Parents, teachers concerned about Pittsburgh Public Schools plan to return to classrooms

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Pittsburgh Public Schools board will vote this week on on a plan to hold in-person instruction for the first time since March.

The plan calls for the district to transition from fully virtual learning to a hybrid model beginning Nov. 9.

If you want to receive Allegheny County news alerts, please download our WPXI News App. You can also follow WPXI on Facebook and Twitter.

During a public hearing Monday night, the board heard from dozens of parents, teachers and staff members who said it’s not the right time to return to the classrooms.

Teacher Lorilyn Crabb said, “The unknowns are many and the answers are few as we enter the darkest 12 weeks in the COVID pandemic.”

Many who work in the district or have students in Pittsburgh Public Schools said they’re worried about the second wave of coronavirus cases in Allegheny County and across the state.

“It’s your decision to send kids back to school face to face will have potential to sicken and possibly kill grandparents, great aunts, uncles, mothers and fathers,” said teacher Sheila May-Stein.

The board also heard from those who work in the school buildings who said there isn’t enough personal protective equipment and that it would be impossible to police mask-wearing at all times.

Public comment is scheduled to resume Tuesday evening with nearly 100 additional speakers.

A board vote is scheduled for Wednesday.

Fall resurgence continues; Pennsylvania sees 21 straight days with more than 1,000 new cases

Cox Media Group