Pittsburgh Public Schools announced it will transition to remote learning for three days next month because of the NFL Draft.
“Our priority is maintaining continuity of learning while recognizing the extraordinary circumstances the city will experience during the NFL Draft,” Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters said in a statement, according to The Independent.
“Transitioning to asynchronous learning allows us to support students academically while helping families navigate the logistical challenges expected across the region,” Walters added.
Pittsburgh Public Schools will be closed for three days, and compel “asynchronous” remote learning, because of the NFL Draft.
Since the city will have a lot of visitors this will “ensure students can continue learning safely and effectively.”
Unreal.https://t.co/SFL3VDw86D
— David Zweig (@davidzweig) March 19, 2026
More from The Independent:
City officials anticipate up to 700,000 visitors traveling to Pittsburgh for the multi-day event at the end of April, which took place last year in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Schools will transition to remote learning for three days from April 22 to 24, in order to reduce transport challenges and disruptions to school operations, according to a news release from Pittsburgh Public Schools. The decision will affect around 19,000 students in the system.
During the period of remote learning, students will complete assignments and learning activities provided by their teachers through established digital platforms and instructional materials.
In the district’s release, officials did not offer any specific information regarding parents who work during the day, but advised all those with questions to contact their specific schools and teachers so that arrangements could be made.
The change to the class schedule is the latest adjustment to be made ahead of the draft, which is now just 36 days away.
“We know it’s not ideal, but it is a reality of a city hosting a big event where we’re expecting about 500,000-700,000 visitors into our city, and it will completely create sort of exciting time, but also some challenging times when we think about accessibility, transportation, and safety,” Walters said, according to WTAE.
Pittsburgh Public Schools going remote during NFL Draft: ‘We don’t take the decision … lightly’ https://t.co/O5q3SlztIn
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (@PittsburghPG) March 19, 2026
WTAE explained further:
Each student will have a daily Homeroom section in Schoology where they should log in and respond to the discussion prompt between 10:00 a.m. and noon on the impacted days, the release said. Logging in during the designated time window will ensure students are marked present for the day and can access their assignments and instructions from their teachers.
Parents like Jazlynn Worthy expressed support for the district’s decision to switch to remote learning, noting the potential confusion and challenges of navigating public transportation with the influx of visitors.
“I’m actually happy that the district decided to do remote learning,” Worthy said.
Parent Valerie Webb Allman, on the other hand, voiced concerns about the offline learning approach.
“One day here and there for a snow day is one thing, but three days in a row, that’s a big gap when we don’t have a whole lot of time, and we’re not going to be making up any of that time,” Allman said.
Walters explained that allowing students to complete assignments at their own pace was intended to give them the opportunity to enjoy the draft, which he described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” He acknowledged the challenges this decision might bring but emphasized that the early announcement was made to prepare families for the transition.
“We were the first to communicate publicly, but we anticipate many other schools who are in the area will be doing similar things,” Walters said.
While Pittsburgh Public Schools have announced their plans, other city schools like The Ellis School and Winchester Thurston have indicated they plan to continue with their regular schedules during the draft.