PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Public Schools has a lot of priorities going into 2021, including getting students back in the classroom.
“This pandemic ripped the scabs off the inequities that existed here and across the nation for centuries,” Superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet said.
During a virtual news conference on Tuesday, school leaders, including Hamlet, said they plan to have some students back in the classroom by the end of January. Like in previous return to the classroom plans laid out by the district, it would begin as a hybrid model with special education students and those with special needs.
That could begin as early as Jan. 27.
Vaccine availability for teachers could also have an impact.
“We still want to restart our hybrid model. We would like them to be vaccinated as soon as possible. However, we are waiting just like everyone else,” said district physician Dr. Martin Gregorio.
Gregorio said the decision will be based on several COVID-19-related factors in Allegheny County, including viral transmission and the positivity rate. Students will be required to wear masks and social distance once in-person learning resumes.
Hamlet also emphasized steps being taken to improve equity, including a community task force to examine disproportionate rates of arrests and suspensions among Black students.
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