Speaking for a Homewood group, a University of Pittsburgh professor last night proposed adding middle-grade students to Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School and making the school a sports science magnet.

John Wallace, associate professor of social work, said students could concentrate their studies in one of four areas -- sports and medicine, sports and management, sports and information technology or sports and society.

Dr. Wallace made the presentation at a community meeting on the future of Westinghouse and its feeder schools, Pittsburgh Faison PreK-8 in Homewood and Pittsburgh Lincoln K-8. The meeting was called by Pittsburgh Public Schools officials who are overhauling high schools district-wide.

"Sports is a hook" for interesting young people in education, Dr. Wallace told an audience of about 50 at Westinghouse. Dr. Wallace, also a Homewood pastor, said the proposal was developed by an ad-hoc community group.

Under the proposal, which drew concern from two district principals, Westinghouse would become a school for grades six through 12. The district already is planning four such schools in other neighborhoods.

Faison would send its middle-grade students to Westinghouse, Dr. Wallace said. Dr. Wallace did not mention Lincoln, but Derrick Lopez, district chief of high school reform, said changes must involve Lincoln, too.

Superintendent Mark Roosevelt less than three years ago expanded the Faison and Lincoln elementary schools to take in middle-grade students. The idea of another change brought criticism last night from Regina Holley, Lincoln principal and president of the Pittsburgh Administrators Association.

"We have already made our plans for our students in kindergarten through the eighth grade," Dr. Holley said, noting the school recently kicked off a pre-engineering program. She warned that parents will send their children to charter schools if district officials bungle a Westinghouse project.

Mr. Lopez said the district cannot keep the status quo at Westinghouse, which enrolls 335 students but has space for 1,000. Utility bills are high, he said, and "a full range of electives for youngsters doesn't exist here."

Many parents in the feeder pattern send their children to other high schools because of Westinghouse's chronic academic difficulties, Dr. Wallace said. He said the district might reverse that trend with a revitalized Westinghouse that not only offered a sports science magnet but also an extended school day, enhanced social services, gender-separate classes, daily physical education classes and partnerships with universities and the city's professional sports teams.

Westinghouse Principal Shemeca Crenshaw said Dr. Wallace's portrayal of the school was too negative. She said any changes should build on improvements the school has made in recent years -- including higher test scores and lower teacher turnover.

Other meetings will be held to discuss last night's proposal and other ideas the public offers for Homewood schools.