Pittsburgh Oliver Citywide Academy administration has announced that students will continue remote learning through June 5 to allow students, staff and families time to “process grief and trauma” following the slaying of an Oliver student Wednesday outside of the school.
According to the school website, all activities, including athletics, are canceled.
The announcement stems from the death of 15-year-old student, Derrick Harris Jr. Police said Harris was shot multiple times on the school’s front steps just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday by fellow student, Jaymier Perry, 15, of Pittsburgh’s Hays neighborhood.
Police said Perry punched, kicked and stomped on Harris’ head and upper body after Harris fell to the ground, while a witness told police Perry pistol-whipped Harris after shooting him, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case.
“Pittsburgh Oliver needs time to grieve, reflect, and heal. And while I cannot control the timeline for this course, I can provide them with the space and resources to begin that process,” Superintendent Wayne N. Walters said in a statement.
Student and employee assistance providers will be available virtually to provide care to the Pittsburgh Oliver school community.
The district originally scheduled Oliver students to return to classes at the school to Tuesday.
But Walters came under fire from Pittsburgh Public Schools board member Kevin Carter, whose district includes Oliver Citywide Academy, and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, the union representing much of Oliver Citywide Academy’s staff.
The teachers union called on the district to not send students back to the school for the rest of the academic year, suggesting that they learn remotely.
According to the school website, the last day of school is scheduled for June 14, with commencement set for June 17.
Oliver Citywide Academy is a special-education school that serves about 100 students in grades three through 12. In the statement, officials added that a potential in-person return will be reassessed as needed.
Perry, the alleged shooter, is being held in Allegheny County Jail. He was arraigned late Wednesday and denied bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 2.
Haley Daugherty is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Haley at 724-850-1203 or hdaugherty@triblive.com.
