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No delay; PPS students told to wait for buses to arrive

PITTSBURGH — For the second morning in a row, people contacted Channel 11 about roads in the city still covered in snow.

In Brookline, kids walk down Ballinger Street to Whited Street to get to the bus stop. Today they were expected to be there because Pittsburgh Public Schools did not delay school.

That led one woman to keep her grandchildren home today.

“Their streets have not been touched. Kids cannot get out to even get to the bus unless they're lucky enough to get the bus to come to their house. So they need think of those people. Hopefully, they'll give our kids an excused absence for not being able to get to school today,” Beth Sapienza said.

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District officials told Channel 11 there were challenges today because road conditions were inconsistent.

Officials with the Pittsburgh Public School district posted a message that alerted parents that some school vehicles might experience delays.

Parents were urged to have their kids at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time and wait to 20 minutes after the scheduled pickup time before calling the bus garage.

Parent Beatrice Lagorio of the North Side said that wasn't good enough.

"I was really surprised," she said. "I think they should have a delay, especially since we've been waiting out here for a very long time. ... It's been about 30 minutes and the bus still isn't even here."

District officials told Channel 11 this is the standard protocol when it comes to delayed transportation. They also said it is their priority to ensure all students have every opportunity to experience teaching and learning in a safe and welcoming environment.

"Hopefully they'll give our kids an excused absence for not being able to get to school today," Sapienza said.