Pittsburgh Public Schools Teachers Ratify New Contract

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers has ratified a new four-year contract that permits the Pittsburgh Public Schools to implement new start and dismissal times for many schools. The staggered times will enable bus drivers to complete more routes and help the district combat a significant driver shortage.

School directors are expected to approve the contract on Wednesday, when further details of the pact likely will be made available.

Superintendent Anthony Hamlet heralded the agreement, saying the district is now closer to the return of in-person learning five days a week.

"Allowing us to implement a multi-tiered busing schedule will increase the number of routes one driver can make, narrowing the seat gap," Hamlet said in a district release. "I am truly grateful to these invaluable employees and hopeful for the upcoming school year and beyond."

The time changes have drawn considerable criticism from district parents who have contended the adjustments could disrupt their work schedules and also cause student health issues. District officials have asserted the they have no other option for resuming in-school instruction five days a week.

District classes begin on Sept. 3.

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