City schools to go remote post-holiday

The Pittsburgh Public Schools is planning to hold classes remotely the Monday after Thanksgiving because of a potential for widespread staffing shortages.

Wayne Walters, the district’s interim superintendent, sent a letter to schoolbased staff members Friday afternoon to inform them that Nov. 29 would be a full asynchronous learning day for the district.

Mr. Walters said he reviewed the district’s call-off management system after school leaders expressed concerns about staffing shortages that day and saw a large number of scheduled absences.

“Understanding that this day has traditionally been a scheduled vacation day, I expect call-offs to rise dramatically,” Mr. Walters said. “We must plan accordingly.”

All staff members, except for custodial and hourly food-service workers, are directed to work remotely that day.

School staff can use the day to review student work, complete clerical tasks, create lesson plans or participate in professional learning, Mr. Walters said.

Everyschool building will be open for grab-and-go meals, and custodians will conduct deep cleaning at all schools and facilities.

Mr. Walters said the district is facing similar staffing issues to many other school systems around the country.

“As many of you know, staffing continues to be a challenge facing our district, our neighboring districts and districts nationwide,” Mr. Walters said. “Day-to-day school-based staff call-offs, absences due to COVID, existing vacancies and leaves of absence, along with a limited number of applicants and a substitute shortage, continue to leave schools shortstaffed.”