Pittsburgh Public Schools move start of school year from Aug. 31 to Sept. 8

Citing a shortage of computer equipment for students, Pittsburgh Public Schools on Saturday night announced that classes will begin on Sept. 8, rather than Monday, Aug. 31.

In late July, the district decided to hold classes online for at least the first nine-week grading period.

In Facebook post and in robocalls to families at around 8:30 p.m., the district said that “unexpected delays caused by continued technology supply chain shortages across the country” requires the delayed start. The district, which provides computers to all students who do not have access to one at home, said it cannot start classes until all students have the required equipment.

The school district had earlier closed device distribution sites. A statement on the PPS website said that “due to supply chain issues and high demand, we have exhausted our current supply of computer devices early and all sites are now closed” as of Saturday, Aug. 29.

School officials will continue distributing devices to families as they arrive. Distribution dates will be announced on a rolling basis. The district expects up to 7,000 devices to arrive by the end of next week.

Parents shared mixed reactions to the Facebook post, with some commending the school for their work to provide necessary technology for students and others calling the school unprepared for not having the materials ready for the original start date.