Pgh. School District Scuttles Plan For Permanent Weekly 1-Hour Delays

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Public Schools officials have decided not to proceed with controversial changes to the 2023-24 school calendar that would have included weekly one-hour delays for students regardless of weather.

The one-hour delays were to be used to allow teachers and staff time for professional development instruction. The district also planned two second-semester half-days for parent-teacher conferences, and a potentially shortened spring break that would have allowed for the school year to end earlier in June.

Superintendent Wayne Walters said Wednesday those plans have been scuttled for the next school year.

"I have heard the voices of concern and potential challenges," Walters said in a letter posted on the district website. "In response, the 2023-2024 calendar will mirror the structure of our current calendar, including one week of spring vacation and eight professional development half-days."

Walters hinted, however, that the proposed schedule changes could resurface when the district begins planning for 2024-25.

"While I carefully listened to and heard your concerns and challenges, we must understand that change is necessary to positively elevate our students’ outcomes and experiences.," Walter wrote.

"If change is to happen for our students, we must invest in those who deliver education to our students. Professional learning is a core value and an urgent need in our district. We must be innovative within our defined constructs to increase opportunities for teacher, principal, and school-based staff collaboration and development."