USC-WAVES is a grassroots, nonpartisan educational advocacy group in Upper St. Clair (USC)  dedicated to promoting value and excellence in our public schools. USC-WAVES supports the highest standard of excellence in education for all children in USC. In addition to supporting academic excellence, USC-WAVES works to encourage good governance and community involvement in school decision making, and an engaged and informed electorate.

Background

The group evolved in response to a crisis in February 2006. Over the protests of parents, students, academics, seniors and business people, and by a narrow vote of 5 to 4, the school board majority suddenly eliminated the district’s entire International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which served 785 students— 20% of the student body on February 20, 2006.

The Majority’s disrespectful posture toward residents and its unprecedented action galvanized the community. The cancellation of the IB Program was the first concern for parents, but it wasn’t the last. Residents soon realized this was the beginning of the many questionable governance actions by the school board majority. The result? This grass-roots education advocacy group, USC-WAVES, took hold and grew stronger.