Plum Borough School District PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
A Letter from Dr. Walsh,
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Dear Plum Borough Families,
What a year it has been for the Plum Borough School District! As we head into summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have shared. From the classroom to the stage, the athletic field to the workshop, our students have grown, challenged themselves, and demonstrated time and again what it means to be a Plum Mustang. It has been a privilege to witness their progress, and I could not be prouder of everything this community has accomplished together.
The district, our students, and our staff have achieved many significant accomplishments this year. Plum Borough School District was honored with the Great PA Schools Designation. This means we have excelled in several areas, including overall excellence in academic achievement, being community-centric, demonstrating financial well-being, and displaying resilience.
Plum Senior High School was named a National Banner Unified Sports Champion School this year. This designation means we go above and beyond in creating an inclusive environment where students with and without intellectual disabilities learn, play, and lead together. It shows that inclusion isn’ t just a program, it’ s part of the school’ s culture.
In performing arts, we have had an extraordinary number of students who qualified by audition to participate in the PA Music Educators Association( PMEA), Seton Hill, Alle-Kiski, and other festival event performances for band and chorus, including Julian Mendenhall chosen as the only bass player from the entire state of PA to perform in the PMEA All-State Jazz Band.
In athletics, there was a 72-hour timeframe where 3 teams were unstoppable. The girls soccer team won their WPIAL playoff game in a shootout, and the varsity football team knocked out Penn Hills after a game-winning kick was
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blocked, picked up, and pushed into the end zone, propelling the team to the playoffs. Then the boys soccer team also won their WPIAL playoff game in a shootout. We’ ve never seen a stretch like this before! The girls basketball team won its first section title in program history, and boys bowling repeated as the WPIBL champions.
Looking ahead, this summer will be one of transformation across our district. At Plum Middle School, summer renovation projects remain on budget as we prepare to replace select roof areas, the building chiller and implement improvements to the track and field, main entrance and front office. We are also preparing gymnasium upgrades that students, families and visitors will enjoy for years to come. Construction at O’ Block Elementary also continues on schedule and on budget. The new addition is taking shape beautifully, and we can’ t wait for our community to see the finished result.
Finally, congratulations to the graduating Plum Senior High School Class of 2026! We celebrate not just the completion of your academic requirements, but also the growth you have experienced, the friendships you have forged, and the valuable life lessons you have learned within the walls of Plum Borough School District. Each of you contributed uniquely to the spirit of our community, and your accomplishments are a testament to your individual talents and collective spirit.
As you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your lives— whether it be pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or dedicating yourselves to service— know that the foundation you built here will serve you well. Embrace the future with confidence, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and look forward to seeing the great things you will accomplish. The partnership of our families and community is the foundation upon which everything we do is built. Your trust, engagement, and belief in our students make Plum Borough Schools a place where young people can truly thrive. Thank you for another wonderful year, and I look forward to all that awaits us in the fall. Warmly,
Dr. Rick Walsh Superintendent, Plum Borough School District