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Board reviews business agenda, asks vendor and event questions; public-hearing format to be decided amid weather concerns

Pittsburgh Board of Public Education in the Mount Oliver Intermediate Unit · January 21, 2026
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Summary

At the Jan. 21 agenda review, board members asked about the district's relationship with vendor Odyssey, heard dates for the African American History Bowl (Feb. 27) and an upcoming 'Blackman read,' and were told staff will decide this weekend whether Monday's public hearing will be in-person or virtual due to possible snow; the board emphasized the superintendent, not the board, decides whether schools open.

During the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education’s Jan. 21 agenda-review meeting, board members covered several business and operational items.

Tawana Cook Purnell asked about the district’s relationship with Odyssey. Ebony Pugh, director of public relations and media content, said the district has seen “good results in terms of reach and output” and indicated the partnership will continue for now.

Director Walker and staff also noted upcoming events: the African American History Bowl is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27 at the Greenway Professional Development Center, and the district will publish details of an annual Blackman read in the forthcoming board minutes.

Mr. Joseph told the board there was an additional amendment added to section 12 of the business agenda and that the board had been notified of that item through BoardDocs.

Near adjournment, Director Walker warned of incoming cold weather and possible snow and said the board will determine this weekend whether the Monday public hearing will be in person, virtual or hybrid. Director Silk clarified that the discussion was about the public hearing format and not a decision about whether schools will open; he noted that authority to open or close schools rests with the superintendent.

What’s next: staff will post updated BoardDocs materials and make a decision on the hearing format this weekend; the board adjourned and the agenda-review meeting produced no votes.