Pittsburgh Public Schools board members vote to change mask policy

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — School board members voted unanimously to change mask-wearing rules for students and teachers in Pittsburgh Public Schools. 

The board approved changes to the district's health and safety plan on Wednesday night. Masks will be optional when the CDC's COVID-19 community level is "low" in Allegheny County. But face coverings will be required when the community level is "medium" or "high."

The district announced that the new policy begins Friday.

"Interim Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Walters, announces PPS will be mask optional for all staff, students, and visitors, effective Friday, April 29, 2022. Dr. Walters' letter outlines the District's updated masking protocols following last evening's Board Meeting," Pittsburgh Public Schools said on Twitter.

Families and staff had been waiting for board members to make a decision on masks, and it was not a quick and easy vote during their legislative meeting.

After many discussions, disagreements, and amendments, the board members agreed to only make masks optional when the COVID-19 community level is "low." 

Board member Jamie Piotrowski added that the motion to amend the health and safety plan to include the requirement when the community level is "medium," which was approved 5 to 3. She said several people asked for this change.

"I feel like it's an appropriate compromise because we have been doing a lot back and forth and being unsure about COVID because we still are," Piotrowski said.

The board's Second Vice President Pamela Harbin said she wasn't comfortable with the change going into effect until they properly communicate the details with families and teachers. 

"I'm in support of optional masking at low but I'm concerned. I think there needs to be a little bit of planning, a little bit of communication with families and staff and what all this is going to look like and certainly, it says in the plan that students with disabilities have the right to accommodations," Harbin said.

District spokesperson Ebony Pugh said the effective date will be shared this week.

The approved plan also included updates to the district's decision tree. The number of isolation days decreased from 10 to at least fie until symptoms improve and no fever is present for at least 24 hours; students and staff may return to school with the strict use of well-fitting masks on days six to 10.

In:
• COVID-19
• Mask Guidelines
• Pittsburgh Public Schools
• Pittsburgh