Pittsburgh schools switch to remote learning during NFL draft

ESPN ^ | 3/20/26 | Brooke Pryor

[Libloather]

PITTSBURGH -- Plenty of kids know the joy of a snow day, but what about a draft day?

Pittsburgh Public Schools students are about to find out.

The district notified staff and families that it will operate remotely April 22-24 as the city prepares for and hosts the NFL draft. With city officials anticipating up to 700,000 visitors and travel disruptions around the region, the school district determined that it would be less disruptive to students to transition to "asynchronous teaching and learning."

"Our priority is maintaining continuity of learning while recognizing the extraordinary circumstances the city will experience during the NFL Draft," Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters said in a statement. "Transitioning to asynchronous learning allows us to support students academically while helping families navigate the logistical challenges expected across the region."

That means students will be given assignments and "learning activities" from their teachers through online platforms.

Reached for comment, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy referred to the Pittsburgh Public Schools news release and said the league played no role in the decision.

[libertylover]

Sniff, sniff. I smell a teachers union wanting another paid day off.

[DIRTYSECRET]

They’re just looking for an excuse to take the days off. Pretty sneaky as the attention and excitement builds. Since Pittsburg is on EST I’d rather be on the west coast or even Hawaii where the first pick is made at 3PM.

[Ditto]

The following is according to the internet

There are approximately 19,000 hotel rooms in Allegheny County, which increases to around 35,000 when including surrounding counties. The region has over 80 hotels with more than 100 rooms each, offering a robust selection for visitors.

[drwoof]

Correct. And in this world we now live in, the notion that schools should be closed while football players are selected is somehow respected. It sounds to me like something a seventh-grader would come up with.

[montag813]

Yep. I remember when they started the lottery in MI. The stated goal was to put the Mob out of the numbers racket. Now look what it has blossomed into. In principle, I am not opposed to gambling, but in practice, it is largely done by the people who can least afford it, and it is left to the rest of us to make sure the affected kids have food and shelter. And the ironic part: that numbers racket had a better return than the lottery ever did.

The only people I see buying mounds of scratch off and other tickets in my local store are very poor or pathetic looking individuals, or the elderly.

[Fresh Wind]

LOL!

[Pennsyltucky Boy]

Well, you can tell from this action where the priorities of local government entities are when football is involved. And it ain’t about the children or education.

[Henry Hnyellar]

Zesty!

[guthunde47]

Photos at link of the young NFL draft pick with the BMI = 37 making him hideously OBESE according to nitwit Dr Doogie Houser math:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nfl/article-15705821/uar-bernard-nfl-draft-nigeria.html

“.. Nigerian prospect Uar Bernard has gone viral in recent weeks as he steps up his preparations for this year’s Draft, with many fans left stunned by his physical traits.

Bernard stands at 6’4’ and weighs 306lbs while also boasting 11-inch hands and just 6 percent body fat. He also recently recorded a vertical jump of 39 inches. ...”