The South Hills Area School Districts Association (SHASDA) is a consortium of school districts interacting to improve public education in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh.

School directors saw a need to coalesce on issues that could be dealt with politically.  Meeting monthly, they studied legislative proposals and contacted state representatives on behalf of local control of public education.

SHASDA communicates with the five state senators and fourteen members of the House who share the responsibility of representing in Harrisburg the people living in the SHASDA area.

The organization adopted bylaws in 2009.  Dues are assessed annually.  The only routine expenditures are the monthly meetings and the administrative assistant’s compensation and materials.  All other positions are staffed by volunteers.  Conference costs are paid by participating Boards, donations, and grants from various businesses.

SHASDA has sponsored a spring conference since 1978, attracting school directors, administrators, and students to the annual event.  Topics of past conferences have been School Finance, the Administrative Team, Act 195, Computers in Education, Striving for Excellence, At-risk Students, School Districts Taking Charge in Leading Change, Celebrating Learning, Total Quality Leadership, and Shaping the Future of Students.

The number of participating districts has increased considerably from the original twelve.  SHASDA currently has 23 district members.  Districts interested in membership should arrange a visit to a SHASDA board/superintendent meeting to obtain further information.