Mt. Lebanon School Board Prepares To Vote On Back To School Plan
MT. LEBANON (KDKA) - The Mt. Lebanon School District will have a meeting later Thursday to determine what path to take for their reopening plan.
Parents in the Mt. Lebanon School District say they want choices and they don't want the only option for their children to be online learning. Some of them gathered to protest Wednesday night along Washington Road.
Here's the issue: the district is leaning toward holding the first nine weeks of the school year online due to health concerns and a lack of teachers due to coronavirus fears. However, many parents and even their kids say they want more options such as traditional in-person learning or a hybrid model.
On Wednesday night, they marched down Washington Road, sending a message to the district. Many students were seen holding signs saying "I miss my friends" and "Show up #Choice."
Some parents are even suggesting substitutes to come in if the district's teachers are worried about returning.
KDKA reached out to the district Thursday morning. They wouldn't comment on what happened with the protest last night, but do say this is an emotional time.
RELATED: Parents And Students In Favor Of Reopening Schools Protest Mt. Lebanon's Back-To-School Plan
"I have been an educator for 32 years, and I can think of no decision that has weighed more heavily on me and my team than this one," said Mt. Lebanon Superintendent, Dr. Tim Steinhauer.
Dr. Steinhauer spoke during a recent Zoom meeting. Like for so many school districts, deciding on in-person class instruction, online or even a little bit of both is a decision they're struggling with.
"Over the past several weeks we've had over 150 teachers and staff indicate that they may not be able to return safely to an in-person environment," said Dr. Steinhauer.
The school board will have a meeting tonight. It begins at 7:30 on Zoom and is open to the public.
"I truly believe I have the duty to recommend what is the best pathway forward for the safety of the students, their family and faculty and staff," said Dr. Steinhauer.