Public commenters demand answers after Montessori teacher removed; speakers raise concerns about staff diversity and leadership

Several parents and community members questioned Pittsburgh Public Schools Monday about the removal and reassignment of a Franciscan Montessori lead teacher and raised broader concerns about Black teacher representation and school leadership.

Speakers said Stephanie Lepine, whom they identified as the school’s sole lead Black teacher at the time, was removed from her classroom in December 2023 by then‑principal Callie Meyer. They said Lepine was later cleared in February 2024 but was transferred to a school that does not offer Montessori; speakers asked why she was not reinstated to her classroom.

The matter matters to parents and students because speakers said Montessori at the elementary level relies on staff continuity, that the removal disrupted families who had looped with the same teachers for multiple years, and that the loss of a lead Black teacher has cultural and educational consequences for students of color.

Shirley Ann Hill, who said she worked 41 years with Pittsburgh Public Schools, told the board: “I have followed the public hearings regarding the unfair treatment of former Montessori teacher, miss Stephanie Le Pen... In December of 2023, miss Stephanie Lepine was removed from her classroom by Callie Meyer.” Hill said parents pressed the principal for an explanation and received none.

Multiple speakers echoed that account. Rita Porterfield said: “That's what happened to miss Lupine a year ago now. The only black teacher in the school.” Several commenters said Montessori has lost more than 100 Black students under the current principal and asked the district to address leadership and accountability. Jude Porterfield, a student speaker, said: “Please please don't [close Montessori] because I like my education and where would I go for education if you closed Montessori?”

Karen Sloan and others also described looping and continuity as important to Montessori and elementary education, urging the district to consider models that preserve teacher–student continuity. Speakers said some Montessori teachers had filed grievances that they believe remain unresolved.

Less-critical details: speakers described long family histories at the school, asked that district HR records and grievance outcomes be reviewed, and requested clearer communication when staff changes happen.