue) are rented for Brentwood students. 1920 – Construction begins on Elroy Elementary School. 1920 & 1925 – Elroy Elementary is designated a Historic Landmark by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. 1921 – Elroy Elementary School opens. Some students were still attending classes in the Municipal Building when the school opens. 1920’ s – Students who opted to attend high school were able to attend one of the following high schools for $ 90 per year, per student, paid by the Brentwood SD: Carrick, Schenly, South and Union.
1925 – Elroy graduates 11 boys and 2 girls from 8th grade in the Spring. Students were required to pass state exams in English, Grammar, Spelling, Math, History, Geography and Government to graduate.
1925 – Additions begin to expand Moore to nine classrooms and Elroy to 13 classrooms.
1928 – Physical education is introduced with future Elroy principal Leo Harrold serving as instructor. 1929 – The Moore School Dramatic Club presents the play,“ The Land of Forgetfullness” on May 3. 1930 – The first Brentwood Borough High School( ninth grade) starts in the basement of Elroy.