The Wilkinsburg School District will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, December 1, to celebrate the completion of the newly renovated and expanded Kelly Primary School. The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Kelly Primary, located at 400 Kelly Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.
The project included a full renovation and a new addition to the decades-old structure, improving both the interior and exterior of the building. Updates include new classrooms, a Matt’s Maker Space, an updated library, a new playground, flexible learning areas, and resource rooms such as a sensory room. The new addition also provides expanded office space for family meetings and support services, along with an elevator to ensure full accessibility.
The renovation addressed key goals of modernizing the building, enhancing safety and functionality, and creating a welcoming learning environment. Work included excavation and construction of a foundation-support wall for the new addition, updated finishes, windows, flooring, and HVAC and electrical systems throughout the second floor, and a new 4-inch water line to support the sprinkler system. A new traffic pattern and parking lot were also completed to ensure safe student drop-off and pick-up.
“We are thrilled to unveil this beautiful new space for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Jocelyn Artinger. “Renovations were underway before I joined the district in July 2025, and it’s exciting to finally share the completed project with our students, families, and the entire Wilkinsburg community. We also welcome prospective students and their families to attend and explore everything Kelly Primary has to offer.”
Community members, families, staff, local leaders, and prospective students are invited to celebrate this milestone. Guests are asked to RSVP by Friday, November 28, at bit.ly/ribbon-cutting-RSVP.
The renovation of Kelly Primary, originally built in 1969, was funded primarily through ESSER funds and several grants. Construction began in the summer of 2024 and was completed in November by The Efficiency Network (TEN).