Pittsburgh Public Schools Board expected to push in-person learning back to April

Pittsburgh Public Schools Board members are expected to make the “tough decision” next week to postpone the return of in-person learning until April 6, after the district’s spring break, board president Sylvia Wilson said Wednesday.

“No one wants students back in school more than I do,” Wilson said.

With covid-19 numbers remaining in the substantial range and concerns from students and staff about in-person class before being vaccinated, the board will vote Jan. 27 on a resolution to postpone the return.

Allegheny County health officials reported 463 new positive test results on Wednesday, along with 20 deaths.

The new date aligns with what district officials anticipate to be the completion of employee vaccinations this coming spring. As part of Phase 1B of vaccine distribution, Pittsburgh Public Schools staff received an interest survey this week to gauge who among the staff and bus drivers are seeking to be inoculated, according to Superintendent Anthony Hamlet.

“Getting our students back for in-person class is of the utmost importance,” Hamlet said. “I understand the concerns raised by the board; however, I’m very concerned about the students we know are struggling with remote learning.”

Hamlet said district officials hope to offer students increased professional development and new summer learning opportunities to help students.

Parents will be notified of any changes to the schedule for the return to in-person hybrid learning following the board’s vote.