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Pittsburgh Public Schools health and safety plan doesn’t sit well with teacher’s union

PITTSBURGH — Mask use, social distancing protocols and cleaning procedures are just some of the proposed changes detailed by the Pittsburgh public schools district on Friday for their upcoming school year.

Nina Esposito-Visgitis, President of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, which represents over 3,000 members, tells Channel 11 they were never properly notified of the proposed health and safety plan from the district.

“Teachers, to be honest, are upset because they weren’t given any say-so in it.”

The plans includes mandatory mask-wearing for all students and employees while inside, 3 feet of social distancing between students, and 6 feet between adults inside of classrooms.

In addition, each school will be cleaned in the evenings.

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“With this new variant, that has me very worried too, so I am anxious to hear the district’s reasoning behind it. None of us have heard their reasoning.”

A statement from superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet said,

“As we prepare for the return of students for five days a week in-person instruction this August, we will continue to align our safety protocols and procedures with the recommendations of the CDC, state and local health departments.”

The plan will be presented to the public on Monday.

The school board will vote on the plan July 28.