Woodland Hills School Board leadership has decided to hold its April meetings in person, just days after announcing plans to hold the public meetings virtually.
President Karen Lyons said board leadership made the switch back to in-person meetings “following a thorough review and the successful development and implementation of an updated security plan for board meetings.
”Community members, parents, students, staff and all other stakeholders are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings in person,” Lyons’ statement said.
Over the weekend, the school district placed a legal advertisement in Pittsburgh newspapers stating the April 8 and 15 board meetings would be held virtually due to “instances of disruptive behavior during public meetings as well as verbal harassment directed toward board members and district administrators following adjournment.”
In the past months, residents have questioned decisions over the superintendent being placed on unpaid leave and ongoing financial controversy, including state officials investigating district finances and the former board president, Terri Lawson, charged with alleged credit card misuse when she was Rankin’s borough manager.
“The board is committed to maintaining a safe, transparent and accessible environment for all participants,” Lyons’ statement said. “The updated security protocols reflect our dedication to protecting all board members and attendees while ensuring that board business remains open and accessible to the public.”
Board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held at the high school’s large group instruction room, 2550 Greensburg Pike, Churchill.