Parents and advocates urge North Allegheny to expand inclusive education and teach digital safety

Two preregistered public speakers used the district's public-comment period to press the board on student supports and curriculum.

Ursula Lessek, a North Allegheny graduate and McCandless Township resident, urged the board to pursue inclusive education practices so students with disabilities receive supports in general education classrooms. Lessek argued inclusion strengthens classrooms and cited research linking inclusion to stable or improved academic outcomes for students without disabilities. “We ask for your support in the bold and courageous call,” she said, urging the board to reduce segregation and expand purposeful peer-grouping and universal-design approaches.

Stephanie Hack, speaking on behalf of educator Christina Avalon, asked the board to implement a flexible, five-day unit called Navigating Digital Dangers to teach students digital etiquette, set boundaries and recognize device overuse. Hack asserted that “teenagers nowadays spend more than 7 hours a day on their personal smart devices” and said extended device use is linked to elevated suicidal-risk factors; she framed the unit as a classroom-ready intervention and offered a flyer for the board and teachers.

During general public floor comments, a parent asked where vape-sensor–linked cameras would be installed and said she did not want cameras in bathrooms; transportation and safety were also raised in audience remarks. The board did not take immediate action on either public-requested curriculum but heard the submissions and moved on to routine agenda business.