For years, some children in Allegheny County Jail have lacked the specialized help they need. Currently, there are 22 kids and teenagers incarcerated, and they are entitled to a proper education even while in jail.
A state complaint filed by attorneys with the Education Law Center revealed that many students with disabilities did not receive the special education services they deserved. The commonwealth’s special education bureau confirmed these claims.
Historically, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit has been responsible for providing educational services in the jail. However, the recent complaint prompted Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) leaders to realize a crucial oversight.
“In response to the complaint, we were notified that we are the education agency responsible for educational delivery in the jail,” said Superintendent Wayne Walters.
Walters noted that the district was unaware of its responsibility until recently. Plans for beginning this instruction were discussed at a school board meeting this week.
In addition to the jail, PPS will also provide education to teenagers at the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center.
“It’s a large undertaking for us as a district, but I believe these students deserve a quality educational experience,” said Devon Taliaferro, a PPS board member.
PPS will assume educational duties at Shuman by July 1 and at the jail by August 1. KDKA has reached out to the district’s lawyer but has not yet received a response.