The Tri-State Area School Study Council, housed within the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, has served as a trusted partner to school systems since its founding in 1948 by Dr. Maurice Thomas. For over seven decades, Tri-State has advanced educational leadership and organizational effectiveness across Western Pennsylvania by delivering high-quality technical assistance, strategic planning, and executive search services.
Tri-State’s impact is grounded in a robust network of more than 75 member school districts and a distinguished team of consultants that includes former superintendents and higher education faculty. This breadth of experience enables the organization to provide responsive, research-informed support tailored to the complex and evolving needs of K–12 education systems.
Through its work with school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and charter schools, Tri-State addresses critical challenges in educational leadership, policy implementation, and instructional improvement. The organization offers year-round professional learning and leadership development opportunities designed to strengthen district capacity and improve student outcomes.
As a core component of the School of Education’s Department of Teaching, Leading, and Learning, Tri-State also plays a vital role in developing the next generation of education leaders. Regional district leaders mentor graduate interns pursuing certification as K–12 Principals, Supervisors of Curriculum and Instruction, and Superintendents (Letter of Eligibility), ensuring a strong and sustainable pipeline of qualified leadership.
Support for Tri-State will expand its capacity to provide innovative, evidence-based services and leadership development programming to schools facing increasingly complex educational demands. Continued investment will directly strengthen regional education systems and enhance opportunities for student success across Western Pennsylvania.