McKeesport Area to permit public back into board meetings

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com

After streaming its meetings live via YouTube since the COVID-19 pandemic began, McKeesport Area School Board will welcome audiences back to the board room starting with next week’s regular meeting.
“I just want to let the public know that starting next week, the board decided that we will be opening up our school board meetings to the public,” Board President Joe Lopretto announced before adjourning Wednesday’s workshop meeting.
“So, you’re more than welcome to come in and grace us with your presence and sit in our seats here and let us see your smiling faces and give us comments and questions,” Lopretto said. “Everybody have a good, safe week and we’ll see you next week.”
In the spring and summer months of 2020, the board met virtually from their homes, with meetings streaming live via YouTube. Since fall, board directors have been meeting in-person in the board room, but have been distanced and have had plastic shields between them on the dais.
Since the start of the 2020-21 school year, the board has welcomed those wishing to offer public comment into the board room if they signed up in advance.
The board meets at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 in the board room in the administration building on Oneil Boulevard in McKeesport.

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