Pittsburgh Public Schools Slammed For Ignoring Heavy Snow, Ice

PITTSBURGH, PA - A winter weather advisory, the ominous forecast of heavy snow and freezing rain prompted most southwestern Pennsylvania school districts to delay or cancel classes Wednesday. But not the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the region’s largest district.

As numerous accidents occurred and reports rolled in of students stranded at bus stops, the district issued a tweet during the horrible morning commute explaining its decision.

“The Pittsburgh Public Schools did not call a delay as students and buses had already begun the morning commute before the snow began to fall in Pittsburgh,” the tweet stated. “Any student who arrives late or is unable to make it to school today due to weather conditions will receive an excused absence.”

The Pittsburgh Gifted Center and all midday activities are canceled today.

Hundreds of angry parents complained vociferously on the district's Facebook page about the district’s failure to acknowledge the poor weather conditions as several inches of snow rapidly accumulated before changing to sleet and freezing rain.

“This is just a poor excuse to try and cover yourself for doing a horrible job,” one parent wrote. “You were hoping the snow didn’t hit like predicted so you wouldn’t have to make up a snow day.”

Wrote another: “What a horrible, horrible decision on your part! We have known for days that this storm was coming. Like everyone else said, the snow started well before kids were on their way. Every other district delayed and/or cancelled. Every one.”

"Every news channel was telling you how bad the snow was going to get quickly," yet another parent offered. "Our tax dollars pay the superintendent's salary. The least he can do is keep
our children and his staff safe from horrible conditions."

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