Parents press McKeesport school board on safety and language access as district hires translator

Public comments at the McKeesport Area School District board meeting on Sept. 12 focused on student safety, missed bus communications and the district’s capacity to serve Spanish‑speaking families.

At the start of public comment, Stephanie Graham of 1915 Kansas Avenue said she had heard reports of gangs and recounted a report that a 16‑year‑old had pointed a weapon at another student. “It scares the heck out of me,” she said, and said she had reported the incident to district staff that morning. Graham pressed the board on whether cyber‑enrolled students who enter buildings are screened and whether contracted security staff receive training on how to interact with students.

A Spanish‑speaking parent, Maria Fangi, described two recent afternoons when her children’s bus did not arrive when expected and she received no call. Speaking through an interpreter, she said she waited at the bus stop until 5 p.m. on one occasion and cited language barriers that left her unable to reach school staff. The district responded that it has been working to secure translation services and intends to approve a district‑funded translator on the current agenda.

Monica Mendes, director of programs at the Latino Community Center, welcomed the translator hire but warned one position will not be enough. “The kids need super amounts of support,” Mendes said, describing after‑school homework help, social‑emotional learning and identity‑affirming programs the community center provides but cannot fully staff.

Acting Superintendent Dr. William Pedig acknowledged translation gaps and said the district used a grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation to fund a direct Spanish‑language contact for families. He introduced the hire during public comment and the board later approved the contract on the consent agenda. The approved motion names Caitlyn (Kaylin) Hill Glass for district translation services at $35 per hour, not to exceed 10 hours per week; the position is to be paid with foundation funds.

Several speakers also raised staffing concerns. Christine Robinson and others said the district is understaffed in special education and that teacher pay lagging neighboring districts hurts recruitment and retention. The board said contractual matters are negotiated through the administration and the teachers’ union.

The meeting closed with a prayer emphasizing unity and a commitment to meet students’ needs.

Next steps: the district has commissioned a translator and announced community listening sessions tied to a Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation partnership; speakers urged the board to pair the translator hire with additional supports for Spanish‑speaking students and prompt improvements to bus communication.