Teachers return to Oliver Citywide Academy after student’s murder in school van

PITTSBURGH — Teachers and staff returned to Pittsburgh Oliver Citywide Academy on Wednesday for the first time since a student was shot and killed while inside a school van last week.

The teachers and staff had been working remotely since the tragic incident. Students will continue learning from home until next Wednesday.

>>PREVIOUS STORY: Pittsburgh Oliver Citywide Academy to undergo gradual reentry process in response to shooting

As educators filed into the building, they were greeted by faith leaders and community members from the Jewish Community Center’s Center for Loving Kindness and other faith groups from across the city.

“When our neighbors are having challenges, we want to be there for them,” said Rabbi Ron Symons, the founding director for the JCC’s Center for Loving Kindness. “Could you imagine what it’s like to be someone working in a school nowadays? The challenges of education at large, and then overlay that COVID, and then overlay that the murder here. It’s just daunting.”

Last Wednesday, Oliver Citywide student Marquis Campbell was shot twice in the chest and died. Pittsburgh police are still searching for two people in connection to his killing.

>>STORY: Medical Examiner identifies 15-year-old boy killed on school van outside Oliver Citywide Academy

“The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police continues to actively and thoroughly investigate this senseless crime,” said Chief Scott Schubert in a statement to Channel 11 News. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Marquis Campbell. No parent should have to send their child to school with the fear that they will not return home at the end of the day. This violence must stop. Pittsburgh Police have an excellent working relationship with Pittsburgh Public School Police and Oliver Citywide Academy and we will continue to fully support them and offer them any assistance they need as they return to the school.”

Ebony Pugh, a spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Schools, said the district appreciates the outpouring of support it has received from the community. She added that Mayor Ed Gainey, the district’s interim superintendent and school board members held a private meeting with Oliver Citywide Academy teachers and staff Wednesday.

When students return to school next Wednesday, school police plan to have additional resources on hand at arrival and dismissal times, according to Pugh.

School leaders speak with Channel 11 after student shot, killed outside school

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