Pittsburgh Public Schools asking families if they plan to send kids back to school in the fall, or keep them learning at home

PITTSBURGH — Students might not be thinking about online learning or heading back to the classroom yet, but leaders with Pittsburgh Public Schools said they are almost ready with a game plan.

“Making sure we understand, the administration and the board, we are going to do what is the safest for our faculty and staff, our students and our families,” Superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet said

Hamlet and other officials held a virtual meeting Thursday. While he and other leaders said they are not ready to go public with the reopening plan yet, they are making progress keeping safety in mind.

“Students that come to school, they go home, they live with grandparents. Now you’re exposing their grandparents to potentially getting COVID-19, so we’ve got to think about all these things,” Hamlet said.

The district plans to submit its initial draft of the plan to the school board next Tuesday. If approved, that plan will be submitted to the state for approval on July 22.

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District officials said the reopening plan will likely include a blended version of online learning and in-person work. Students who return to the school building will receive face-to-face instruction where it can be done safely. Social distancing will be required inside the schools and on buses. Only one student will be allowed per seat and bus routes will be adjusted to allow for fewer kids per bus.

School leaders also are asking parents if they plan to send students back-to-school for in-person learning or if they plan to keep students home to learn remotely.

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